By Nicole Nankya
On September 29, 2021, Nathanael Simbilyabo traveled from Nyankunde, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to Uganda Christian University (UCU) to pursue a bachelor of arts in journalism and communication ( BAJC). He is passionate about it and will help him achieve his dream of becoming a voice for the voiceless.
”I am passionate about mass communication because I am looking beyond my studies,” Nathanael said. “I want to become a voice for the voiceless for the people back home,” he added.
His passion for journalism starts from way back home. In 2012, Nathanael’s father, Nobamuzi Simbilyabo, set up a radio station (99.00 fm) with the aim of preaching the gospel and giving hope to the community, which was affected by war. Nathanael was actively involved in the production work from 2018 to 2020. In these two years, he developed a love for mass communication and exhibited it through hard work. He was promoted from technician to chief studio technician, then finally to co-director after his father.
Nobamuzi supports his son’s decision to study BAJC, believing that the skills will benefit the country and, in particular, radio. “We hope he will be a blessing to the country and to my radio station,” said Nobamuzi.
Apparently, Nathanael is in his second year and says UCU feels like home. He has got to meet and interact with people from different nationalities that come together under the International Students Association (ISA) and meet his fellow Congolese in the Congolese association.
Furthermore, he claims that the skills he has gained while studying at BAJC have benefited both him and 99.00 FM. ” It is because of the mass communication I am studying that I have been able to learn how to edit, create, and manage websites, Nathanael said. “I have used them to create content for the radio’s YouTube channel and website,” he added.
Francis Acaye, a lecturer and studio technician at UCU, affirmed that his character and devotion will surely help him achieve his goals.
“He is open-minded and intentional with his goals.” Acaye said. “I have worked with him on a couple of projects, and they were successful, and I believe he will make a good journalist,” he added.
Away from Nathaniel, other international students have talked about their experiences in the UCU community. Bushenyula Shebakanga, the president of the UCU Congolese Association, noted that the education at UCU is outstanding compared to other universities and that the environment is friendly for nationals and non-nationals.
A Nigerian student, Praise Mathias Rindi, in his third year of pursuing a Bachelor of Basic Science in Information Technology, says his experience at the university has been fruitful. “My experience at UCU has been one of growth, learning, and full of opportunities,” Rindi said.
The UCU International Student Office serves all incoming and currently enrolled international students.
