The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a governance evaluation framework established by the African Union, aims to promote good governance and sustainable development in Africa.

However, its influence on public policy outcomes has been limited due to inadequate evaluation research and a focus on outcome-oriented approaches.

A study by Dr. Martin Kizito, a senior lecturer at Uganda Christian University (UCU) proposes a framework to enhance the APRM’s influence, addressing knowledge gaps and recommending inclusive participation, aligned activities, and a well-domesticated legal framework.”

This study analyses the implementation of APRM as a governance evaluation framework mandated by Article 5(2) of the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act of 2000.

 It aimed at generating a framework for enhancing the APRM and in turn positively influence public policy outcomes.

The study observes that, in researching evaluation influence, limited empirical field studies have been conducted especially about African home-grown initiatives, to guide stakeholders on how evaluation inputs translate into activities and consequently policy outcomes.

It argues that APRM, as Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE), adopts a rational and outcome-oriented approach to evaluation, focusing on direct use of data, with good performance primarily evidenced by ratification of agreed governance standards.

So, limited attention to the process has resulted into concerns about emerging patterns of evaluation under-use, misuse and non-use. This trend if not researched may result in an evaluation crisis, affecting the sustainability of the APRM as a catalyst to the realisation of the AU Agenda 2063.

Using a mechanism-based approach, this thesis aims at bridging the knowledge gap by empirically drawing on qualitative data of 35 stakeholders’ perceptions on how evaluation inputs, activities, and outputs affect the use of APRM data in Uganda’s public policy.

It takes a case analysis of Uganda’s first and second-generation peer reviews as well as the refugee policy framework between 2005 and 2018.

The findings reveal that, well as the APRM’s first National Plan of Action (NPoA) was among the 23 core studies that directly informed the formulation of Uganda’s initial National Development Plan (NDP I), its influence is declining to showcase best practices, with increasing, symbolic use but also misuse of APRM recommendations.

 This is attributed to inadequate financial and technical capacity inputs, lack of a well-domesticated legal framework supporting APRM structures and activities, stakeholders without a well-established culture of evaluations, and a political context that allows selective use of evaluations in national policies.

In the proposed framework, the study recommends inclusive participation in evaluation input, activities aligned with government plans; institutionalizing government-wide reporting on NPoA implementation and establishing a well-domesticated legal framework.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Jimmy Siyasa

Last year in October, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, a Senior Lecturer at Uganda Christian University (UCU), was awarded a grant worth USD 63,750 by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST). The grant aimed at piloting the production of low-cost protein and micronutrient-rich cricket feed from food waste in Kampala, Uganda.

The project is to run for 18 months and was officially launched to start pilot small scale industrial-scale production on Friday, April 26^th 2024.

“The first phase gave us knowledge now the second phase is the real marketing, going from laboratory to market,” said Florence Agwang, the grants officer at UNCST.

About the project

Sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, experiences rapid urbanization characterized by a booming young population, and a significant amount of food waste. In Uganda, food waste makes up 65-79% of solid waste in landfills causing environmental and health problems. Yet, this waste contains nutrients that could be utilized. In response to this, the UCU Faculty of Agricultural Sciences launched two exciting projects: “Food Waste-to-Cricket Feed II” and “Food Waste-to-Piggery Feed.”

Led by Dr. Geoffrey Ssepuuya, the project aims to transform food waste into a valuable protein source. It also solves the problem of food waste, promotes a circular economy, and addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The success of the project lies in sustainable production, a mechanism of food waste collection from households, and attaining equipments to process food waste to feed.

Multiple Benefits

The project offers a multitude of benefits, including:

• Increased Food Production: Cricket feed, in particular, is a protein-rich source of nutrients, which can contribute to improved dietary intake. Crickets can be dried and ground to be mixed with staple flours for porridge and food.

“Instead of consuming cassava bread that is only about 2% protein or even less, communities can supplement it with crickets, which are 50–60% rich in proteins,” Ssepuuya says. “So, with the feeds now available, they can rear the crickets, dry them under the sun, grind them into powder, and add the protein-rich powder to their food.”

