THE UMU Vol. 1, Issue No. 1 July - September, 2017 …...THE UMU Alumni Vol. 1, Issue No. 1 July -...

THE UMU Alumni Vol. 1, Issue No. 1 July - September, 2017

THE UMU ALUMNI

Launching the Inaugural Edition David Busobozi, Alumni Relations Officer

I present to you the UMU Alumni. In this inaugural edition we give you the highlights from the launch of the Uganda Martyrs University Silver Jubilee celebrations, a message from the Vice Chancellor and the Dean of Students, among other key personalities including: the pioneer UMUSU President, Professor Vincent Bagire and an interview with Assoc. Prof. Michael Mawa on his journey as the first student to arrive at UMU in 1993 and how he has since become the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UMU. We also ran through our archives in a bid to revive a proposal from 2012 for an UMUAA road map. Last but not least, we bring you profiles of a sample of our UMU Alumni and some brainteasers as well as some photos of your beautiful UMU environment and associated events.

The VC in his message cites that UMU has got over 16,517 Alumni currently, suggesting that the number has multiplied by over 200 since 1996. This therefore is a deliberate effort to reach out to our thousands of Alumni. We will do this online every quarter; to update you about ongoing activities while celebrating our impact through our numerous portfolios. Enjoy this edition!

Inaugural Edition �1

Image above: Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi | Main Administration Building.

©ARO Office

What’s Inside? Words of Wisdom 2 to 7 Special Interview 8 to 10 Brain teaser 10 Memories/Scenes 11 Profiles/Career Moves 12

Uganda Martyrs University Alumni Association (UMUAA)


Launching the Silver Jubilee Celebrations Margaret B. Nangooba, UMU Public Relations Officer

Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) launched the Silver Jubilee Celebrations on 10th May 2017 at Lubaga Campus in Kampala under the theme, “Celebrating 25 years of Excellence in the Footsteps of the Uganda Martyrs.” During the launch, there was a ground breaking ceremony for the Silver Jubilee Complex which was led by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye who represented the Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni; and the Papal Nuncio. He was flanked by other Ministers; of Finance Matia Kasaija, of Karamoja Affairs Eng. John Byabagambi and Owek. Eng. Martin Kasekende from the Buganda government.Minister Tumwesigye promised that government will support UMU in every way possible to ensure that their dream of putting up the Jubilee Complex is realized and requested his fellow Ministers to rally behind him on this. The Vice Chancellor Rev. Prof. John Chrysostom Maviiri said


Image below: The Papal Nuncio and Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye launching the construction of the Silver Jubilee Complex at Lubaga.

©PRO Office

“In Virtue and Wisdom, Lead the World”


that the launch marked the beginning of various events which will be held throughout the period leading to the climax that will be held on 18th October 2018. Some of the events shall include; a marathon, fundraising dinners, and community outreach activities among others.The event was presided over by the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Michael August Blume and attended by the Archbishop of Uganda Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the Chairperson of UMU Governing Council who is also the Bishop of Nebbi, Lino Sanctus Wanok, the Bishop of Lira, Joseph Franzelli, MPs, Alumni, members of the Governing Council, former Vice Chancellors and founders of UMU, Parents, staff and students among others. Over 20 million shillings was raised in cash and pledges on that day.

Vice Chancellor’s Word I warmly congratulate the Uganda Martyrs University Alumni community on the establishment of the first Alumni Newsletter – The UMU Alumni.

Our Alumni are an integral part of the University. Therefore, the University wishes to connect with them all the time. The Alumni network will enable Uganda Martyrs University to strengthen and expand the level of communication and relationships, locally and internationally. In addition, this newsletter will help the Alumni to engage the University in its activities for posterity.

Part X (C) of the University Charter and Statutes gives provision for the University Alumni Association, which should consist of graduates of the University, former staff, former members of Council, and any other such persons as may be authorised by the University Council. Currently the University has 16,517 Alumni, having had a humble beginning of 72 graduates at its first congregation in 1996.

This Newsletter is an excellent tool to keep the Alumni connected with each other, and to link with the Alma Mater all the time. I therefore, encourage the Alumni to always be in touch with the editorial team and the Alumni Relations Officer to share news items that can be helpful in building Uganda Martyrs University.

Lastly, UMU has become of age. On 10th May 2017, it launched the celebrations of its Silver jubilee, which will climax on 18th October 2018. Please mark this date in your diaries. I thank those who participated in the launching ceremony at Lubaga and invite all to actively engage in the Jubilee events. The theme is: Celebrating 25 years of Excellence in the Footsteps of the Uganda Martyrs. The fundraising for the construction of the Silver Jubilee


Image below: Rev. Prof. John Chrysostom Maviiri, Vice Chancellor

©ARO Office

“Uganda Martyrs University. Cultural and Religious Diversity. Campus in diverse green to Savour. Only one within metres of the Equator.”


