By Kefa Senoga
When Pamela Tumwebaze joined the three-year-old Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 2000 as an undergraduate student, neither she nor the institution envisioned that it was the start of what would become nearly two decades of a symbiotic relationship.

In the 21 years since Tumwebaze completed her undergraduate course at UCU in 2003, she has worked both for UCU and other organizations beyond the university. The farther she moved away from UCU, however, the harder her heart beat for her to return to her alma mater. 

When she left the country for a teaching job in Rwanda, she was there for just two years. When she went farther to Tanzania for yet another teaching job, it was not for more than one year.

Tumwebaze eventually returned home, but was still hesitant to return to UCU. As such, she got a job in a non-governmental organization, but that was not for long, until she returned to her home, UCU. Today, she is the university’s new Director of Students Affairs (DOSA).

Tumwebaze recalls that in 2003, after attaining her Bachelor of Arts with Education from UCU, she took a job as a tutorial assistant in the Faculty of Education. Thereafter, she pursued a Master of Arts in Literature at UCU. She is currently completing another master’s degree, MA Strategic Communication at UCU.

At the university, she has served in the positions of teaching assistant, administrative assistant, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs, Executive Officer to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance and Administration and the Head of the Honors College, a role she currently juggles with being DOSA, a position she has held for three months now. 

As DOSA, Tumwebaze says she has to serve all the students in the university, as opposed to the job at Honors College, where it’s just a select few of the university’s top students. The Honors College, whose concept is borrowed from the Dutch and American universities, admits only the institution’s crème de la crème students from the different faculties. 

Applicants must have at least a 4.0 Cumulative Grade-Point Average out of 5.0 to be enrolled to the college that offers talented students the opportunity to tap on their mettle through an extra certificate-program, alongside the regular bachelor’s degree course. 

UCU DOSA: Nurturing Future Leaders with Passion

Tumwebaze says she enjoys working and guiding young people who are still going through formation. “I love to see them become adults, I also love the chaos that comes with being young because I guess it says much about them,” she notes.

“Being DOSA means looking at probably a 20-year-old troublesome young adult. But five or more years from now, that 20-year-old may be a CEO or a big-name journalist; so, what can we do now to make sure that they become that?” Tumwebaze asks. 

As a mother, Tumwebaze views students as children, she understands that each child has weaknesses and uniquenesses and that there is something about each of them that needs to be groomed into something better. She is a mother of two boys and is married to Alexander Matsiko whom she met at UCU.

“As the older generation, we have the burden of putting things into perspective for the younger generation; if we don’t focus on that then we could lose the next generation,” Tumwebaze warns. 

She notes that her job as DOSA requires a skill set that comes with having an open mind because “everyday has its own shocks.”

Tumwebaze comes from a large family in Mbarara, a district in western Uganda. She attended St. Helens Primary School Mbarara for her primary education and Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School in Bushenyi district for her secondary education. From Kyeizooba, she joined UCU for her undergraduate course.

By Kefa Senoga
As a project established to foster a green economy in Africa closes at four universities in East Africa, the institutions are counting the benefits they have accrued from the multi-institutional venture that has been running for three years. 

The DALILA project, a collaborative venture, sought to increase awareness about clean energy, climate change, the green economy, and global emission targets. To achieve this goal, the project, courtesy of a 99,993,700 Euros ($117.8 million American) grant, was supposed to lead to the creation of new academic curricula on sustainable energies and green economy in Africa, as well as the installation of green laboratories at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Uganda Martyrs University, and two Tanzanian institutions — the University of Dodoma and the State University of Zanzibar. The Education, Audio-Visual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Union provided the grant for the project.

The Swahili origin of DALILA means delicate and gentle. Since 2020 and connected to UCU, it refers to the Development of Academic Curricula on Sustainable Energies and Green Economy in Africa. It’s a capacity-building project funded by the Education, Audio-Visual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Union­.

The courses were rolled out at the four universities, as were the green laboratories. For instance, Uganda Martyrs University developed and implemented the undergraduate course on the green economy in Uganda, while UCU created the curriculum for a related post-graduate diploma course. 

When Uganda’s supervisory body for curricula in higher institutions of learning, the National Council for Higher Education, gave the nod for the rollout of the course at UCU, the first cohort was admitted in 2022. That group was among the 986 students who graduated at UCU’s October 13, 2023, graduation, according to UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa. The nine students received the Post-Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy from UCU.

At a seminar held in December 2023 to mark the closure of the project at UCU, the university’s Director of Academic Affairs, Vincent Kisenyi, underscored the project’s unique approach, emphasising that the integration of classroom learning with hands-on, practical experiences enables the learners to participate in renewable energy businesses while simultaneously contributing to environmental conservation.