The most common sources of proteins, such as meat, milk, and chicken, are not affordable to many Ugandans, yet they can now be redeemed by eating crickets.

• Reduced Waste: The UCU agriculture research team, led by Geoffrey Ssepuuya, a senior lecturer, established that there is a daily production of 768 metric tons of food waste in Kampala. By converting food waste into animal feed, the project reduces the amount of organic waste clogging landfills, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions and health risks. Reduced food waste disposal in landfills mitigates environmental hazards and associated health risks. Through these projects, UCU aims to alleviate the burden of disease linked to poor waste management practices, thereby fostering healthier communities.

The project creates nutritious animal feed from food waste, contributing to a more sustainable food system and potentially lowering food prices.

• Job Creation: The project has the potential to create decent employment opportunities, particularly for Uganda’s young population, in areas like food waste collection, feed production, and animal rearing.

Project Goals

The project team is working towards realizing several key goals:

• The project now aims to move from laboratory-scale production to small-scale industrial production, making it commercially viable and scalable.
• To establish a private small-scale food waste processing facility and contribute to increased farmer participation in cricket rearing.
• Having three manuscripts published and one policy brief developed and disseminated.
• Establishing a pilot program for sorted food waste collection.
• Researching optimal feed formulations for pigs, the most commonly reared livestock in Mukono district.
• Explore the nutritional benefits of food waste-derived feeds for livestock, particularly pigs.
• Evaluating the performance of these feeds on pig growth in both lab and field settings.
• Determining the cost-effectiveness of pig production using food waste-based feed.
• Enhancing the packaging, marketing, and distribution of certified cricket feed.

Project Success and Future

The “Food Waste-to-Cricket Feed II” project builds on previous research led by Dr. Ssepuuya that demonstrated the safety, affordability, and high protein content of cricket feed made from food waste.

Impact on SDGs

Vincent Kisenyi, UCU Director of Academic Affairs, noted that this project aligns with SDGs 3 (good health and well-being), 4 (quality education), and 12 (responsible consumption and production). It promotes health by reducing waste and malnutrition, fosters education through research, and contributes to a cleaner environment by effectively managing waste.

He emphasizes the importance of waste management in safeguarding public health and creating economic opportunities for communities.

“Waste management is one of the big challenges we face as a country, and if this garbage is not well attended to, it can cause a lot of health problems,” Kisenyi said. “This project is relevant because it involves making use of what would have been wasted.”

The project not only tackles environmental and social challenges but also presents a significant economic opportunity.

As Dr. Ssepuuya, the project lead, stated, “Just as people collect coffee seeds to make coffee, why is it hard to collect food waste, make feed from it, use the feed to raise crickets and have cheap protein?”

Joshua Saloongo, a piggery farmer, has appreciated UCU for this initiative.

“We have been importing feeds for our pigs, however, this project is going to help us get these feeds locally made by the help of UCU,” Saloongo said.

These projects, funded by the African Centre for Technology Studies and UCU, hold potential for Uganda’s future and serve as a model for other African countries facing similar challenges.

Compiled by Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited By: Harriet Adong, Consultant at UCU’s Communication and Public Relations Department

Story By Nathan Simbilyabo and Bena Nekesa

Photos, Video by Nathan Simbilyabo

In 2004, Mark and Abby Bartels embarked on a journey to create a unique educational experience for students from Christian colleges and universities in North America. What started as the Uganda Studies Program (USP) at Uganda Christian University (UCU) has now blossomed into a 20-year legacy of cultural exchange and academic learning.

“We learned early that relationships would be the key to the success of the program,” said Mark Bartels, now executive director of a USA-based nonprofit, Uganda Partners. “Beyond the essential rapport with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) and UCU was that the program provided relationships with other students, host families, faculty members and supervisors – primarily Ugandans.”

