Today, Friday, 6, September, 2024, Uganda Christian University (UCU) has officially opened the doors to its new School of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC) building. The state-of-the-art facility was handed over to the school by the university’s leadership, led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and Mr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration.

This comes after the senior leadership received its completed projects from the contractors, during a handover ceremony, on Monday, 26, August, 2024 at the Main Campus in Mukono.

Prof. Mushengyezi congratulated the school upon receiving its new home.

“It has been something worth the effort. As people who train the fourth estate, we value your significance in the country. We believe you now have ample space to be more creative and that you will shine even more,” Prof. Mushengyezi said.

Prof. Mushengyezi emphasized that the new building is part of UCU’s vision to transform the institution into the real center of excellence in the heart of Africa.

For 13 years, the School of JMC and Words of Hope have shared the same building. From that yellow, storied building, faculty members experienced a bird’s-eye view of the university and surrounding hills. The disadvantage is that as what was once a department under the School of Education grew, staff members were scattered. 

JMC is set to relocate to a new building designed to house all its staff and be more centrally located to administrative and other faculty/school offices. The new building, which previously housed School of Business offices, is located near Baskerville Building which houses the UCU Communications and Public Relations Office.

John Semakula, the Head of the Undergraduate Department within the School of JMC, said the JMC move is part of a university-wide space rationalization exercise that began two years ago. 

“The new block will be referred to as the School of Journalism, Media and Communication Office Block,” Semakula said. “We had a shortage of office space, and as a result, we have been using different office blocks on campus, which kept us scattered. The new block is an opportunity to bring all the staff of the School under one roof.”

Professor Monica Chibita, Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication expressed gratitude to the engineers, contractors, university administration and the entire team involved in the project.

“We feel special, I never dreamt that the former School of Business building would turn out like this after renovation. It is very beautiful and befitting of us,” Professor Chibita said.

She also cited the advantages of the new building. 

“It is centrally located, surrounded by other faculties and schools, as well as some strategic administration offices, promoting interdisciplinary partnerships,” she said. “It also enables us (the faculty) to share office space, which eases collaboration. Many of our students have complained about the distance from the classrooms to the faculty, and we have struggled with limited office space and storage.”

Prof. Chibita noted that as the school shifts to the new location, the studios and equipment will remain at the current location, transforming it into a multimedia center, with The Standard newspaper, the UCU Focus TV, and other facilities relocating to the former JMC building.

Among those who have noticed the positive growth of the School of JMC is Frank Obonyo, an alumnus and a lecturer at the school. He recalled that the journalism department was started by former journalists – Mr. Illakut Ben Bella for print media, the late Okoku Obomba for radio, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda for television. The department was later joined by other seasoned professionals, including Ben Ochan for photojournalism and Jane Gitau, a Public Relations practitioner.

Obonyo recalled some early collaboration between the Mass Communication department and Spirit FM radio. He remembered being a student when there was no media laboratory with five still-photo cameras shared by over 90 classmates. 

Today, the curriculum training is supported by highly qualified staff and practitioners in the industry and more equipment in a multimedia laboratory and three studios.

Obonyo, who joined UCU as a student in 2003, was among the first interns at The Standard student newspaper. In March 2007, an advertisement called upon Mass Communication graduates to apply for intern jobs at The Standard. The applicants went through the normal university recruitment process and four of the graduates were selected: Frank Obonyo, John Semakula, Brian Semujju and Emma Wafula. 

Obonyo says this was a great opportunity for them to sharpen their journalism skills. 

“As a result, we all got employed by the New Vision newspaper, Uganda’s leading daily English language newspaper,” he said. “At The Standard, I was responsible for Sports news, Semakula was in charge of news and current affairs, Emma Wafula did Campus Life and Semujju was the Managing Editor.”

As the school prepares to relocate to a new building, Obonyo reflects on this journey.

“Today, the School of Journalism, Media and Communication is among the top media and communication training hubs in the country,” he said. “We have come a long way, and I am proud to have been part of this journey.”

For Geoffrey Ssenoga, a lecturer at the school since 2008, the move will bring numerous benefits to both staff and students. He notes that it will be easier for students to access them since it is closer to the classrooms, compared to the current building location.

“We have course units taught by people from other faculties like the Social Sciences and Education, so being close to other faculty members will allow for easier collaboration,” Ssenoga said.