One of the main objectives of the project was “transferring both theoretical and practical skills, identifying and bringing together stakeholders, creating links and synergies between companies and those who will be the professionals of tomorrow, and preparing them to be the driving force of positive change.”

The green laboratories established at each of the four project-implementing universities in East Africa were equipped to enable the students to achieve skills in converting sunlight into electric energy using photovoltaic panels. At the State University of Zanzibar, the green laboratory was equipped with solar simulators, lab computers, sputtering units, photovoltaic panels, DC voltmeters, and DC ammeters, among others.

Partners outside Africa in the European Union three-year funded project through the Erasmus+ Programme were Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, the University of Cadiz in Spain, and professional agencies, such as Sahara Ventures in Tanzania, Asud in Italy, and a renewable energy organisation called INOMA Renovables in Spain.  

The Director of Research, Partnerships, and Innovation at UCU, Assoc. Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, said the project has taught them how to respond to climate-related issues by educating them on how to improve the world and how to take advantage of business opportunities that arise from the different life challenges.

During a seminar to close the project at UCU, Eng. Simon Sekitoleko, the Assistant Commissioner for Renewable Energy in Uganda’s energy ministry, said: “As the nation embraces cleaner energy sources, UCU’s role in offering a postgraduate diploma in sustainable business and renewable energy is recognised as a crucial step in building capacity and turning graduates into job creators.” 

David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Finance and Administration, said that the project’s combined focus on business and renewable energy not only gave participants real-world skills but also sparked a collective response to urgent climate issues. 

Sharon Longora, Agatha Ankunda, and Ronald Mayanja, who were part of the pioneer class of the PostGraduate Diploma in Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy at UCU early last year, travelled to Spain and Italy for a resume-building internship that included visiting solar and hydropower plants, doing hands-on experiments, and getting exposed to sustainable waste management research.

During an interview with Uganda Partners last year, Amos Mangeni, who was also part of the UCU team that travelled to Europe, said: “I visited a 100kw solar PV grid connected plant at the University of Cadiz faculty of business in Spain. This PV plant supplies energy to the faculty, and the surplus is connected to the grid for sale, especially during the day.” 

By Kefa Senoga
Any meeting of alums is often a convergence of memories of school days gone by. Sometimes, the sharing at such an event includes reliving the mischief committed during the younger years as students try to find a footing in the world as young adults.

All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, in the heart of Kampala, Uganda, hosted one such Uganda Christian University (UCU) Alumni Association breakfast meeting in December. In addition to the usual catching up and reliving memories of their time as students at UCU, the event, according to the alumni association, was to provide a space for prayer and reflection, acknowledging that individuals may seek spiritual guidance and solace in their personal and professional lives. 

UCU Alumni Eyes Annual Gatherings for Spiritual Renewal

The Rev. Moses Senyonyi, Secretary Religious Affairs at the UCU Alumni Association, said events like such gatherings promote friendship among the alums, in addition to strengthening their bond as they seek spiritual renewal. According to Senyonyi, the alumni association is looking forward to organizing such a reunion every year.

At the December event, UCU staff members such as Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, the Director of Partnership, Innovation and Research, and Mrs. Bridget Mugume, the former UCU Director of Students Affairs, were present. Mugume led the “intercession” during the prayer time.

The Rev. Richard Mulindwa, the manager in charge of UCU Church Relations, represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. He thanked the alumni for what he referred to as “marketing the university”and urged alums to partner with the university administrators in order to develop their alma mater.  

In 2021, UCU alumni launched a project in Mukono district, where members can buy land and settle in the same area. Twenty-seven members of an association of older students of the UCU Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Design bought 4.25 acres of land 20 miles away from Mukono town in central Uganda for the purpose of establishing settlement. 

That launch was followed by a similar one in Budaka district, eastern Uganda, where the association bought more than three acres that were subdivided for members to acquire smaller plots of 50 feet by 100 feet at a cost of sh1.5million (about $406). The grand vision of the project is to turn the area into an estate, with all the social services that the residents would need. Initiatives like these have helped to market the university before the community. 

Giving a keynote address at the December event, Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, the chairperson of the Anglican Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Association, demonstrated the relevance of alumni in the growth and development of their alma mater.

“As alumni, we should align ourselves with the university’s master plan and strategic plan in terms of development,” Kahigiriza beseeched the people present.

He suggested collaboration with the administration in capital projects, research, and grants to improve the university’s ranking. Kahigiriza also tasked the alumni with organizing occasional career mentorship and guidance sessions for all students, participate in community engagement and advocacy on behalf of the alumni association.

