By Mukhooli Harry
Uganda Christian University, Mbale University College (UCU MUC) has announced the revival of its evening study programme, which had been suspended in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Vincent Kisenyi, the Principal of UCU MUC, described the programme as a timely intervention for students struggling to balance work and tuition obligations. “Some sessions will run online, which will favor students who are working, and it will be the very first of its kind,” he said, emphasizing the innovation behind the blended learning structure.
The revived evening study programme will combine both physical and online learning,
According to Mr. George Malinga, the Coordinator of the Education Department, the evening programme was initially introduced to cater to government workers and other students with busy schedules, while also serving as a survival strategy for the College. “The programme came to a standstill after the COVID-19 pandemic and has since not been operating,” he said.
The evening programme, which resumes with the September 2025 intake, will cover most courses, including Business, Information Technology, and Social Sciences. However, Education and Theology courses will not be offered under the arrangement.
The decision comes as a response to concerns raised by students who were inconvenienced when the College shifted to strictly day programmes running Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. With the reintroduction of evening sessions, UCU MUC aims to provide more flexible study options for working students and those with other responsibilities.
Students have expressed excitement about the development.
Akoth Ritah, a first-year Bachelor of Business Administration student, said the programme provides her with a second chance to pursue her education. “I wanted to study in 2023 but failed because the evening and weekend programmes were removed. Now, this is an opportune time for me,” she shared.
Building on UCU’s legacy as a pioneer in blended learning particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative is expected to increase enrollment and reaffirm UCU MUC’s role as a leading provider of private higher education in the region.
