By Irene Best Nyapendi

Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, has been appointed Chairperson of the Research and Education Network Uganda (RENU). This happened during the recent Board of Directors strategic planning retreat, where a new era was ushered in for RENU.

About RENU

RENU establishes collaboration among Uganda’s research and education institutions for knowledge creation, sharing, and utilization, through the provision of advanced networking and other advanced technical services.

According to Kitayimbwa, RENU was established to address through it the provision of reliable and affordable connectivity of research and education institutions in Uganda, which is being achieved.

He adds that RENU has surely become the engine that is helping many research and education institutions achieve the connectivity that they need at an affordable rate.

 “RENU now offers a broad range of services to research and education such as Learning Management System, web conferencing, eduroam, cloud hosting, and identity federation among others,” Kitayimbwa said.

Kitayimbwa in a special way appreciates Prof. Stephen Noll and other previous chairpersons explaining that it’s on their shoulders he is now to stand. He replaces Eng. Dr. Dorothy Okello whose service ended in April of this year.

He has served on RENU the Board of Directors, first as a member, then as the Deputy Chairperson, as Chairperson of RENU’s Finance, Administration and Human Resource Committee and now as the Chairperson Board of Directors.

Kitayimbwa is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU).  He is also a priest within the Church Of Uganda.

He is a highly qualified Ugandan PhD Fellow in Computational Biology at UCU and an astute educationist, with a track record of raising $8 million in research funding from many diverse, international academic sources.

Prof. Janice Busingye the appointed Deputy Chairperson, congratulates Kitayimbwa for taking upon such a crucial responsibility. According to her, joining RENU is an opportunity to learn, and be part of the organization’s growth.

RENU is Uganda’s National Research and Education Network. It is a member–based organization, founded in 2006 and incorporated in 2008 as a non-profit organization and company limited by guarantee, to uplift the quality of education of research in the country, through the provision of reliable and affordable connectivity and other related ICT solutions tailored for education and research.

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Uganda Christian University (UCU) welcomed over 2000 first-year students to its main campus in Mukono and its Kampala campuses in the Trinity (May 2023). The students were officially welcomed at induction ceremonies held at both campuses.

Main Campus

At the Mukono campus, Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi welcomed the students and urged them to uphold the university’s core values of Christ-Centeredness, diligence, integrity, servanthood, and stewardship. He also encouraged them to be committed to their studies and to strive for excellence.

“Our goal here is to train you to be complete human beings, so you don’t just leave with the head knowledge but with the soft skills and values that make us truly human,” Mushengyezi said.

He was, however, quick to caution students about the existence of intellectuals whose knowledge has made them dangerous to the world, and who promote an ideology that can harm other human beings.

Furthermore, Prof. Mushengyezi noted that misuse of firearms is becoming rampant in the country and students should be careful to not fall victim.

Kampala Campus

The Kampala campus induction ceremony was held by UCU Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe. He urged the students to be “people of integrity with strong moral principles guided by the ideals of honesty and authenticity.”

In addition to the induction ceremonies, the students also attended a weekly community worship service at Nkoyoyo Hall. The service was themed “Guarding the Treasure of your Soul.”

The students come from a variety of backgrounds and represent a wide range of academic interests. They are excited to begin their studies at UCU and to be a part of the university’s vibrant community.

“I’m glad my parents brought me here because I have seen it’s a cool university, the people in it are decent and love God,” said Jovia Kisakye, a first-year student pursuing Higher Education Certificate in Biological.

First-year students from the various schools and faculties including; Business, Education, Law, Agricultural sciences, Journalism, Media and Communication, Public Health, Engineering, Design and Technology attended the induction ceremony at the main campus.

The induction ceremonies are one of the two special services for the students at UCU, with the second one being the commissioning ceremony. The commissioning ceremony is held at the end of the student’s studies and marks their transition into the workforce.

By Pauline Luba
The language barrier, homesickness and culture shock are some of the challenges Nathanael Simbilyabo encountered as a new university student. Since Simbilyabo, a Ugandan national of the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo, had his pre-university education conducted in French, it took a big leap of faith for him to come to terms with studying in Uganda, where English is the national language and medium of instruction in schools.

