By Yasiri J. Kasango
Professor Angella Napakol, the newly appointed Director of Academic Affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU), has taken on a pivotal role with a clear mission – to uphold and enhance the quality of academic services at the institution. Known for her unwavering dedication to academic excellence, Prof. Napakol aims to build upon UCU’s strong foundation while introducing innovative measures to elevate the university’s educational standards and student experience.
Professor Napakol’s vision is centered on maintaining the university’s high standards.
“I’m interested in maintaining the quality of teaching and learning as well as improving in some areas,” Napakol emphasised. Her commitment to these goals is backed by a rich history of academic and professional accomplishments.
Napakol’s journey at UCU began in 2013, but her dedication to education and professional development started long before that. She pursued various minor courses even before her graduation with a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, including an Administrative Law course at the Law Development Centre (LDC) and a counseling course specialising in peer-to-peer counseling. These early educational pursuits were driven by her determination to gain diverse knowledge and skills.
Despite her initial interest in a career in counseling, Napakol’s path took several turns. “Before I completed my bachelor’s in Social Sciences, I applied for masters in Public Health at Makerere University and Business Administration at the University of North Dakota. MUK didn’t give me,” said Napakol.
Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Napakol briefly worked at Standard Chartered Bank as a sales person in the sales department. This experience proved transformative, guiding her towards a passion for health communication. “When I got a job at Standard Chartered Bank I told myself I need to make money, I don’t do these things of school, I don’t want stress,” she recalled. “But working there opened my eyes about what I wanted to do.”
Napakol’s time at Standard Chartered Bank involved working with young people, which sparked her interest in effective communication about health issues. She said that she saw the young people were leading reckless sex lives. “I thought that the messages passed on weren’t effective,” she said. This led her to change her application at the University of North Dakota to Mass Communication. She was intrigued by the challenge of improving the effectiveness of health-related messages for youth. Her subsequent request to the University of North Dakota to pursue both Mass Communication and Public Health was approved, although she completed only the Mass Communication programme due to delays in the Public Health programme’s launch.
After obtaining her master’s degree in Mass Communication, Napakol returned to Uganda with a desire to rest. However, boredom after a month of rest prompted her to seek employment. She initially approached Makerere University but eventually found her place at UCU. Despite initial reservations about the institution, known primarily for training reverends, Napakol was hired under the department of Mass Communication by Professor Monica Chibita and quickly became an integral part of UCU’s academic community.
Her role at UCU grew significantly, including a pivotal moment when she was informed about a Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) project that offered an opportunity to pursue a PhD in South Africa. This international academic experience further enriched her expertise and prepared her for more significant responsibilities upon her return.
When she got back to UCU, Napakol faced challenges related to the perception of the Mass Communication discipline. Initially, both students and staff viewed communication primarily as public relations, undervaluing its broader scope and importance. However, she worked tirelessly to shift these perceptions and enhance the understanding and appreciation of communication as a vital field.
Her efforts included developing the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication master’s Strategic Communication programme, the first program concentrating on communication in Uganda. This programme has played a crucial role in advancing the field and providing students with relevant and comprehensive education.
As the new Director of Academic Affairs, Napakol brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future. She believes that continuous improvement and adaptation are essential for maintaining relevance in the ever-changing educational landscape. “We as teachers and curriculum developers need to be aware of the world we are in because at the end of the day it’s about relevance—so what you are teaching must be relevant to the students and the world,” Napakol stated.
Her recent attainment of Associate Professor status highlights her significant academic achievements and dedication to advancing the communication profession. She is committed to ensuring that UCU grows the institution’s academic excellence and innovation, equipping students to face the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
Napakol is committed to enhancing the overall student experience at UCU. She recognises the importance of a holistic approach to education that includes not only rigorous academic training but also support for students’ personal and professional development. This includes fostering a supportive learning environment, providing opportunities for practical experience, and ensuring that students are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen careers.
Her journey from a determined student to a respected academic leader serves as an inspiration, reflecting the values of dedication, resilience, and continuous learning.