Now living in Pennsylvania, Mark and Abby, who had USP founding roles of coordinator and assistant coordinator, respectively, spent 10 years at UCU, working, living and raising their three children there.  Both are graduates of Wheaton (Illinois) College, which is one of more than 100 higher education institutions under the CCCU umbrella. 

When the couple launched USP 20 years ago, Abby’s father, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Noll, was UCU’s Vice Chancellor. 

According to Mark, CCCU had other programs designed with academics and home stays  in Russia, China, Egypt, Costa Rica and England. One different distinction was that USP was the first CCCU program to be closely partnered and embedded within a Christian university. A key UCU component was alignment with the Honors College, coordinated then by the Rev. Canon Dr. Sam Opol, assisted by his wife, Margaret. 

Today, the USP is a program with a focus on Social work, Global Health, and Interdisciplinary studies, offering students a wide range of educational opportunities. Rachel Robinson, the program director for the past 10 years,  leaves her post in June. The director oversees the day-to-day operation and the transformative experience it provides for students.

About the USP Program at UCU

When applying for the Uganda Studies Program at UCU, students choose from one of the following academic concentrations: Social Work, Global Health, or Interdisciplinary, and engage in internships at different organizations depending on their area of study.

The program also creates a different learning experience for students in Uganda and Africa as a whole, arranging for a student to be placed with a host family on arrival, and during the trip they stay in villages for a week in  which a student can learn what academics cannot give. 

During one of two semesters known at UCU as Advent/Fall and Spring/Easter Semester, they do a homestay in Kapchorwa or Serere. At the end of a semester over the years, they make a final study trip to Northern Uganda or Rwanda and finish with a debrief in Entebbe before returning to North America.

The USP since its inception boasts of up to 970 alumni including 120 males and the rest females, who have since become global alumni ambassadors of UCU and sponsors in partnership with UCU. For over two decades of USP existence, the program has had over 93 American and Ugandan staff members, including a coordinator, program assistant and a homestay coordinator.

Rachel’s Journey with USP

On April 10, the USP celebrated two major milestones in its history: first, its 20th anniversary since 2004; and second, honoring Rachel Robinson for her leadership as director of the Program. Outgoing students also bade farewell. 

Rachel’s leadership journey began in 2014 when Mark, now executive director of UCU Partners, moved back to the USA. Her tenure with USP started in 2010 while she was serving as the Coordinator of the Intercultural Ministry Mission Emphasis (IMME). Effective June 1, the USP lead position will be assumed by Emily Entsminger, a USP alum who has been serving as a Student  Life Coordinator.

“I have many memories – both good and challenging – from the years in the role of the directorate,” Rachel said. “One of the difficult memories is the bomb attack that happened in one of the universities in Kenya in 2015.” The Garissa University College attack in Kenya took place in April 2015 when gunmen stormed the institution, massacring 148 and injuring 79 more people.

“It was a serious crisis that happened because from that we were called to evacuate our students before the end of their semester,” she said. “That semester we had farewell without students.”

One of  Racheal’s highlights during her service under USP were trips to Rwanda where she and USP cohorts interacted with a Rwandese national with Christian Action for Reconciliation and Social Assistance (CARSA), Christophe Mbonyingabo, who told them about the Rwandese genocide of 1994 and reconciliation and recovery that was happening.

When asked about her next step, Rachel expressed uncertainty but asserted “trust in God” both for her and USP.

“Whenever there is a success, mostly the directors and leaders get the praise, while I didn’t do it alone and mostly every time there are people in the background working overtime,” she said. “I am undoubtedly confident with the coming director of USP that even if it doesn’t go well or it goes well, she will do well.” 

What others say

The April celebration was attended by many guests including the host families, homestay families, roommates, former USP staff including the former Vice Chancellor Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration David Mugawe and University Chaplain Rev. Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro. 

“I have seen this program grow and go through different seasons, both difficult and good, for example during COVID-19 and the attack on the university in Kenya in 2015,” recalled Dr. Senyonyi during his speech. “But the outgoing director, with whom I joined UCU almost at the same time, has worked so hard, so I say, Rachel, you must come back because we still need you.” 