As Ssenoga looks forward to the relocation, he reflects on his earlier days as a lecturer, when resources were limited and such renovations to allow for office relocation were far fetched. “Well done UCU team”, he added. 

“I had to draw a camera on the blackboard to teach students how to operate a camera because we only had five cameras,” he notes, “But now, students have the privilege to access the camera whenever they need it to practice.”

Timothy Okurut, a student leader representing the Mass Communication class, said: “In the past, there have been times we failed to access the studio for production purposes because the lecturers were in a meeting however with the new building for the staff, we shall have unrestricted access to the studios and thus enhance learning at UCU.”

Compiled By: Irene Best Nyapendi

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

With 66 postgraduate degree opportunities, Uganda Christian University (UCU) provides expanded academic and professional programs to students in Uganda and beyond. The university, which started in 1997 with master’s degree offerings since 2003, has 3,000 postgraduate alumni. 

Although theory and practical application are important components of any curriculum, the UCU postgraduate research element is key to an advanced degree. The dissertation at UCU uniquely defines the graduate with an expanded body of knowledge for the research field and the researcher. While UCU postgraduate students with undergraduate degrees from UCU generally have research experience, the master’s level students coming from other higher education institutions may not. 

Thus, the Centre for Research and Academic Writing Services (CRAWS) evolved under the Postgraduate Directorate at UCU to serve both experienced and inexperienced researchers. CRAWS, launched in July 2023, addresses the significant demand for academic writing and research support – an effort previously met through one-off clinics that, while useful, were insufficient to fully meet students’ needs. 

CRAWS provides a structured and sustained system of support through regular, on-line seminars and one-on-one coaching sessions.  These services are designed to help students develop the advanced writing and research skills necessary to successfully complete their dissertations and theses. Since its inception, CRAWS has supported over 500 students, significantly contributing to improved research completion rates and the quality of research output at UCU.

The Postgraduate Directorate shares the university mission of promoting high-quality, Christ-centered graduate education. With a vision to become a leading center for graduate training in Africa, the Directorate strives to develop globally excellent scholars and professionals who embody Christian values. The core values—Christ-centeredness, diligence, integrity, stewardship, and servanthood—are aligned with all of UCU and underscore commitment to holistic education.

This approach not only sets UCU apart from other institutions but also ensures that its graduates are prepared to lead with integrity and purpose in their respective fields.

The Directorate strides to enhance  graduate research and training capacity include training staff in research supervision, online instruction,and scientific writing. The Directorate has introduced measures to standardize postgraduate programs, monitor compliance across schools and faculties, and organize scientific writing seminars and workshops. The effective use of external examiners is also a critical component in maintaining the high standards expected of UCU graduates.

The Directorate also is focused on efforts to enrich and harmonize recruitment across the university, promote research and learning opportunities,and improve the quality of graduate student supervision to ensure timely completion. Regular reviews of graduate programs and the implementation of recommendations are key to maintaining high academic standards.

UCU’s Comprehensive Postgraduate Strategy

Recognizing the importance of student retention, the Directorate has implemented strategies to improve support for graduate students, foster vibrant academic communities, and streamline administrative processes. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that students have a positive and fulfilling experience at UCU, which in turn contributes to higher retention and completion rates.

To sustain and grow its postgraduate programs within all of UCU’s 11 faculties and schools, UCU has developed a comprehensive marketing strategy aimed at increasing enrollment and retention. This strategy includes person-to-person marketing through alumni, lecturers and other stakeholders, as well as a focus on online offerings for many programs, which is particularly attractive to working professionals. UCU also recognizes the importance of selecting qualified and engaging facilitators to ensure that students receive the best possible education.

The university understands that to remain competitive, it must continually revisit and refine its strategies, curricula, and support systems. The Postgraduate Directorate’s ongoing initiatives, including the work of CRAWS, are central to this effort, ensuring that UCU remains at the forefront of graduate education in Africa.

The quality of UCU graduates is a reflection of the university’s commitment to excellence. 

By Irene Best Nyapendi
As the Uganda Airlines flight set off to Kenya from Entebbe Airport at 9:40 p.m. July 30, one particular passenger was on a seat for the first time. It was also Racheal Nantume.

“Feeling the plane accelerate down the runway and take off was amazing,” Nantume said.

