The media ecosystem thrives in Kampala, Uganda, with a myriad of channels, both online and offline, that try to inform, educate, entertain, and campaign for democracy. The media plays an important part in the lives of ordinary Ugandans, with over 200 radio stations, 30 TV channels, and a handful of newspapers. Appreciation for their work, on the other hand, remains a complex and multidimensional subject.

When students in the Uganda Studies Program (USP) at Uganda Christian University (UCU) depart for their homes and colleges in North America, they leave memories, experiences and some of their gently used items. 

“People are lonely because they build walls, instead of bridges.” That timeless quote, by Joseph Fort Newton, an American 20th Century priest and author, is relevant today and fitting to social and networking opportunities at universities.  

He added that the journalists’ dedication to revealing corruption, promoting transparency, and facilitating public discourse is essential for a healthy democracy to thrive.

In August 2018, he joined the institution as a full-time staff member. Just four months later, the UCU Vice Chancellor at the time, Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, shocked Kigenyi by appointing him the acting principal of the college. The position holder at the time had retired. 

The recent LDC graduates are part of a group of students that finished their final semester despite the hurdles provided by the COVID-19 pandemic. These graduates were the first to complete a one-of-a-kind take-home exam, which was followed by a virtual graduation ceremony. The School of Law’s dean applauded their fortitude and mentioned their recent graduation from the acclaimed Law Development Centre (LDC). UCU recorded 12 first-class out of the top 20 graduates from LDC.