The Journey of a Congolese Student

In 2021, he was admitted to Uganda Christian University (UCU) to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication. Even the bridge course he and other international students took was challenging.  The Higher Education Certificate (HEC) program is bridge support for all international students who studied A’level from outside Uganda. 

“When I came to Uganda, I did not know English,” said Simbilyabo, adding: “I learned it in HEC. It bridged the gap.” 

Life was tough for Simbilyabo. As if learning a new language was not hard enough, he had to find ways of overcoming homesickness on top of the financial challenges that many students face. One day, he was hit by a bodaboda as he crossed the streets. In DR Congo, it is an unwritten rule that men do not shed tears – a rule he broke that day.  

However, he was eventually able to conquer the challenges and now says he would not trade studying at UCU for anything. He says the university has exposed him to learning the cultures of people from other parts of the world.

“UCU equips someone spiritually, physically and mentally,” Simbilyabo said, adding: “I love this university. It has helped me.”

And it’s not just Simbilyabo who has attested to the spiritual growth that UCU students get. Many of them cite the community hour fellowship every Tuesday and Thursday as university activities that help to cement their faith in an institution that seeks to fully incorporate the Christian gospel in its programs.

The Experience of an American Student

For Carolyn Shonkweiler, the five months that she has spent on the UCU campus have been more than enough for her to discover the university’s value. In January 2023, Shonkweiler was granted the opportunity for an exchange program with UCU, under the America-based Uganda Studies Program. She left Dordt University, a private evangelical Christian university in Iowa, to be a resident of UCU for one semester. 

“I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone,” Shonkweiler said. “I didn’t know anyone; I didn’t know if they would like me. But I have really enjoyed my experience here. I have made new friends and seen the world and the culture of the Ugandan people.”

Shonkweiler said in the beginning, she found it hard to adjust to the food. However, after some time, she started falling in love with some of the Ugandan delicacies, such as rolex (chapatti rolled with fried eggs). She said she has enjoyed the hospitality of the Ugandan friends she has made while here and would recommend UCU to any international student wishing to study in Uganda.

Rodney Ngabirano, from Uganda, was among the first students to apply to join UCU during the September intake in 2021. At the time, due to the pandemic-induced lockdown, many institutions of higher learning were struggling to come to terms with virtual learning. However, for UCU, the case was different. In a 2022 article for Uganda Partners, Dr. Stephen Kyakulumbye, a senior lecturer at UCU, said the movement to start online learning began five years before Covid. 

At UCU, the idea for virtual learning was advanced in 2016 when five UCU faculty members were chosen for online teaching, and virtual training in Muranga, Kenya. Kyakulumbye, already known for his expertise in Information Systems Curriculum Design, relished the fact that he was among the five. And it is innovations like these that attracted students like Ngabirano because it was evident, they were joining a university with an already tried and tested setup. 

Ngabirano says he is impressed by the level of professionalism of many of the staff members who are always available for consultations, as well as the cleaners who ensure the students operate in a hygienic environment. 

The fact that UCU academics push students to put classroom theory into practice has enabled the students to test the world of work before they eventually face it. For instance, by supporting law students to take part in moot competitions, they are being exposed to the philosophy of law. Last year, UCU journalism students put into practice what they learned by producing a movie that earned a nomination for a national films award in Uganda.

The Experience of a Master’s Student

Esther Aguku, a Ugandan and the Executive Officer in the Office of the Vice Chancellor said the UCU master’s courses help to mould the students for the practical world. She graduated from UCU with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.

“I have been a student here and elsewhere,” she said. “I prefer UCU on any day. The class wasn’t just class; I built stronger relationships as a student. I would recommend this university to anyone seeking higher education.”

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By Andrew Bugembe

Seminar Explores Faith Integration in Education

In a significant stride towards enhancing its commitment to Christian values in education, Uganda Christian University (UCU) is running a week-long seminar at its main campus. The seminar, led by renowned Christian educationists Caroline and Richard Seed from Theological Education Development Services (TEDS) in South Africa, aimed to explore innovative strategies for integrating faith into learning and service.