During the 75-minute flight, Nantume says she enjoyed the in-flight snacks, most especially the airline chicken sandwich. 

“Being a chef, trust me when I say the chicken sandwich was good,” Nantume said.. “I loved it.” 

She was among the six member-team from Uganda Christian University (UCU) that traveled to attend the Impact Investment Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The summit, which took place from July 31 to August 1, brought together delegates from across the globe, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors. It was hosted by the Transformational Business Network Africa.

It focused on bridging the gap between funders and entrepreneurs, unlocking hidden business potential, and exploring creative solutions to Africa’s challenges, emerging market trends, untapped sectors, and strategic pathways to capitalize on new opportunities. 

Held under the theme “Enabling Business Growth Through Access to Finance,” the event aligned with TBN’s mission to empower African entrepreneurs to reach their full potential and create jobs.

For the two days, the summit participants learned from a panel of 35 experienced investors. A total of 267 beneficiaries attended the summit. An anonymous Uganda Partners donor supported the participation of the UCU team by paying for their flights.

Nantume said the summit not only transformed her business — Ranaz Snack Series, a bakery and restaurant business she started in 2020 — but also her leadership approach. She has become more empathetic, collaborative, and open to new ideas. She has also empowered her team to take ownership and drive change.

“When I returned from Nairobi, I conducted customer feedback sessions, which revealed valuable insights into their needs,” said Nantume, who graduated from UCU in 2022 with a degree in Project Planning and Entrepreneurship. “Using their feedback, I urged my team to develop new products and services that address the client’s needs.”

Upon her return, she says she noticed a positive change in her mindset about the business — she started monitoring progress in her business by tracking key performance indicators to measure success. 

Nantume also is considering conducting a post-summit workshop to share key takeaways from the summit with her team.

Despite her success in the business, Nantume says she had been stuck and unsure of how to innovate and stay competitive. However, after being inspired by a keynote speaker at the summit, she realized the need to shift her focus from internal processes to customer-centric solutions. 

Jacob Zikusooka, the Regional Director of TBN, argued that investing in entrepreneurs creates jobs and ends poverty. “Entrepreneurship is the silver bullet for Africa’s development. Beyond teaching our people how to fish, at TBN, we help them find a place at the river to fish,” Zikusooka explained.

TBN builds the capacity of entrepreneurs by enabling businesses to grow, through technical assistance and mentoring, as well as facilitating collaboration among entrepreneurs to create a platform for knowledge sharing.  

Martin Kabanda, the UCU eLearning manager, a lecturer and a facilitator at the incubation hub, went for the summit to learn how to improve the hub’s model and increase partnerships. He was also looking for ways to overcome the challenge of limited funding for students, and his business.

At the summit, he realized that money is available for businesses that have a clear plan, good governance, and a focus on impact. 

“I will encourage my students that even when they have no funds, they should ensure that they are trustworthy, and have structures in their business, and money will come,” Kabanda said.

For Dorothy Tushemereirwe, an entrepreneur, and a fundraising consultant at UCU, it was her fifth trip to Kenya. She hoped to benefit from the summit as an entrepreneur and a maker of carpets.

And she struck a chord with the message of one of the panelists who said: “Business that doesn’t leave the bedroom goes to sleep.”

She now plans to expand her marketing efforts beyond WhatsApp, targeting supermarkets and furniture shops.

“I was happy to meet people who validated my role as a resource mobilizer, and I eagerly anticipate the partnerships arising from this summit,” she said.

Aston Aryamanya, a lecturer and facilitator at the UCU incubation hub, was motivated to attend the summit to learn from entrepreneurs and gain insights to support students at the hub.

“My role at the hub motivated me to attend, as students are constantly coming to me with business ideas, as well as seeking support,” Aryamanya said. “This was an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and learn how best to support my students.”

At the summit, he learned that investment meets ready ideas and that investors look for well-prepared and refined ideas, something which will enable him to mentor students and help them perfect their pitches.

“I want to start organizing monthly pitching events for my students,” he said. “I learned that we must mentor the students, listen to their ideas, provide constructive feedback, and offer support.”

Additionally, Aryamanya aims to create a pool of potential funders for students at the incubation hub so as to get capital without immediate repayment pressure.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Ms. Natasha Alinda who was voted the Most Influential Student. I have interacted with her, and I can attest that she is deserving of the award.” 

