The Uganda Christian University (UCU) community has continued to congratulate the School of Business at UCU for emerging champions of the Inter-Faculty sports games. The School of Business snatched victory from the Faculty of Agriculture. The sports game finals took place on Friday, 15th March 2024 at the University Football pitch.

In the football finals, the game was very tense, as the final whistle blew, the score remained zero at full time forcing players to go in for penalty shootouts. The crowd watched as each penalty was taken, feeling the tension rise with every kick. At the end, it was the Faculty of Agricultural Science who emerged victorious with a score of 3-2 against the School of Business.
The overall winner for the Inter-Faculty sports games was determined based on the faculty that scored and accumulated the highest points.

UCU’s School of Business clinched multiple golden trophies in the male’s basketball, ladies’ basketball, and netball, along with silver trophies in football and volleyball, making them the overall winners of this season’s Inter-Faculty sports games. The campus buzzed with energy, echoing the spirit of competition. Faculty of Agricultural Science secured the second position.

Miss. Agira Birungi, the UCU Guild President, commended all participants for their commitment and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
“I take this opportunity to thank the student body of Uganda Christian University for taking part in the just concluded Inter-Faculty sports games. I am always proud that you exhibit our vision of inclusivity in action. Thank you for remaining disciplined all through the tournament,” Birungi said.

The Inter-Faculty sports games is an extravaganza that happens every semester at Uganda Christian University. We are all looking forward to the next Inter-Faculty sports games.
Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi
Edited By: Harriet Adong, Consultant at UCU’s Communication and Public Relations Department

On Saturday, March 16, Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosted an engaging and educative Career Exhibition Day aimed at providing a platform for students, faculty, and university staff to showcase their multidisciplinary research and innovation projects. The event also served as an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to demonstrate their achievements and network with industry professionals.

Hon. Francis Katabazi Katongole, Member of Parliament for Kalungu East Constituency, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor, highlighting the significance of such initiatives in nurturing students and fostering innovation to feed into Uganda’s development efforts.

Hon. Katabazi in his remarks, encouraged students to see beyond the anticipated salaries for true wealth. He highlighted the importance of identifying societal problems as business opportunities and encouraged starting small with innovative solutions. “Come up with an idea from the problems around you. Start it small, grow it and learn from your mistakes or failures,” Katabazi said. He also emphasized the need for proper adequate self-packaging, product packaging and the significance of having and sharing business cards for effective marketing.

The Head of UCU Honors College, Mr. Dickson Tumuramye, shared that this is an opportunity for students to showcase their innovations, which often go unnoticed within their respective faculties and schools. Mr. Tumuramye noted that the exhibition aimed at showcasing the uniqueness, creativity, and innovativeness of UCU students in the current competitive world.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was the diverse range of projects showcased by students from various faculties.

The UCU Law students presented an app revolutionizing document drafting. What once took lawyers days to create, such as tenancy agreements, can now be accomplished in under a minute using this cutting-edge technology. This breakthrough application not only saves time but also enhances efficiency in legal practice.

Richard Mutebi, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounts student, who spearheads “Ink Pad Solutions,” a student-led initiative showcased their products such as student and staff planner notebooks. Recognizing time management and productivity issues among peers, the group developed a student planner to alleviate coursework deadline pressure and enhance productivity. The planner includes schedules, activity time allocations, focus targets, and reflective tasks. “With positive feedback from fellow students, we are looking forward to further iteration of our solution to incorporate and or take care of this feedback. Thereafter, we envision inclusion of this solution into the university’s admission package,” Mutebi said.

The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences presented an innovative solution to food waste by utilizing it as cricket feeds and having crickets as a sustainable protein source. They also showcased various initiatives from promoting the cultivation of Nakati (a local consumable vegetable in Uganda) to showcasing innovative urban gardening techniques, to maximize crop yields in limited spaces. Additionally, alternative protein sources like crickets were exhibited, alongside sustainable farming methods such as hydroponics and solar drying technologies.

Winnie Namutosi, an assistant lecturer at the faculty of Agricultural Sciences explained that using hydroponics refers to growing crops without necessarily using soil. “We offer hydroponic nutrients available not only today but also on regular occasions at our faculty. This caters for individuals interested in planting methods that do not require them to touch the soil,” Namutosi said.

Students from Faculty of Engineering and Design showcased innovative renewable energy and material solutions. Bak Kau Nak, a third-year student from the Faculty of Engineering presented concrete bricks made from recycled paper waste, with superior strength and affordability compared to traditional concrete blocks. By repurposing discarded materials, he offers a practical solution to waste management while advancing eco-friendly construction practices.

“Our paper waste concrete blocks are cheaper and stronger,” Nak said. “We use what we do not want any more like paper waste to make the concrete blocks.”

The team from the Faculty of Industrial and Fine Art, exhibited a wide array of artworks, ranging from computer graphics like e-art (drawing using a tab and different programs on a computer) and physical art. They also exhibited sculptures, woodwork, paintings, semantics, art works for interior, animations 2D, graphics 3D, and cartoons. fashion pieces showcasing from the drafting stage to the final cloth.

