According to the National Institute of Health, Uganda faces a high unmet need for surgery,with few operating theatres (OTs) (0.2 major OTs per 100,000 people) and a low surgeon density of 0.73 surgeons per 100,000 persons.

As part of the university’s Corporate Social Responsibility Uganda Christian University (UCU) recently donated a van to facilitate transportation for surgeons during the Ankole Region Surgical Camp.

Organized by the Uganda Association of Surgeons and the Ministry of Health, with support from UCU and several Members of Parliament, the camp addressed the pressing medical needs of individuals who had long endured pain and illness without the financial means to seek treatment.

Officiating at the closing of the event, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa said: “The surgeries are a remarkable achievement that has brought hope and relief to hundreds to Ugandans who had been struggling with various medical conditions.”

During the week-long surgical camp, held from September 22 to 28, over 2,356 patients received surgeries, with 20,054 operations performed. The camp also conducted 17,956 scans and 7,300+ lab tests, identifying critical health issues and providing timely interventions.

School children also benefited from comprehensive screenings, with 3,260 screened for eye issues, revealing 40 undiagnosed vision impairments, 648 screened for ENT issues, with 2011 requiring surgical attention and 162 (8%) showing significant muscle and bone problems.

Additionally, the camp screened 66 women for breast cancer, detecting 4 likely cases. They also screened 67 women for cervical cancer, identifying 1 likely case and 61 men for prostate cancer, finding 12 likely cases.

UCU’s donated van played a vital role in transporting surgeons to the camp, ensuring the success of this humanitarian effort.

UCU’s participation in the Ankole Region Surgical Camp embodies the university’s core values of Christ-centeredness, integrity, diligence, servanthood and stewardship. By partnering with medical professionals and organizations, UCU demonstrates its dedication to improving lives and transforming communities.

Looking forward, the Uganda Association of Surgeons plans to extend its outreach services to West Nile come September 2025, reinforcing its commitment to serve more underserved populations.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi, Writer @UCU

Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Unlike public universities that get financial support from the central government, private universities in Uganda, in which category Uganda Christian University (UCU) falls, are run on tuition fees paid by students. This places a heavy task on private institutions to source for resources through various avenues including partnerships, projects, fundraising initiatives, among others.

Such was the state of affairs that prompted a resolution by the House of Bishops of the Province of the Church of Uganda, in 2017, to support UCU- the Provincial University- by designating every last Sunday of September as UCU SUNDAY.

On UCU Sunday, which fell on September 29 this year, every church under the church of Uganda took time off to pray for the institution but also mobilize support and resources for various activities at UCU; as well as create awareness about developments at the institution. 

Speaking during the UCU Sunday launch on September 9, 2024, the university Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, shared that the objectives are three-fold. “Our objectives include; praying for UCU; mobilizing financial resources to support UCU projects, especially infrastructural development; and to raise awareness about the university,” Professor Mushengyezi said.

Rev. Canon Eng. Paul Waswa Ssembiro, the University Chaplain, represented the University at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, where he delivered a profound message centered on the theme, “Conforming to the truth of God’s word and not the patterns of this world” (Romans 12:1-2). During the service, the UCU Sunday report was presented to the congregation, highlighting the vital work and mission made possible through the UCU Sunday funds.

Mr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, also presented UCU at St. Luke’s Church of Uganda Ntinda where he was also the preacher of the day. During the service, he testified about the great impact of UCU Sunday financial contributions toward UCU’s mandate of training clergy.

“Through your UCU Sunday contributions, we have so far supported the education of over 40 children of our clergy until their graduation.” He also mentioned that several infrastructural development projects are ongoing on all UCU campuses, courtesy of church support through UCU Sunday.

UCU is deeply grateful to the members of Church of Uganda for their warm reception, love for the Lord, and generous support to UCU during this year’s UCU Sunday 2024.

UCU also extends gratitude to its dedicated UCU Sunday ambassadors for their tireless efforts in promoting the university’s vision and mission across various churches.

Rev. Dr. Richard Mulindwa, the university head of Church Relations Department on behalf of UCU extended gratitude to all who participated and represented the university in various churches during UCU Sunday.