Themed “How can a Christian University integrate faith in learning and service,” the seminar served as a platform for UCU’s senior management to delve into the profound connection between academic excellence and spiritual growth.

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders Through Faith Integration

With faith as its guiding principle, UCU endeavours to equip students with the necessary tools to become compassionate and servant-hearted leaders in society.

Miria Agunyo, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Design and Technology, acknowledged the existing efforts in faith integration at UCU while highlighting the need for further enhancement. “Already we have some integration faith in our learning at Uganda Christian University, but we need to enshrine it and have a clear model that can triple beyond the courses that each UCU student is expected to do,” Agunyo emphasized.

Throughout the day-long seminar, Caroline and Richard Seed shared their expertise, inspiring senior management with innovative approaches and practical strategies. Richard, the TEDS facilitator, emphasized the need for exploring different models and encouraging staff to carefully consider the impact of faith integration on their teaching practices and curriculum.

The seminar fostered engaging discussions among attendees, as they explored ways to seamlessly incorporate faith across various disciplines, courses, and extracurricular activities. The aim is to create an educational environment where students can grow intellectually, spiritually, and morally.

Caroline Seed, the TEDS facilitator, highlighted the transformative power of integrating faith in education. “Integrating faith in learning and service is not just a mere concept; it is a transformative force that has the power to shape the hearts, minds, and souls of the students,” Seed expressed. She further emphasized the significance of nurturing compassionate leaders guided by strong moral values and a genuine desire to serve others.

Rev. Canon. Prof. Christopher Byaruhanga, Dean of the Bishop Tucker School of Theology, commended the seminar for providing a remarkable opportunity for senior management to deepen their understanding of faith integration and its profound impact on students’ lives.

Dr. Rosemary Bulyaba, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, underscored the seminar’s role in shaping the next generation by integrating faith and instilling good morals. “By integrating faith into every facet of education, Uganda Christian University staff gets the opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders who will be guided by strong moral values and a genuine desire to serve others,” Bulyaba stated.

A Renewed Commitment

As the seminar concluded, senior management reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the valuable insights gained from the discussions. Uganda Christian University looks ahead to strengthening its position as a Christian institution that nurtures academic excellence while instilling a lifelong commitment to faith and service.

By prioritizing faith integration, UCU aims to develop compassionate leaders who will positively impact their communities and society at large. The university’s holistic approach to education goes beyond academic achievement, fostering students’ overall growth and character development.

As Uganda Christian University continues its steadfast dedication to faith integration in education, it is poised to make a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

By Jimmy Siyasa

The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU). The election happened during a board meeting that sat amid the 3rd Annual HLU Conference, held yesterday, at Florida Gulf Coast University, Southwest Florida, U.S.

This makes UCU one of only two African universities, so far, including the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) in Tanzania,  with representation on the prestigious board with up to 10 Directors from different countries, including U.S., Germany, Russia, China, and Belgium, among others.

On HLU Annual Conference

Prof. Mushengyezi travelled to attend the 3rd annual HLU Conference held on May 15- 17, 2023, hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), based in Southwest Florida, U.S. It is gathering of Rectors/ Vice Chancellors from various countries around the world, to reflect on emerging challenges facing institutions of higher learning, and how to mitigate or solve their effects. 

Additionally, the meeting also affords interaction opportunities for member universities to exchange best practices and update one another on innovations going on their respective campuses.

UCU- Pepperdine University relations

Before attending the conference, he was invited by President Jim Gash to Pepperdine University in Malabo, California, from May 10-13, 2023, for a both courtesy and partnership-oriented visit. Pepperdine is seeking to strengthen ties with UCU in student and staff exchange, and working closely with the Judiciary in Uganda in the practical training of Law students.

World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) Ranking

The HLU has also established a new ranking system for its member universities called World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI). 

WURI evaluates the university’s real contributions to society, highlighting creative and innovative approaches to universities’ research and educational programs.

