By Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
Uganda Christian University (UCU) was selected as the best exhibitor at the recent Omwoleso ogw’ebyenjigiriza (Educational exhibition ) organized by the Buganda Kingdom’s Ministry of Social Services (Education and Health) and Nnaabagereka’s office between 26th – 28th June 2024 under the theme “Twetaase Nawokeera we’biragalalagala” (Let us save ourselves from the plight of drug abuse ) at Ssazza grounds Kyaggwe, Mukono District .
The Exhibition attracted different Universities including UCU and secondary schools from within the Kingdom . The Guest of Honour , Buganda Premier Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga in a speech delivered by the Speaker of the great Lukiiko (Buganda Parliament) Owek. Patrick Luwaga urged head teachers to fight against drug abuse among school students, “Nsaba abakulu abamasomero abali wano okutwaala ensonga y’ebiragalalagala mu bayizi nga enkulu ddala” he said.
The Ssazza grounds is a historical venue which is also believed to be the first home of Kintu and Nambi, the mythical first Baganda. Interestingly Ssazza grounds hosts a cemented stone where Uganda’s land mapping is said to begin from .
According to Kalumba Ronald, a journalist working with Buganda Broadcasting Service (BBS TV) , Kyaggwe is one of the 18 counties that belong to Buganda Kingdom with the biggest land mass area bordering Busoga kingdom .
Historically , it is said Kyaggwe used to defend Buganda Kingdom from any enemy that came from the Eastern part of Uganda because of the many geographical features like the Mirembe Hill . It is also blessed with tourism sites like the Ssezibwa falls whose river has myth beliefs claiming that it was born by a woman.
UCU’s presence at the exhibition was received with enthusiasm and excitement, as students toured the various schools’ booths to learn more about the different academic programmes and research efforts .
Mazaki Maurice from the academic office emphasized the reason UCU takes part in exhibition,s “ We are doing what we call career guidance , extending services deep down to the students but also to the parents , telling them how the courses UCU offers would benefit them” said Maurice . The exhibition presented an excellent opportunity for UCU to meet with prospective students .
Ali Emmanuel, a form six Arts student from St Mary’s College, Lugazi, pointed out that he had benefited from visiting the different stalls belonging to UCU, “ I have benefited a lot actually, this is a good experience, you can see most things physically. We are being taught theoretically but now I can see and it’s real.” .
Esther Katamba a student from Trinity College, Nabbingo said that her experience was educative and inspiring
This exhibition happens every after four years rotating among the different Masaza within the Buganda Kingdom.