The UCU Directorate of Student Affairs, Pamela Tumwebaze, added appreciation to Rachel “as a colleague and close friend.”

“Rachel had become like a sister to me,” Pamela said. “I will miss her. I wish I could convince her to stay, and I do not know what word I will use.”

During his speech, Mugawe presented Rachel with an award in recognition of her good work and thanked her on behalf of the university community.

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of cake, a meal, a touching slideshow of memories and well-wishes from friends, and officially closed with prayer by the UCU Chaplain.

Another commemoration with an audience of USP alumni  is planned in July in the USA state of Colorado. 

As USP marks its 20th anniversary and its impact, it remains committed to providing students with immersive educational experiences that broaden their horizons and shape their worldview. Most importantly, it continues to inspire students to understand and appreciate other cultures.

To combat the toll of maternal and child mortality, Save the Mothers (STM) East Africa organized a Maternal and Child Health Conference on April 26^th  at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

The conference was held under the theme: “No mother or child should die or be harmed due to preventable childbirth-related complications: a role of multidisciplinary professionals.”

It was aimed at addressing key issues in maternal health, sharing innovative approaches, and inspiring positive change across communities. Participants generated and exchanged knowledge, shared experiences, and developed strategies to improve maternal health globally.

The Save the Mothers Conference brought together experts, advocates, and leaders who are dedicated to improving maternal health and outcomes across the world.

Dr. Charles Olaro, Director Curative Services at Uganda’s Ministry of Health graced the conference as Guest of Honour. He commended the Save the Mothers’ initiative for their dedication to the cause of saving lives of mothers and babies.

“Your dedicated work shows the transformational power of collective actions, resilience, innovations, and your efforts to implement impactful interventions that save the lives of mothers and babies,” Dr. Olaro said.

Jean Chamberlain Froese, one of the founders of Save the Mothers, encouraged the attendees to assess their skills, gifts, and potential to save mothers and ensure safe motherhood for children in East Africa and beyond.

Janet Apio, an alumni member of the 2016 class, said it was through the skills and knowledge she acquired at STM that she was able to open three projects in Bugiri district after realizing the need in her community to solve the problem of maternal mortality.

“I started three projects as interventions towards reducing maternal mortality deaths, including antenatal, postnatal, and general nursing care to help mothers during deliveries,” Apio said.

Compiled by Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited By: Harriet Adong, Consultant at UCU’s Communication and Public Relations Department

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Faculty of Engineering, Design, and Technology (FEDT) has flagged off three students for an exchange program at Aksaray University in Turkey. Rodney Hannington Ssebuliba, Sandra Ssebagala, and Faith Wanadi Angeango will benefit from the exchange programme over a period of two-months.

Miria Frances Agunyo, the Dean of FEDT, noted that UCU has been collaborating with Aksaray University for the past three years. She further stated that students who have done an engineering course or an elective in renewable energy, sanitation engineering, or construction were the eligible candidates to be sent to Aksaray University.

“These students have the opportunity to do a traineeship at Aksaray University, where they can gain more practical experiences and leverage more opportunities to closely and physically work with other students and researchers in different thematic areas,” Agunyo said.

Upon their return, the students are expected to give back to the university by supporting their fellow students in research and other activities in the areas  of innovation and research.

Ssebuliba, a fourth-year Civil and Environmental Engineering student, expressed excitement to further harness knowledge, discover Turkey’s culture, tour around, and make new friends.

“I look forward to venturing into the water and concrete sites in Turkey,” Ssebuliba said.

Angeango is excited for the opportunity to visit Turkey and expand her perspective by experiencing the thoughts, work, and lifestyle of people in another country.

“I want to see how the people there think, how they work, and their way of life, so that I can broaden my knowledge and perspective base too.” She pointed it out.

Sebagala, a third-year Civil Engineering student, is excited to learn, she believes that being in a new country will provide her with valuable experiences and opportunities.

“I have heard a lot about the program from the students who have been there before,” Sebagala said. “I hope to be exposed to what life is like outside Uganda and also further garner technological and practical skills among others to not only benefit I as an individual but also others within and beyond my space .”

