In the shadows of society lies a sinister truth, one that haunts communities and shatters the very fabric of safety and trust. As the sun sets and darkness envelopes the cityscape, a chilling phenomenon takes hold—the surge of crime.

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. 

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.

Gerald Emmanuel Abura, president of the para-counsellor association pursuing a bachelor of social works and social administration, is one such friend. After a female classmate was humiliated for staining her skirt, he came up with the ‘Pad a Girl’ initiative to tackle such situations for the poor girls who cannot afford to buy sanitary towels.

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.

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi’s recent visit to the United States focused on partnerships, strengthening ties with prominent academic and other institutions, and exploring collaborative opportunities. During the same period of the trip (November 29 to December 9, 2023), Prof. Mushengyezi attended the African Studies Association Conference in San Francisco, Calif., among other high-level interactions.