These were the words of the Rev. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Uganda Christian University, as he announced the name on July 3, 2024, during a commissioning service at the main campus in Mukono.

To get this accolade, Alinda, who was among the 1,160 students who graduated on July 5, defeated four other students who had been nominated. The winner emerged via a student poll on social media platform X. The guidelines were simple: Vote for a final-year student who has exemplified the theme of education at UCU as “A Complete Education for a Complete Person.”

Kitayimbwa described Alinda as someone with “a positive influence who has added vibrancy to the UCU community.”

“She has excelled in academics, sports, social activities, and leadership,” he said.

Alinda, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance degree at the July graduation, thinks she knows why her fellow students gave her 46% of the votes that were cast. 

She believes she was voted due to her extensive leadership experience and dedication to service, both within and outside UCU. She has served as the coordinator for Talk to Mama Pesh (a program hosted at UCU by Patience Mushengyezi, the wife of the Vice Chancellor), Vice President of the School of Business, a student leader at the Honors College and a member of the East African Youth Parliament.

Her impact was particularly felt by students while she served as a leader in charge of resident students. She says she personally visited the students every fortnight to check on their well-being, understand their challenges, and suggest solutions. She also communicated with concerned parents who couldn’t reach their children.

She gets the passion for leadership from her love for people –  a gift that she believes God has bestowed. Alinda believes that leadership provides the perfect platform to make a positive impact on people’s lives, enabling her to guide and support them in meaningful ways. 

According to Alinda, her father, Gad Mugisha, is her biggest believer, always encouraging her to be a good example to others. 

Mugisha always emphasizes the importance of leadership, encouraging his daughter to lead by example. He taught her that leadership is an “effective way to reach people and make a difference.” 

Mugisha says his father had 13 wives, which was one barrier for Mugisha to attend school himself although he believes in the value of education. . Despite this, he is proud of the person his daughter has become.

“She studied, became born again,” Mugisha said of his daughter. “I’m grateful she listens to my teachings and avoids harmful habits, like drugs.”

According to Mugisha, his daughter has always been a popular student. Finding Alinda during school visits was easy because many of the students knew her. 

“She took good care of her belongings and was exceptional in relating with people,” Mugisha said of his daughter who is the third of five siblings.

To people who know Alinda, like Esther Auma, the Most Influential Student accolade was no surprise. Auma, a third-year student pursuing Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, first met Alinda during campaigns for student leadership at the UCU School of Business. 

She said Alinda came across as a confident, cheerful and down-to-earth person.

 “Alinda is a lover of people, she always makes it a point to make those around her happy, even when she is going through a tough time herself,” Auma said. 

Alinda looks to the future, she hopes to continue using her leadership skills to serve people and make a difference in the world.

On July 30^th, 2024, the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Church Relations Department hosted the first UCU Clergy Children Fellowship. This gathering aimed to foster a sense of community, faith, and mutual support among the children of clergy members.

30 Clergy students from various dioceses studying at UCU gathered for a day of bonding, spiritual growth, and mutual support.

Rev. Dr. Richard Mulindwa, Head of the UCU Church Relations Department, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of unity and faith among clergy families.

Participants shared their stories, built connections, and left with renewed faith and friendships.

Additionally, participants had the opportunity to engage in open discussions, sharing their stories and building lasting connections with peers who understand their unique upbringing.

Esther Grace, a participant, expressed her gratitude for the event. “It is refreshing to be in a space where everyone understands what it means to be a clergy child. I have made new friends and strengthened my faith.”

The success of the inaugural UCU Clergy Children Fellowship has set a positive precedent, with plans already underway for future gatherings. The UCU Church Relations Department aims to make this a monthly fellowship continuing to provide a platform for clergy children to bond and grow together in their faith.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Harriet Adong, Director Communications and Public Relations – Vice Chancellor’s Division

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The Uganda Studies Program (USP), run by Uganda Christian University (UCU), was formed with the expectation that the semester-long offering for North American students would survive on strong partnerships. 

Twenty years later, the bond for the partnership that was envisaged has  become stronger with the program registering milestones. The latest of the milestones was the recent visit to UCU by 21 representatives from 11 USA Christian universities and colleges that are affiliated to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). 

