Feature

When Samantha Mwesigye took over power and became the 27th Guild President of the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Guild Government, she laid out a four-point manifesto targeting accountability, student life, tuition and security. 

Missing an exam is one of the most unsettling experiences a student can face. For me, it wasn’t just a test; it was the final step in a journey I had planned meticulously like any other student would. I had always set educational goals for myself, worked hard to achieve them on time, and was confident as I began my final semester of Uganda Christian University’s Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication programme.

Coming from a humble background with a peasant father, Patience Akampurira had no hope of joining a university after completing A’ level in 1998. It was like a dream and yet an answered prayer when her father, a very committed Christian and a canon in the Church of Uganda heard about Uganda Christian University (UCU) and how it offered other programs apart from theology.  Her father quickly sent for the application forms, and she was offered an opportunity to study for a Bachelor of Arts concurrent with a Diploma in Education (BAED). 

We have all failed in life at some point, but we have not been worthless. We are still alive and moving forward with greatness in one area or another. To some, failure came as a learning experience, and they got over it with more courage and focus. Other people never believed they could try again, and all their hope was shattered. That is also part of life. Life has never been straight.

Ordinarily, when a student studies Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics at A’level in Uganda, chances are they will opt to pursue a course in medicine at university. That was not the case with Emmanuel Okia. He says even before he completed A’level, he knew his heart was elsewhere.