Member universities have to join the WURI ranking system to be assessed. The WURI ranking focuses on 6 criteria: Industrial application, Value-Creating, Social responsibility, ethics and integrity, Student Mobility and Openness, Crisis Management and Progress during the Forth Industrial Revolution. 

UCU, a founding member of the HLU

UCU is a founding of the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU), an alliance of international universities, colleges, schools, & higher education institutions that seek innovation in research & education under a shared mission of working together to address the real impact of higher education on societies and industries worldwide.

The leadership of the university continues to pursue both local and international partnerships with universities all over the world for the benefit of students, staff, researchers and the broader communities of stakeholders. One notable such is the US-based Council for Christian Colleges, which facilitates UCU’s Uganda Studies Programme, which annual study-abroad opportunities for students from various U.S-based colleges. 

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By Pauline Luba
Ordinarily, when a student studies Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics at A’level in Uganda, chances are they will opt to pursue a course in medicine at university. That was not the case with Emmanuel Okia. He says even before he completed A’level, he knew his heart was elsewhere. 

Turning Point

The turning point in Okia’s career journey was a presentation made when he was in high school. For A’level students, Okia’s school, the elite St. Mary’s College, Kisubi in Uganda, invites professionals to explain to students what it means to pursue a career. On the day Okia attended the career talk, Ugandan lawyer Mathias Sekatawa made a mind-blowing presentation, arguing why a career in law was the best that could happen to anyone.

“Sekatawa’s speech is what convinced me to go for a career in law,” Okia said. 

Of the bar course

And he is soon realizing that dream. Okia recently completed his Diploma in Legal Practice at Uganda’s Law Development Center (LDC). At the most recent bar examination that LDC conducted, Okia emerged as the best student, with a Grade Point Average of 4.9 out of 5.0. A bar examination is a written assessment that a student must pass if they are to get a certificate to practice law as an attorney. To practice law in Uganda, all lawyers must acquire a Diploma in Legal Practice.

And what other better way to launch into the law profession than with the man who swayed Okia away from a career in sciences? The 24-year-old has just completed a clerkship in Sekatawa’s law firm, MMAKS Advocates.

The news of Okia topping his class in the bar examination could easily shadow the fact that his journey to the helm was not as straightforward as many would think. First, he failed to meet the requirements for the pre-entry exams to get admitted for a Bachelor of Laws at Makerere University in Uganda. 

“I had scored (lower) points in UACE, which meant I didn’t qualify for the Makerere pre-entry exams,” Okia said, noting that, however, he was able to sit for the exams at Uganda Christian University (UCU), which he passed. 

During a virtual interview with Uganda Partners, Okia said for a large part of his studies at UCU, he often topped the law class. He recalls spending long hours revising and benefiting from UCU’s arrangement of the lecturer–tutor format of teaching. In the lecturer-tutor set-up, after class with the lecturer, the students would also meet the tutor, who would break down the issues learned and explain how they apply in the practical world. Okia said if one didn’t understand the lecturer, then they would understand the tutor, which was a great aid to overall academic excellence. 

On student/ campus life

He is grateful for the fact that he was able to form close bonds and friendships with classmates he met at the university. From that bond, he was also able to get a fiancée. Okia and Christine Leah were part of the same discussion group and eventually became friends for life – and more. After years of dating, Okia proposed to his fiancée early this year. The two are planning for their marriage later this year. 

He considers his keys to success as the discussions he was involved in and having good lecturers who were also practising lawyers. 

Okia is the son of Alex Okurut, an accountant, and Esther Katalikako, the headteacher of Kakoro Primary School in the eastern Uganda district of Pallisa. He attended Nkonkonjero Primary School and St. Mary’s College Kisubi for his O’ and A-level. Both schools are located in central Uganda. While at Kisubi Okia says he was a leader in many school clubs. At UCU, among the leadership positions he held was being the vice-chairperson of the Moots Committee in 2019. At LDC, he was the student leader in charge of academic affairs. 

As Okia looks forward to contributing to jurisprudence in the country, he also wants to have a firm grip on accounts-related issues. He is currently pursuing a course for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.