By Vanessa Kyalimpa
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mbale University College in eastern Uganda has launched a drive to raise funds for the expansion of the institution’s infrastructure. With the sh1.5billion (about $400,000) that the university college is seeking, the institution hopes to set up a sports complex, buy computers and servers for its information and communications technology laboratory, as well as to purchase a bus to help in transporting its athletes.
The college hopes to use sh300million (about $80,000) for setting up the sports complex, sh500million (about $133,000) for the purchase of computers and sh100million (about $26,000) for the computer servers. Also in the plan is a 67-seater bus that is estimated to cost sh600million (about $160,000).
If acquired, the computers are intended to support the university’s policy of enhancing virtual learning by making the delivery of most of the courses blended in nature – both physical and virtual.
At the launch of the fundraising drive in September, an event that was preceded by a march with a brass band in Mbale town, more than sh240million (over $64,000) was collected in cash and pledges. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who was represented at the function by Mbale Resident District Commissioner, Ahamada Washaki, pledged sh200million (about $53,000).
According to Mrs. Innocent Manana, the Principal of the College, the sports facilities will enable the college to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and the general well-being among the young people who will use the complex.
The Rt. Rev. John Wilson Nandaah, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mbale, who spoke on behalf of the Rt. Rev. Samuel Bogere Egesa, the chairperson of the college’s governing council, said there are many young people in the area who were eager to use the sports complex to nurture their talents.
“Our university students engage in several sports disciplines and have won several trophies, which prompted us to think of constructing a complex (to facilitate) developing their talents,” Nandaah said.
The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UCU, who represented Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, said the construction of the sports complex will not only enhance the physical needs of the students, but also equip those who are talented in sports. In support of the cause, the UCU main campus contributed sh5million (about $1,300).
The university college became a Constituent College of Uganda Christian University in 2016. Although largely undeveloped with a few lecture rooms, a nearly empty library and without hostel facility, the study centre took advantage of its location in the heart of Mbale town to grow in academic stature by introducing evening programs to cater for the working-class, as well as expanding the academic programs.
To enhance research excellence, the college now has over eight staff with PhD degrees and more have enrolled in different universities to pursue their doctorates.
To support the cause, one can send a contribution to Uganda Partners or deposit into the college’s bank account:
Bank name: Stanbic Bank, Mbale branch
Account name: Uganda Christian University Mbale
Account number: 9030005907666
