By Emmanuel Adigesi (Photography by Simbilyabo Nathaniel)
Uganda Christian University (UCU) came alive from June 10th to 16th, 2024, with the vibrant celebrations of the annual International Students Week, held during the Trinity Semester. This year’s theme, “Different Cultures, One People,” beautifully encapsulated the spirit of unity and diversity among the international student community.
Monday: Awareness and Clean-Up Drive
The week kicked off with a dedicated day of service. International students took to the campus grounds for a thorough clean-up, coupled with classroom rounds to raise awareness about the International Students Association (ISA) Week. This proactive start set the tone for a week of engagement and community spirit.
Tuesday: Community Worship
Tuesday was a day of spiritual reflection and cultural integration as ISA led the UCU community in a special worship session. The day underscored the university’s strong emphasis on faith and the collective spiritual journey of its diverse student body.
Wednesday: Movie Night
The midweek festivities brought a relaxing yet engaging Movie Night at the iconic M4 venue. Students gathered to enjoy films that celebrated various cultures, fostering a sense of global camaraderie and mutual appreciation.
Thursday: A Feast for All
On Thursday, the international students showcased their culinary skills by serving lunch and supper to the entire UCU community. This day of shared meals highlighted the importance of food in bringing people together and offered a taste of the diverse cultures represented at the university.
Friday: Cultural Exhibition
Friday was the pinnacle of the week’s celebrations, featuring a grand cultural exhibition. Students from South Sudan, Congo, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other countries presented their traditional foods, dances, and cultural artifacts. The event was graced by the deputy head of mission Burundi embassy in Uganda, H.E. Renovat Nimbona and other esteemed university administrators, adding to the day’s prestige and significance.
Saturday: Sports and Barbecue
The penultimate day saw a lively convergence of ISA students from the Kampala campus with those at the main campus. The day was packed with friendly basketball and football matches, fostering healthy competition and team spirit. The basketball game ended in a close 59-56 victory for Kampala campus, while the football match concluded 2-1 in their favour. The evening barbecue provided a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection on the week’s activities.
Sunday: Community Outreach
The final day marked a heartfelt conclusion with a community outreach visit to Bishop West Primary School in Mukono. ISA leaders and association heads spent time with children, including those with disabilities, emphasizing the university’s commitment to social responsibility and inclusive support.
This year’s ISA Week was a resounding success, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Daniel Mulengetsi from Congo, and the 26th Guild Government. Despite numerous challenges, their leadership ensured that the activities ran smoothly and were enjoyed by all. The associations were supported financially with 200,000 shillings each to prepare for the food exhibition and cultural gala, underscoring the university’s commitment to celebrating its diverse student body.
International Students Week at Uganda Christian University was not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of the university’s core values of unity, diversity, and community. The week-long series of events brilliantly demonstrated how different cultures can come together to create a harmonious and enriching environment for all.
