By Elton Mwidu
Uganda Christian University (UCU) held a special blessing ceremony to officially send off four students selected for an international exchange programme at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.
The four students, two from the School of Social Sciences and two from the
School of Business, will embark on a five-month study programme. The exchange is
part of the ongoing UCU–Hanze University partnership, which aims to provide students
with global exposure, academic excellence and practical learning experience.
UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, congratulated the students, calling the exchange a “life-changing opportunity.”
He emphasized the value of the experience, stating, “This programme adds value not only to your academics and life, but also to your CV. You are going to have an adventure and you will face challenges, but after a few weeks, you will make friends.”
Prof. Mushengyezi encouraged the students to be patient, curious and humble, urging them to utilize the sophisticated learning tools at Hanze University to “sharpen your skills.” “If you don’t know anything, ask. If you need anything, do not assume.” he advised.
Speaking on behalf of the selected students, Esther Ankunda Agaba, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the program. “We are very excited to experience new things, and see what we have never seen before. I thank God for this opportunity and the University for this amazing program,” she said.
“We shall utilize it and ensure there is a change. We shall stand in the gap and represent this University as expected of us.”
Another beneficiary, John Guest Byebyona, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this programme. “I am lucky to take part in this exchange program and expect to learn new things academically.” he said.
“For anyone who doubts the power of change at UCU, we are a true testament. I encourage fellow students and those yet to join that UCU is a place to be—if you are at UCU, the best is yet to come.”
Paul Agaba, a guardian to one of the students and UCU alumnus, described the initiative as “transformational,” thanking the University for the opportunity.
Dr. Jonathan Tumwebaze (PhD), Dean of the School of Social Sciences, reiterated the University’s vision to be a “center of excellence” and thanked the parents and coordinators for their investment.
Dr. Mugisha Henry (PhD), Dean of the School of Business, hailed the exchange as a “milestone for UCU.” He stated, “Being accepted to partner with a first-class university reflects the excellence of UCU. The Western world has recognized us.”
The UCU-Hanze partnership began in 2018 and has grown over the past eight years into a strong collaboration focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development. UCU values partnerships, as a key driver of academic excellence and practical learning, equipping students with the skills and opportunities they need to innovate, solve real-world challenges and compete globally.