UCU is committed to providing its students with opportunities to learn and grow by connecting with the world and expanding their career prospects. This is the third cohort of students going to Askaray University, Turkey.

Compiled By: Irene Best Nyapendi

Editted By: Harriet Adong, Consultant at UCU’s Communication and Public Relations Department

For many university courses, students are expected to engage in  internships or have work placements as one requirement for the award of their degree. Pauline Luba of the UCU School of Journalism gleaned information from  some key university staff, an employer/alum and two students to learn how students should conduct themselves in the world of work, especially during internships.  UCU Law alum, Chris Mogal, created a video to reinforce the message, including how to avoid harrassment. 

Rev. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, university chaplain, UCU

I am the university chaplain at Uganda Christian University (UCU). I’m in my fifth year here in this position. Internships come with temptations, “predators” and things that could be dangerous to a student. However, when students go into the internship with strong values, they can always cope. Know the value you attach to yourself, and you need a solid character base from which to draw the values. At UCU, we give opportunities to students to grow spiritually. Once you join any workplace, make your stance clear. Speak back to whichever predator, and the good news is the predators know that what they are doing is wrong.

I am the Senior Public Relations Officer at the Law Development Center (LDC). From 2003 to 2006, I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication at UCU. The transition from student to work is really different. As a student, there are lots of dos and don’ts in the guidelines at school to help keep someone in check, but when you move out to the professional world, it is all about you, and so there is interconnectedness between the two. The professional life is informed by the student’s life. There is no disconnect between the two; how you handle yourself as a student will reflect professionally on how you also will live the working life. My transition was formed when I joined UCU. Some of the things that I learned seem to be small, but mean a lot in life. For example, things like worship are not in every university. But when I joined UCU, I felt my level of faith improved because of the opportunity, such as the worship hour every Tuesday and Thursday.  I am one of the people formulating the sexual harassment policy at LDC. If you know yourself, you will not give in. Alumni are a big force in change. They contribute to the reputation of an institution. So, we cannot leave them out. They can guide the students. We can invite alumni to speak to students on how they can be prepared to manage their life of work. 

I have been an intern at places such as Pearl Advocates — a law firm and Resilient Africa Network, a partnership of 20 African universities in 13 countries. Our university usually guides us on where to go for internships. The talks they give us also provide insights into what to expect at the internship. There are some principles we need to uphold in order not to cast the university in a bad light. I have never faced sexual harassment or discrimination at the workplace, and I pray that my peers never get to experience such. Students need to be God-fearing. The university could counsel students on how to keep safe at work. 

UCU prides itself in professionalism and developing the character of students. We expect students to have integrity when they go to the workplace. We also expect our students to be diligent and to live by the core values we instilled in them. We expect them to serve others, and not to behave as if they are above everyone else. Servanthood and stewardship are some of the values we instil in them. They are also taught foundational courses that help them to conduct themselves out in the world. The university organises career affairs and invites several employers to speak to our students. In addition to this, UCU runs mentorship programs for the students. 

The programs equip students with tips and tricks to deal with issues like sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. In case of any harassment at the workplace, students need to identify who is harassing them and inform the authorities. 

At UCU, we offer several services that prepare students for internships and work placements. One of the key trainings that we have is the para counsellors training, where we discuss matters like the dos and don’ts in the world of work, as well as issues about sexual harassment. Students need to know the right steps to take in case of harassment. Harassment comes with a lot of consequences, including pregnancy. So, we try to “journey” with people who may find themselves in such situations. 

We also teach the students about emotional stability — when you go to a workplace, there are little things that can provoke someone, but once you are emotionally stable, you can respond, as well as execute your duties. 

Laetisha Asio Seth, student of Bachelor of Governance and International Relations, UCU

It’s advisable that one holds their values high when going into the world of work, for instance, being God-fearing, assertive, able to communicate and defend oneself. I advise that you just stay away from instances that could compromise you.