By Ivan Tsebeni
Uganda’s Golden Jubilee Medal was launched in 2012 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from the United Kingdom. The latest recipient is Dr. Ruth Senyonyi, a leader in Christian and secular work and the wife of the former Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor, John Senyonyi.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni provided her with the award on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2022, in Kampala.
Among major accomplishments contributing to the award is Ruth Senyonyi’s service as a human resource specialist at the Bank of Uganda for over 22 years from November 1998 to her retirement in March 2021. Ruth Senyonyi also served as the Provincial President of the Mothers Union of Anglican Church of Uganda.
“In this work, I was able to support and bring hope to families by providing psycho-social counselling, mentorship, and training,” she said.
She believes it was a great honour to be recognized by the President.
“My family was excited by this award,” she said, adding. “I have received many congratulatory messages from family, friends and former workmates.”
After retiring from the Bank of Uganda where she served as Deputy Director in the Human Resource Department, Ruth Senyonyi has been engaged in private counselling. She is the Director of Bethel Counselling and Consultancy Centre located in Naalya, Kampala – Uganda where she provides assistance in areas such as marriage, parenting, career, and personal management.
This was not her first time to be awarded in recognition of her professional abilities. Between, 2004 and 2005, she received the Centennial Vocational Award for the year 2004-2005 by the Rotary Club of Kampala City, Rotary International District 9200 “in recognition of her selfless contribution towards the community through counseling.”
Ruth Senyonyi also has received the award of outstanding graduate of Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and supervision, School of Psychology and Counseling, presented to her on May 4, 2012, by Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia USA. In 2019, she was made Canon of All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, Kampala Diocese in the Church of Uganda by the then Archbishop, The Most Rt. Rev. Stanley Ntagali, in great honour of her service to the living God.
The Director of Student’s Affairs (DOSA) at UCU, Bridget Mugume said Ruth Senyonyi’s recognition is an inspiration to all women at UCU.
“This achievement yields (publicity) for UCU,” she said, “It takes a lot of effort to be recognized by the head of state.”
Ruth Senyonyi is a mother of four with one daughter and three sons.