“We deeply appreciate the time, energy, and funds you invested in making UCU Sunday engagements a success,” Rev. Mulindwa said. “Your efforts have brought immeasurable value to the university and helped create lasting connections with the church.”

This annual event is crucial for UCU’s growth and sustainability.

Collections from the UCU Sunday is used to implement a number of projects at the institution. For instance, 15% of the collection goes to capacity-building programs for clergy, 20%: tuition support for clergy children and 65%: infrastructure development projects at the main campus and our regional colleges.

Through UCU Sunday collections, tuition support has been provided to over 43 clergy children from various dioceses

Here is a breakdown of the 65% contributions from UCU Sunday 2023 allocated towards enhancing infrastructure across Uganda Christian University’s campuses:

• Mbale University College (MUC) received UGX 19,264,180.
• Bishop Barham University College (BBUC) received UGX 31,819,651
• UCU Arua Campus received UGX 12,698,400.

These investments significantly improve the learning environment and facilities for students across the university’s campuses.

Below are UCU Sunday collections from 2017 when UCU Sunday first took place to 2023.

2017	67,256,250
2018	243,262,336
2019	257,133,805
2020	25,078,854
2021	35,740,200
2022   2023	240,203,260    297,224,648

UCU Sunday Donations can be made through;

EQUITY BANK:   Uganda Christian University -UCU Sunday Collections A/C No: 1006201583777 UGX

POST BANK:      UCU Sunday Collections A/C No: 1630037000131 UGX

MTN Money:     *165*80# (A20000)

Airtel Money    *185*6*2*1# (A20000)

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Incubation Hub is on a mission to empower entrepreneurs and transform communities.

On September 6, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, UCU Vice Chancellor, officially broke ground for the UCU-Hanze Innovation Hub signifying the onset of construction of the Innovation Hub.

This innovation hub is a result of UCU’s ongoing partnership with Hanze University Foundation in the Netherlands, aimed at equipping students with the skills and knowledge to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

The UCU Incubation Hub has been actively promoting entrepreneurship development for the past five years, focusing on ideation, incubation, training, mentorship, coaching, and regular exhibitions and workshops.

The hub’s primary goal is to support the UCU community, including students, staff, and the surrounding community, by providing the necessary tools and resources to start and manage successful businesses.

Key Benefits of the Hub include empowering entrepreneurs as it will provide a platform for them to develop their skills and knowledge, enabling them to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

By supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, the hub will contribute to the economic development of the surrounding community.

The hub also aims to foster a culture of innovation, encouraging entrepreneurs to develop creative solutions to real-world problems.

With the construction of the UCU Innovation Hub underway, the future looks bright for entrepreneurs and the UCU community.

This hub will not only provide a platform for innovation and growth but also contribute to the economic development of the surrounding community.

The hub is currently housed in the former Thelma Hall, Honors College Residence.

To further support entrepreneurs, UCU through the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovations has established the UCU Innovation Fund, which provides financial support to help businesses grow and become sustainable.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)

By Andrew Bugembe

More than 25 student groups from Uganda Christian University (UCU) Participated in UCU Student Innovation Challenge (UCU-SIC), organized by the university’s Directorate of Research, Partnerships, and Innovations (DRPI). The challenge, part of the UCU-Research Fund (UCU-RF), aims to empower students to develop projects that address real-world problems.

Up to 10 winning teams will each receive $1,000 to bring their innovative ideas to life over six months. Dr. Elizabeth Kizito, Director of Research, Partnerships, and Innovation, stressed the need for continued support for students beyond the competition. “These brilliant students should be kept and offered much training at the incubation hub,” she said. She also highlighted UCU’s efforts to foster research through well-structured coordination systems.

The competition is open to all fully registered UCU students, whether pursuing diplomas, undergraduate, or postgraduate degrees, across all campuses. The focus is on student-led projects that align with UCU’s research goals in fields like agriculture, food and nutrition, engineering, ICT, health, and other applied sciences.

Dr. Gerald Tumusiime, Dean of the School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of securing funds for students to unleash their potential. “They secure funding to develop products and identify teammates to work with,” he said.