The spring 2024 visit aimed to strengthen partnerships, explore more opportunities for collaboration and give the United States faculty a feel of the experience that American students go through during the USP program at UCU. USP offers an opportunity for students to engage with the local culture and people and to experience contemporary realities in Uganda. Through classes, internships, and homestays, students experience authentic cross-cultural immersion.

The USP social work students and their UCU counterparts often have regular meetings during the semester, facilitated by USP social work coordinator, Nazjè Mansfield , and Kasule Kibirige, the head of UCU’s social work department. 

The meetings are intended to help American social work students to experience the culturally-embedded nature of their discipline, discussing ethical dilemmas and differing obligations in individual-based versus community-based societies.

The late May visit to UCU included representatives from Bethel University (Minnesota), Calvin University (Michigan), Grove City College (Pennsylvania), Liberty University (Virginia), Messiah University (Pennsylvania), Missouri Baptist University, Palm Beach Atlantic University (Florida), Westmont College (California) and Wheaton College (Illinois).

UCU’s membership in CCCU dates back to 2002, when the university became an international affiliate. Although CCCU ceased coordinating study-abroad programs in 2020, individual Christian universities in the United States continue to maintain partnerships.

Mark Bartels, who launched USP at UCU 20 years ago and also serves as the Executive Director of the Uganda Partners nonprofit, said: “The visit was organized by UCU and USP, and it’s because of the CCCU that these relationships exist.”

UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, often attends the annual conference for all CCCU presidents in Washington, D.C.

During the 2023 CCCU Presidents’ Annual Conference, Mushengyezi met with the CCCU President, Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, and other university presidents who send study-abroad students to UCU.

Bartels also expressed hope for potential collaboration beyond USP, acknowledging that they take time to develop and highlighted the benefits of potential partnerships.

“While partnership development is time consuming, when they happen, there are multiple benefits,” Bartels said. “They provide opportunities for connection, helping institutions grow through staff exchanges, benefiting both UCU and the sending institution.”

Eric Michael Washington, a Professor of History at Calvin University, shared his impressions of UCU during his first visit to Uganda and his fifth trip to Africa.

“I love the students’ dress code, it communicates that education is a serious proposition, and you should take it seriously,” said Washington, who was awarded Professor of the Year at his university in 2018. “It’s evident through UCU students that while it’s important to study hard, you should also dress in a way that reflects Christian values and the seriousness of your work.”

Washington also expressed admiration for UCU’s comprehensive degree programs, including PhDs, which are not offered at Calvin University.

As a professor, Washington was interested in learning about USP and exploring opportunities for his students to participate. 

He was impressed by the flexibility of the USP, noting that it can accommodate students from various disciplines, not just social work, promising to recruit more students for the exchange program.

Paul C. Kemeny, a Professor of Religion and Humanities at Grove City College, said the impressions of UCU exceeded his expectations. 

“My impression of UCU, after reading on its website, showed that it is a strong institution, but being here makes me realize it’s even stronger than I had imagined,” he said. “It’s not just about the size of the campus, but the university’s commitment to advancing the Christian mission and preparing the students to live meaningful lives that glorify the Lord.”

Kemeny said both UCU and Grove City College have a wide range of majors and required Bible courses. However, he also acknowledged the differences such as size.  UCU is a larger university than Grove City College. 

He said his college offers two-week travel courses that allow students to travel to foreign countries. 

Diane Krusemark, the Registrar at Wheaton College, Chicago, said the visit to UCU also was her first to Africa. She expressed delight in the local Ugandan cuisine, including green bananas and ground nut stew. 

Krusemark described the 150-year-old Wheaton College as flat and with indoor buildings and a student union center that serves as a hub for activities. Her visit was motivated by Wheaton College’s desire to become a “School of Record” for USP, which would allow them to consider courses taken by students at UCU. 

A School of Record is a United States-accredited institution that awards credits for courses or programs taken by students at non-U.S.-accredited institutions or through independent program providers collaborating with U.S.-accredited institutions for coursework taken abroad.

Sherita Washington, a Professor of Social Work from Calvin University, was impressed by the students she met, noting that their wit, love for Christ, and professionalism was evident. She expressed appreciation for the Christian aspect of UCU and the students’ bold expression of their faith. Her visit aimed to explore USP and establish a partnership for her department. 

“I had the chance to meet some students and share a meal with them,” she noted.