Reagan Okello a finalist pursuing a Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art exhibited soft and hard drinks glasses made from dumped bottles ready for use.

Students from the School of Journalism, Media, and Communication showcased their multimedia projects, including films, short informative videos and podcasts covering sports and lifestyle.

They also presented insights into film production techniques, camera usage, and workflow. Nathaniel Simbilyabo a final-year student pursuing a bachelor of arts in Journalism and Communication showcased his photography portfolio, demonstrating the school’s commitment to nurturing versatile media professionals.

Other schools also exhibited, such as the School of Education, Social Sciences, Divinity and Theology, and the Faculty of Public Health Nursing and Midwifery.

In recognition of their outstanding work and showcase, the UCU Faculty of Engineering, Design, and Technology was recognized as the best exhibitor. All the other exhibitors were acknowledged and appreciated.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

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

On March 13^th through 14^th, 2024, Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosted a team from St. Paul’s University (SPU), Kenya, led by Rev. Prof. James Kombo, the Vice-Chancellor. The visit was marked by warmth and excitement as both institutions shared experiences and further explored potential collaborations.

While at UCU, the visitors had an opportunity to tour UCU premises including the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, the Archbishop’s Palace at Namirembe Hill, UCU Kampala Campus, and UCU main campus in Mukono (a few minutes away drive from Kampala – Uganda’s Capital City and central business center). It was a chance for them to learn more about UCU’s history, culture and operations.

Associate Professor Aaron Mushengyezi, UCU’s Vice Chancellor, expressed happiness at hosting the Kenyan counterparts, highlighting the similarities between the two universities. Assoc. Prof. Mushengyezi while addressing the team from SPU said “You are all warmly welcome to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa and specifically to Uganda Christian University. It is fulfilling that both UCU and SPU share similar values, teaching approaches in addition to being Christian founded and run institutions”.

“We are privileged to host you. When we share about our institutions, what we do, how we do it including the teaching approached and what we believe in all presents the institutions more like twins” Assoc. Prof. Mushengyezi added.

Rev. Prof. James Kombo, SPU’s Vice Chancellor thanked the UCU team for the warm welcome. “This was a planned trip, we were all eagerly looking forward to it. We thank God that two days ago we arrived safely in Uganda and you have all accorded us a high level warm welcome” Prof. Kombo said. He also extended and invitation to the UCU team to visit their university in Nairobi soon.

Michael Mungai, Head of Corporate Affairs at SPU, also expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown by the UCU team. He reechoed the longstanding partnership between the two universities and thanked UCU for their fellowship. “I am greatly honored to be at UCU. I feel at home and I thank God that you (UCU) are standing on the faith of Jesus Christ.”

This visit and engagement are not only geared towards strengthening the bond between UCU and SPU but also provided opportunity for potentially transformative future collaborations between the institutions while also engaging institutional partners. Both institutions look forward to working together for the betterment of service delivery and receipt in the education sector especially as we continue to contribute to community development.

Some of the focus areas for both universities

The two universities have resolved to explore and implement the partnership agreement in the following areas:

• Cultural exchange, which involves reciprocal hosting of delegations on the campuses of the respective universities
• Joint conference
• Capacity-building opportunities for staff
• Student internships, among others

Details about the previous visit: https://ucu.ac.ug/ucu-strikes-up-partnership-with-st-pauls-university/

Compiled by Irene Best Nyapendi and Jimmy Siyasa

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

By Kefa Senoga
In 2018, a patient in a Ugandan hospital labor ward developed a ruptured placenta. As expected, this emergency required all the attention of the medical staff on duty. Many of the women who were in labor in the same ward could only be assisted after handling the urgent situation. 

Akut Suzan, who was among the other women in labor at that time, says when she eventually gave birth to her son, she and her son were exhausted. 

“He did not cry at all,” Akut narrated during a recent seminar at Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus. 

“When I was discharged, he turned yellow and got jaundice. He got sepsis in the umbilical cord, and that part got paralyzed,” she recalled, adding, “By the time we returned to hospital for review, I was told the baby had already been affected, so they could not reverse his situation.”

The result is that for the rest of her life, Akut, who works as a house-help for a living, has to contend with mothering a child with cerebral palsy and other health issues.

At five years now, Ajono Daniel cannot walk by himself; his hands cannot hold anything and he has developed a conversion disorder. He is currently using a walker for movement.

At his age, Ajono would ordinarily be in his second year of a kindergarten class in Uganda. But that is not the case. He has not even started school.

Ajono and Akut were at the UCU main campus on February 16 to participate in a seminar for children with special needs, as well as their parents, and stakeholders. The two-day seminar, held under the theme “Unlocking the Potential Towards Inclusive and Equitable Education for Children with Special Educational Needs in Uganda,” started on February 15.

Akut, a resident of Makindye, a suburb of Kampala, says she has sought, without success, admission for her son in many of the schools that do not offer specialized care for children with special needs. The few that agreed to admit him, she said, increased the tuition fees, with the justification that Ajono needs specialized care. In addition, they asked Akut to hire a special caregiver for her son while at school.  