Vincent Kisenyi, Dean of the UCU School of Business, also encouraged students to participate, saying, “These are free and open opportunities for young minds. It teaches the students to think and come up with solutions in various fields, even in business.” The UCU-SIC is designed to inspire a culture of innovation, providing a platform for students to turn their ideas into prototypes and commercial products.

The challenge equips participants with both financial and technical support to scale up their innovations, acting as a launchpad for entrepreneurial ventures.

One of the standout participants, Gabrielle Lukyamuzi Angel, leads a group called She Funds, which is developing a crowdfunding platform to support children and young women from underprivileged communities.

 “We saw the need in our communities,” she explained. “You find single mothers struggling to meet their needs.”

Although she admitted that $1,000 wouldn’t cover all their project costs, she expressed optimism, calling it “a good start for us.”

Another promising project came from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, where Norah Akaba’s team is working on producing cowpea leaf vegetable soup. She emphasized the importance of using traditional foods and reducing post-harvest losses. Her teammate, Sonko Alpha, expressed excitement about continuing the project for his final year research.

Kakande Hanington’s team is working on an innovative project to produce unfired clay bricks using ceramic waste powder and sisal fiber. “I participated to win the $1,000 so I can implement the project,” he said, adding that this innovation challenge introduced him to new ideas and opportunities.

In another project aimed at addressing the water crisis in Kotido, Gaspher Alil Ageno, a fourth-year civil engineering student, proposed a solution to use solar and wind energy to pump water for irrigation and domestic use minimizing the available wind and sunshine in this dry region.

 “The main problem in Kotido is the lack of water, which causes food insecurity, insecurity, and underdevelopment,” Ageno explained. His project seeks to harness renewable energy to improve life in the region.

Also, Jeremy Rukundo, a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery student from the UCU School of Medicine, passionately presented his idea of creating an automated irrigation system.

Based on nutrition and moisture sensors, this system aims to reduce food insecurity in parts of Uganda affected by unpredictable weather conditions due to climate change. “I am working on an automated irrigation system, based on nutrition and moisture sensors, to help reduce food insecurity in some parts of Uganda caused by unpredictable weather conditions,” he said.

He also emphasized that opportunities like this are important because they broaden his thinking and allow him to present his ideas to a panel of professionals. “Such initiatives are important as they give young people a chance to express their ideas,” he added.

Such a competition shows the university’s willingness to creating an environment where students can develop entrepreneurial ventures. “At UCU, we have made several efforts towards creating an enabling environment for research,” said Dr. Kizito Martin the head of partnerships and grants at the UCU DRPI.

With support from DRPI, students are encouraged to push the boundaries of innovation, turning their ideas into impactful solutions for Uganda and beyond.

The UCU Student Innovation Challenge will be held annually to continue inspiring and nurturing student-driven projects, that will make them great men and women in the future.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The main reason Evelyn Zawedde chose a career in law was to ensure equity and justice in the world. And for the 10 years that she has been practicing law, she has examples to illustrate her impact in that quest.

Here is one of them:

• In Uganda, it’s not uncommon for unscrupulous individuals to grab property owned by the elderly. Zawedde’s grandmother fell victim to such an attempt when someone in her area laid claim to her land. Upon learning of her grandmother’s plight, Zawedde immediately took action, stepping in to represent her grandmother in mediation. She won the case, ensuring the property remained with its rightful owner — her grandmother. Although her grandmother has since passed away, Zawedde recalls that saving the property was one of her grandmother’s proudest moments, a testament to her granddaughter’s dedication.

Zawedde, a graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU), earned a degree in Bachelor of Laws in 2011. However, she nearly abandoned her legal career after her initial application for a spot at the Law Development Center to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice was unsuccessful. In Uganda, obtaining this diploma from the Law Development Center is a requirement for practicing law.

When faced with a setback, she sought another opportunity by applying to Kenya Law School, where she was accepted to pursue her Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. After completing her studies in Kenya, she joined Kilonzo and Company Advocates, one of the leading law firms in Kenya. 

A year later, she returned to Uganda and joined DN Kabugo Advocates, now Ortus Advocates, where she currently serves as a Senior Associate in the Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure department.