In response to Kahigiriza’s request, Emmanuel Wabwire, the president of the UCU Alumni Association, said they would take the lead in organizing support for the UCU sports department. A total of 10 million shillings ($2,631) was pledged to kick start the cause.

The Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye, the provost of All Saints Cathedral who gave a sermon at the reunion, based her message on a passage in Psalm 86: “Revive us, oh Lord.” She encouraged the UCU alums to embody their alma mater’s identity in every aspect of their lives, urging them to live as missionaries, upholding a standard of ethics and integrity that sets them apart from others in the job market.

By Kefa Senoga
Were it not for charity, Waiswa Moses might not have made it to university studies. His twin sister, Namukose Babirye, temporarily put a halt to education after sitting her Senior Four exams because their single mother, Namugabu Jaliat, a market vendor, could not afford the school fees.

Many familiar with Waiswa’s background did not approve of his desire to contest for the highest office of student leadership at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Kampala Campus. And their disapproval is not because they begrudged him the position of Guild President of the institution. They knew fully well the financial requirements to campaign. Even Waiswa knew he did not have the financial muscle to pull off a successful campaign.

Moses Waiswa’s Journey to UCU Guild Presidency

But somehow, his mother, friends and students helped him to pool resources for his triumphant campaign. In December 2023, the third-year student of Bachelor of Laws was sworn in as the campus’ next Guild President, after he defeated his challenger, Molly Kebirungi. 

The 22-year-old takes over power from Zedekkia Ssekyonda, a student in the School of Medicine who was the first medical student to lead the UCU Kampala guild presidency.

In Ugandan politics, it is rare for people to fully fund one’s political campaigns of someone running for an electoral office. In most cases, it is the contestant who bears all the financial needs of running the campaigns for an electoral office, including facilitating the campaign agents.

Waiswa said in addition to providing the money, his friends also provided the vehicles he used for his campaigns. The money is usually used for fueling the cars, printing campaign fliers and posters and hiring a public address system and music to attract students to the campaign rallies.

In appreciation for the help he got from students and friends, Waiswa has aptly christened his leadership as the People’s Government. In his manifesto, Waiswa promised to “improve the academics, accountability, advocacy and level of sociability at the campus.”

Waiswa’s education has largely been courtesy of bursaries. Even currently, his tuition needs are being met by charity. 

Waiswa joined Compassion International Uganda, a non-governmental organization, for leadership training, after completing his Senior Six. At the organization, Waiswa is a participant in the Leadership Development Initiative, a program that nurtures outstanding students into the leaders of tomorrow. The program empowers youth to become devoted disciples of Christ, unlocking their inherent potential and positively impacting their communities.

When Compassion International Uganda learned of the success of Waiswa in the elections, they congratulated him: “Through the Leadership Development Initiative, we focus on key outcomes such as growth in Christ, wellbeing, youth agency and self-sufficiency. We’re proud to see Hon. Waiswa Moses embodies these principles and we’re confident he will continue to make a meaningful difference in his role as guild President.”

Among the people watching keenly for Waiswa to complete his law degree are some of his five siblings, who are expecting that he will offer financial relief to them. His twin sister, Nakato, who hopes to become a nurse, says is soon joining a nursing and midwifery school to realize her dream. 

Besides academics, Waiswa is also an enthusiastic scout. In 2018, he represented his school, Jinja Senior School located in eastern Uganda, at a scouts camp at the famous Ransburg Scout Reservation on the banks of Lake Monroe in Indiana, USA. At Jinja Secondary School, Waiswa was a student leader — the Head Boy from 2017 to 2018 and Head Prefect from 2019 to 2020.

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Uganda Christian University (UCU’s) sports teams roared into action on the first day of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games. From breathtaking basketball comebacks to netball supremacy and a nail-biting football victory, the UCU Canons, UCU Angels, and UCU Lady Cardinals made their mark on their home turf.

BASKETBALL:

The UCU Canons men’s team overcame a sluggish start and a 10-point deficit to defeat Bugema University in a thrilling overtime battle, 69-67. Coach Nicholas Natuhereza praised his players’ resilience and highlighted the weather delay as a factor in their comeback win.

“We started on a sluggish note and had a big difference to climb back from, but the boys were resilient enough to dig deep and come back with the win,” Natuhereza said.
The UCU lady canons women’s team dominated the court, crushing Makerere Sparks’s 86-21. Tracy Namugosa’s 25 points and 12 rebounds led the charge, setting the tone for their dominance.

“We have had enough practice leading up to this tournament, and we started off the right way and hope to only get better from here on out,” Namusoga said. The UCU Canons also secured a 69-63 victory against Bugema University.