Amidst all these challenges, Akut remains positive. Her husband and the father of Ajono has not abandoned the two. He has endeavored to provide the little that he gets to support his son, in addition to showing him “unconditional love.” 

“He is not ashamed to carry him, even in public,” she says.

Information at the UCU seminar further reminded Akut that she isn’t alone.

At the dialogue, which took place on the first day of the event, the primary discussion centered on inclusive education, aiming to spark potential actions or policy interventions for the betterment of children with special needs.

The second day of the event was focused on fostering interaction with special needs children, along with their parents and teachers. The objective was to gain insights into their challenges and to advocate support. Akut said by attending the congress, she was able to share with parents who are facing the same dilemma.

When at home “you may think that the situation of your child is the worst, yet there are people out there in worse situations,” Akut said at the congress organized in collaboration between the UCU School of Social Sciences and Promise International, a US-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering and educating children with special needs and their families in Uganda.

Representatives from the government, the academia, the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among others, took part in the congress. Uganda’s minister in charge of disability affairs, Hellen Grace Asamo, was among the special guests.

Sarah Bugoosi, the Commissioner for Special Needs in Uganda, urged parents to embrace and support their children with special needs, and not to listen to negative public opinion about their children.

Dr. Jeremy Waiswa, the coordinator of the partnership between UCU and Promise International, said they fronted the partnership, so that UCU, given its strong foundation on Christian principles, can make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. 

Waiswa said they took advantage of the congress to organize a medical camp for the children. The UCU School of Medicine provided 12 medical students who assisted the medical workers from the university’s Allan Galpin Medical Center to run the medical camp.

By Kefa Senoga
Achito Loyce is not someone who prides in being defined by her past. She does not want challenges to define her. And that is precisely the reason she has defied all odds to transform not just her life, but that of her children, as well as siblings. 

From an early age, Achito, a resident of Soroti in northeastern Uganda, shouldered the responsibility of caring for her seven siblings. Following the passing on of her father and her mother’s ailing health, Achito became both the breadwinner and a mother figure for her family. In fact, her clan members forbade her from marrying because there was no one to take over the responsibility of looking after her family members. 

Achito and her seven siblings were being raised on land their mother’s family had given their father. However, upon the passing on of their father, Achito says her maternal relatives had a change of heart on the land – they sent them off, reasoning that the children were supposed to return to their paternal relatives. And they neither knew the paternal relatives nor where they lived. 

After many months of wandering, Achito and her siblings finally settled on land donated to them by a Good Samaritan. The family knew full well that the odds were stacked against them. For that, they engaged in casual work for willing members of the community, in order to eke a living. 

The family members saved some money, which they used to set up a restaurant in Tuburi Town Council, Soroti district. Achito says the restaurant has not only transformed her life, but also for those who depend on her. She has been able to meet the needs of her family, including educating her four sons. The boys are now grown children, and each of them is living in their independent homes. From the restaurant, she has also been able to save money and build a permanent house.

Five kilometers away from the home of Achito is Anayo Mary, a widow. Anayo was living with her husband in Adjumani, northwestern part of Uganda. However, upon his death, she says she faced economic hardships that made it almost impossible for her to take care of her four children. She gave in and returned to her parents in Soroti.

Currently, Anayo runs small businesses, which she complements with farming. She is actively involved in livestock farming. Additionally, she engages in the sale of agricultural produce, such as millet, tomatoes, wheat and soya. She also owns 100 plastic chairs, which she rents out to people who have parties in the community. 

The solid business acumen of Anayo and Achito are not by accident. The two have undergone training in running businesses, including basics of how to save money, book keeping and accounting, customer care and record keeping.  

Destiny Community Development Initiative (DECODI) is one of the organizations that have held the hands of Anayo and Achito, and shown them how to keep afloat in the world of business. 

Elotu Mercy, an alum of Uganda Christian University, who is the head of business and investment at DECODI, notes that many of their beneficiaries, just like Anayo and Achito, have been able to improve their livelihood using interventions, such as those provided by DECODI. 

The organization mobilizes and applies its resources, leverages its networks, and avails its expertise to engage with, and

directly meet the psychological, economic and social basic needs of vulnerable women and their homesteads, focusing on single mothers in northeastern Uganda.

It is not easy for one to do proper bookkeeping when they are illiterate. Therefore, DECODI runs programs on adult learning to equip its beneficiaries with literacy skills that can enable them to successfully run their businesses. Both Achito and Anayo are graduates of the organization’s literacy classes.

One of the current learners in the adult education program, Amoding Sarah, says they have learned about keeping proper sanitation at home. She says one of the reasons for joining the program was because she wanted to learn how to keep proper hygiene in her home.  

“I have been able to learn about a balanced diet and now I am able to feed my family well and nutritiously,” Amoding says.

Micheal Eberu, an official at DECODI, said although their target is women, they also include men in their programs, reasoning that in many communities, when women get more economically empowered than the men, it can create domestic violence.  On many occasions, men can sabotage women’s projects because they feel marginalized. As Eberu elaborates, they often implore the men to work with the women.