Zawedde Tackles Money Laundering in UCU Master’s Research

In July 2024, Zawedde graduated with a Master of Law in International Business Law at UCU. 

She explained that the shifting dynamics of the global economy played a significant role in guiding her choice of research focus for the master’s degree. For the master’s project, Zawedde explored the role of preventive strategies in enhancing the fight against money laundering with a focus on selected financial institutions in the central business district of Kampala. The study focused on the fight against money laundering. 

“I chose this research topic because money laundering is a global issue affecting financial institutions,” Zawedde said, adding: “I wanted to deeply examine the measures being used to combat money laundering in financial institutions.”

Her study found that to keep the integrity of the financial system intact, financial institutions, companies and governments must co-operate. Her study recommends enactment of laws that leverage technology to prevent and detect money laundering. 

With a deep interest in the evolving financial landscape, she hopes that her advanced studies will not only broaden her expertise but also position her to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the international business arena.

Born and raised in Mukono, central Uganda, Zawedde is an Advocate of the High Court of both Uganda and Kenya and all courts subordinate thereto. She is a member of the Uganda Law Society, Kenya Law Society and the East African Law Society.

With over seven years of experience in structuring, negotiation and documentation of natural resource projects and related financings, Zawedde has conducted negotiations, prepared contracts and closed real estate transactions. According to the  website of her current employers, Zawedde has acted for several clients in acquisitions of property for project development and developing transaction completion documents. 

She attended Nakanyonyi Girls School in Jinja, eastern Uganda, for her O’level education and St. Mary’s Secondary School Kitende in central Uganda for A’level.

By Pauline Luba
Mark Seeti didn’t like farming. 

Though his mother tried her best to nudge him into an agriculture career, he remained adamant against it. When Seeti stopped thinking of education after completing Senior Six (grade 12 or the senior year in American high schools), and following months of cajoling, the then 19-year-old gave in to his mother’s request. 

“We used to visit the farm together,” the now 29-year-old student at Uganda Christian University (UCU) said. “Although I wasn’t initially interested, my mother’s persistence paid off.”

Born and raised in Kampala, Seeti grew up in a small family with one other sibling. His father, a lawyer and a retired lecturer at Makerere University, separated from his mother during his formative years.

Seeti’s turning point toward agriculture came when his single mother introduced him to the commercial aspects of farming on land that she had bought in the Mukono district. Starting with five cows that were producing 20 liters of milk a day, Seeti’s farm, Maps Premium Fresh Dairy, has grown to 30 cows that produce about 150 liters of milk per day –  a testament to Seeti’s hard work and strategic planning. 

In addition to the dairy farm, Seeti rears chickens on a commercial scale, practices fish farming and owns donkeys that people hire for labor. From his farm, Seeti earns about sh300,000 ($81.60) per day.

When the farm business bloomed and at his mom’s urging, Seeti returned to school. 

One decade after finishing his secondary education, Seetti is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration at UCU. At first, Seeti says he was worried that he would neither fit in with the younger students nor understand what is being taught in class. However, he says he soon discovered that that was not the case.

One of the reasons he went back to school, he says, is to improve his academic status to compete for a political office. The minimum qualification for one to compete for the position of Member of Parliament in Uganda is Senior Six certificate. 

“Social work and social administration align with my passion for leadership, especially because it has a course unit in political science,” Seeti said.

Managing a dairy farm while pursuing studies is no small feat. Seeti’s day starts at 5 a.m. to oversee the milking process, as well as other morning routines at the farm before heading to the university. 

Seeti’s farm has positively impacted people who live near it.  He occasionally employs workers to provide labor. There are others who have been inspired, with some setting up their own farms in the neighborhood. 

Currently, Seeti’s focus is on increasing the value of the milk by venturing into the production of cheese, yogurt and ice-cream. He also hopes to improve the breeds of his cows on the farm to give more milk.  

Senti’s journey has not been without challenges. The biggest hurdle he has faced was dealing with middlemen who take farmer’s produce at lower prices. He found a solution of establishing contacts with market vendors, so that they could get milk and other products direct from the farm. 

At the UCU Main Campus, Seeti says he supplies the Joy Canteen with some of the products from his farm.