NETBALL:

UCU Angels displayed their netball prowess, thrashing Bishop Stuart University 115-8. Teamwork and precise execution were key to their victory. Raymond Iga, one of the coaches for the UCU Angels, acknowledged the fact that teamwork was their strongest pillar that propelled the team to the victory.

“The win was very refreshing. The ladies have indeed proven that they didn’t waste their time training, but I must say that teamwork was our biggest asset today,” said Iga.

UCU FOOTBALL:

The UCU Lady Cardinals secured a narrow 1-0 win against Kyambogo University. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Sandra Kisakye’s penalty goal in the second half proved decisive. Despite claiming their first game with a 1-0 score line, the UCU Lady Cardinals weren’t entirely content with their performance.

“We have had our first game and have managed to garner three points and one goal. We don’t like the results per se, but we keep going on and trust the process,” said Shadia Nakya, captain of the Lady Cardinals.

However, the day ended on a bittersweet note as the UCU cardinals fell to Makerere University in a heartbreaking 2-0 defeat. The excitement continues, and UCU fans eagerly await their teams’ next triumphs on the AUUS Games stage.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The Rev. Dr. Christopher Yikii Agatre has the distinction of laying the foundation for the  Uganda Christian University (UCU) campus in his native Arua. Agatre, born in Arua in 1962,  set the pace for building the institution when he was appointed as director 14 years ago. In this top administrative position from 2009 to 2014, he oversaw the regional campus’ overall management and operations.

Now a lecturer at the Arua campus under the Department of Social Sciences, Agatre continues to impart knowledge in UCU research methods, social work research design and management, public budgeting and decentralization plus development policy and planning. 

He recently shared part of his educational journey. 

Agatre’s voyage at UCU commenced in 2006 when he joined as the Head of the Department of Development Studies, a position he held for three years. This experience fueled his ambition, leading him to apply for the position of Director of the UCU Arua Campus in 2009. Despite facing competition from three other applicants, Agatre’s qualifications and passion for education shone through, securing him a five-year contract as director.

During his tenure, Agatre achieved significant milestones. These include:

• The student population increased from 324 in 2009 to 688 in 2014. 
• He oversaw the construction of a library, multi-purpose hall and four-roomed lecture block. 
• He came up with an idea of asking students, parents and guardians to bank development fees on a separate account as a way of clearly marking it for infrastructural development.

All the while, he was at the center of mobilizing parents and students’ support for the mega projects the campus was undertaking, especially the construction of the multi-purpose hall. It was during his reign that the land boundary between the campus and the local community was opened.

Despite challenges posed by competition from other institutions, UCU prevailed because of the outstanding strides the campus had made in being a first-choice institution. Agatre said he prioritized the needs of students and staff, focusing on providing a quality education that prepared students for success as key to overcoming the hurdles of mushrooming institutions of higher learning in his region. 

He encouraged students and staff to attend community worship and emphasized prayers before and after each lecture, particularly during his classes.

Agatre Stresses Unique Blend of Education at UCU

He highlights the uniqueness of UCU through its distinctive foundational course units.

“Our foundational courses, such as Understanding Worldviews, the Old and New Testaments and others stand out from those offered at other secular universities,” Agatre explained. 

He said emphasis on Biblical understanding sets UCU students apart, providing them with a well-rounded education that encompasses both academic rigor and spiritual growth.

Agatre said he grew up in a loving and supportive home, guided by Christian parents who emphasized the importance of faith. He recalls his mother, the late Rhoda Ofutaru, who asked at least one from among her seven children to follow in their father’s theology footsteps. Agatre fulfilled his mother’s wish in 2012. 

“Time came for me to hear the calling of God in 2012 while I was the director at Arua campus,” he said. “I started studying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Christian Ministry (Ordination Course) at UCU main campus in Mukono in 2015, graduated and was ordained in 2017. I have served as a priest in the Diocese of Madi-West Nile for six years now.”

After five years on the job as Arua campus director, he embarked on pursuing his PhD, which, as expected, was so engaging, he only managed to squeeze time as a part-time lecturer at the campus.   

Agatre’s education summary is:

1999 – Masters degree in Applied Population Research at Exeter University in the UK.

2001 – Post graduate certificate in Public Finance Management, New Delhi, India 

2008 – Masters degree in Organizational Leadership and Management at UCU 

2017 – A post graduate diploma in Christian Ministries (Theology) at UCU Mukono

2020 – PhD in management and administration at Uganda Management Institute. 

Agatre and his wife, Fredah, have four children and three grandchildren. Outside of his professional pursuits, Agatre finds joy in watching football and proudly supports Manchester United, a top-tier team in England.