By Kefa Senoga 

On September 9, Uganda Christian University (UCU) officially launched two facilities named in honor of individuals whose legacies have left a lasting imprint on the institution and the wider media landscape. The university unveiled the Ben Bella Illakut Studios, home to the Multimedia Centre for the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, and the Jackson Turyagyenda Building, which now houses the Department of Communication and Public Relations as well as the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovations.

Speaking at the event, UCU Vice Chancellor Canon. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi said the university was intentional about honoring these two men who laid foundations for communication and journalism studies both at UCU and beyond. While opening the Ben Bella Illakut Studios, Prof. Mushengyezi mentioned Illakut’s rich experience in journalism and his role in nurturing students through news writing, editing, and feature writing. He noted that it was through Illakut’s vision as head of the then mass communication department now School of Journalism, Media and Communication, with the support of Canadian journalist Thomas Froese, that The Standard newspaper was born, offering practical newsroom experience to students who have gone on to shape Uganda’s media landscape. “The UCU management, planning board, and the university council found it fitting to honor Mr. Illakut by naming this facility after him,” the Vice Chancellor said.

Beyond UCU, Illakut taught at Bishop Barham University College in Kabale, Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara, and All Saints University in Lira, and earlier worked as a reporter and editor for newspapers including Uganda Times, New Vision, and the East African Standard.

While opening the Jackson Turyagyenda Building, Prof. Mushengyezi thanked the Turyagyenda family for there prescence and recalled listening to Rev. Canon Dr. Turyagyenda’s program Focus on Christian Faith, describing him as a passionate communicator who always spoke with conviction and joy. He highlighted Turyagyenda’s pioneering role as the first Provincial Communication Officer of the Church of Uganda and his work in radio evangelism. “Even when the building is broken down in the future, his name will stay,” Prof. Mushengyezi said.

UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe, added that honoring such individuals reflects the tradition of UCU. At the opening of the Ben Bella Illakut Studios, he remarked, “Ben Bella Illakut left a mark not only on campus but also in the life of the students. With these studios named after him, many of the next generation will know about his contribution to UCU. He planted the seeds, and the present university management has been able to water them.” He also noted that UCU was blessed to honor Rev. Turyagyenda during his lifetime at the July 2024 graduation, months before his passing in November of the same year, saying: “He has been remembered, and it is an inspiration to us who are alive.”

Illakut, visibly grateful, thanked the UCU family for supporting him even in retirement. “I am thankful to God for the time I spent working at UCU because it was a healthy and organized environment that nurtured me spiritually,” he said.

Rev. Turyagyenda’s daughter, Sheila Muhumuza, speaking on behalf of the family, described her father’s unmatched commitment to work. “He was so dedicated that even after retiring, he still wanted to continue. He never took a bribe, he was not corrupt, and he worked with integrity. Generations will remember him, and naming this building after him is worth more than money,” she said.

Several other speakers reflected on the impact of both men. Prof. Monica Chibita, former Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, said, “Anybody who has practiced journalism in the last two decades and passed through UCU will remember Ben Bella Illakut very fondly.” Eng. David Kivumbi, Director of Facilities and Capital Projects, highlighted that the rehabilitation of the Turyagyenda Building was part of UCU’s campus transformation initiative, adding, “When we were young, we used to hear Rev. Turyagyenda on radio. It is fitting that this building now carries his name.”

The events were marked with prayer led by Rev. Dr. Muhereza Brian, Associate Dean at UCU’s School of Theology and Divinity, who thanked God for the lives and work of both Illakut and Turyagyenda. In honor of their legacies, trees were planted at both venues, a living symbol of the seeds they sowed in nurturing communication, journalism, and Christian service at the university and beyond.