By Eriah Lule
Uganda Christian University (UCU), Law class of 2012, has donated money towards the renovation of the School’s premises. The announcement was made by Patrick Turinawe , the organising chairman of their Class Reunion during a thanksgiving ceremony to celebrate 10 years after graduation.
The class raised a million shillings for the renovation of the school of law premises at the main campus.
Hon. Mark Walusimbi Kezala, the outgoing Member of Parliament for the Law Constituency, echoed that it is always heartwarming and exemplary when the alumni embark on such projects at the university. It sets precedence for other classes of lawyers—the old guard and the new breed—to follow suit.
“We were so blessed and touched by this class, they have truly shown a good example to us, and we shall carry on the spirit in high gear,” he said.
Sarah Taboswa Chamonges, a Lecturer at the School of Law, applauded the good work that the team has done, since UCU is celebrating 25 years and Bishop Tucker is 100. The alumni engaging with the university fraternity is another milestone.
“You’re the reason as to why we celebrate the institution’s existence; coming back gives us a real reflection of what and why we should celebrate,” she said, “for you’ve laid a stone and set an example for others to do as you have done.”
Daphine Masika Kasiotho, the alumni administrator, commended the Class’ initiative of bonding for a long time as well as giving back to the university. Such small and organised groups make mobilisation possible as arrangements for events are effortlessly made possible, which lights an inextinguishable fire in the alumni movement.
“Our major aim as Alumni is to effectively impact the university in all possible ways, a spirit we are still carrying on.” She said it jokingly.
In addition to the funds, they also held career counseling sessions. They also congregated for thanksgiving during community worship as the class celebrated a decade since they were passed out.
Patrick Turinawe a senior Associate at ENS Africa, the team’s chairman, remarked that Thanksgiving has been a strategy that has brought them back together despite the different individual work destinations, to connect with one another so we can help ourselves.
“We have created our data base to locate who is where and what they are doing so that we can network as well as mobilize to champion UCU’s interests,” he added.
During the luncheon with students, Ruth Komuntale the Managing Director of ECOCA East Africa noted that the world is looking for a problem solver in all aspects: “If you can’t prove that you can solve a challenge, that means you can’t be of use at any point.”
“You must always aim to be solution-based in whatever you major in.” “This will prove your relevance to the community,” she said. In the same breath, she emphasized that upholding Christian principles is paramount in this day and age.
Roger Otim Cillas, a finalist, pleaded for more similar engagements, as they are primarily important for the growth of social capital.
The six-day celebrations concluded with the distribution of 24 palm tree seedlings to be planted on the main campus grounds. Among the guests were Her Worship Linda Nakalema Lutakoome , a Grade one Magistrate at Jinja City . Arthur Kukundakwe the Resident State Attorney for Nakaseke District, Brian Kambaho an associate partner with Arcadia Advocates, Cynthia Kankindi a Legal Consel with Africa Legal Support Facility and Sheila Laker a Forensic and Fraud Investigator with Uganda Revenue Authority
Others included Emmanuel Okwaja a Chartered Secretary with Stanbic Holdings Limited, Gerald Emuron an Investment Consultant also with Stanbic Bank,Jonathan Mwesigwa Ssekiziivu an Editor in Chief of ‘The Sword’, Sarah Rubombora Kansiime the Company Secretary of Eagle Air, Festo Asiimwe Tindyebwa a Managing Partner at Festo & Co. Advocates, Ivan Mugambe a private legal practitioner, Prosper Katungye an advocate, Dr.Herbert Rwakiseeta a writer and motivatinal speaker based in Rwanda and Eliab Naturinda, the Chairman of Africa Immigration Advisory Services and a Partner at PHLEB Advocates.