Complex at Lubaga is on.

Dean of Students’ Word I welcome you to the first edition of THE UMU Alumni, a quarterly newsletter dedicated to the affairs of the Uganda Martyrs University Alumni community. Every quarter, the Alumni Relations Office and the editorial team will make an electronic publication to reach the wider Alumni Community of Uganda Martyrs University.

This newsletter will bridge the information gap between the Alumni and their Alma Mater - UMU.

I invite the UMU Alumni to contribute news items to the editorial team to keep the stakeholders informed on the affairs of the University and Alumni community.

I am happy to inform you that Uganda Martyrs University is establishing an Alumni Information System and website. The system will ease the registration and updating of the personal data of members of the Alumni community online for the benefit of networking among the Alumni. I also encourage the Alumni to always check for information on the website being developed.

Let me take this opportunity to inform you that the Alumni


Such PLANS have been made previously.

It is high time we ACTED on them as a UNIT!

Images above and below: Sr. Cecilia Mary Draru, Dean of Students | A proposed (2012) framework to build from.

©ARO Office


Relations Office is currently spearheading the creation of Alumni Chapters. So far, chapters have been created in Karamoja sub region as well as Bunyoro sub region. The plan is to reach all regions and other international Alumni. I encourage the Alumni to embrace this ongoing exercise.

In conclusion, I invite the UMU Alumni to get involved in the Alumni activities as planned by the leadership of Uganda Martyrs University Alumni Association (UMUAA) especially the Silver Jubilee celebrations and class reunions and most importantly to support the University projects. In addition, reflect on the value your Alma Mater added to your life and the values you stand for and then initiate key projects and partnerships that can benefit your Alma Mater.

Professor Vincent Bagire I am happy to share a few insights in this pioneer issue of the UMU Alumni (Newsletter). I am posing to you colleagues a similar question that was directed at me after doctoral defense at the University of Nairobi as I excitedly talked of leaving the university – at last! That is what happened to us all Alumni, we left UMU; ironically in all cases we leave when we are sincerely tired and wanting to change. At the side streams of celebrating the completion we forget that we remain part of the history of the Alma Mater. At the point of departure we are not awash with the huddles ahead, we just want to be less associated with what we have gone through.

But you are not done. The essence of being an Alumni is having gone through that experience, moving on in life, to possibly greater heights and looking back to sigh with excitement of the worthy experience we all had at the university. That is the very reason we must remain active Alumni, often return to see our home and to tell the stories.

This newsletter is a welcome initiative as we celebrate twenty five years of UMU. But in the pioneering class sharing of information was key in the milestones of our time. Just in three weeks of the first year, a group of us, Charles Ndandiko, Chris Mugabi, Solomon Tusimire and Elizabeth Kikule, we launched what became popular through the three years, a weekly newsletter called Martyrs Watch. The issues were a weekly hand written set of stories within and outside Nkozi on manila sheets. We started with one and by the end of second year we were using four and even more with pictures pasted. We published special issues on computer typeset, thanks to Dr. Carabine, the then director of the Institute of Ethics. Martyrs Watch was joined by other initiatives like The Confidential, which provided a critique of general life at campus. We also note


Pioneer UMUSU President Editor, Martyrs Watch,

1993 – 96.

“Doing Alright, Thanks to UMU”

Image below: Professor Vincent Bagire, MUBS

©ARO Office


that the Vice Chancellor’s office produced a Newsletter periodically to inform stakeholders.

So the Alumni office is not out of step, it is fulfilling a norm albeit belatedly. I ask the readers to also write, provide feedback and share experiences. This will make the newsletter lively and attractive to a wider readership. So we have not left UMU; we remain part of it forever. We must all be interested to hear what is happening there, and also to learn of experiences of our contemporaries, predecessors and posterity.

Wishing you greater heights.


Image below: The Gardens of Edirisa - Ideas and fortunes kindled about a fireplace.

©Thomas Agaba Onyango



Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri Thinking of having a voice in the bigger UMU Alumni family, we the UMU Alumni that hail from Hoima Catholic Diocese, Bunyoro sub region have chosen to consolidate ourselves into an Alumni Chapter. Resulting from a meeting convened by the UMU Alumni Relations Officer on 19th February 2017 the first Executive Committee was elected. The Chapter leadership is comprised of Mr. Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri (Chairperson), Maryhellen Nyanjura as Vice chairperson, Mr. Aliinde Tom as General Secretary, Mrs. Grace Mary Mugasa (Publicity Secretary), Ms. Barugahara Lillian (Treasury) and Rev Fr. Mugisa Patrick as (Patron).

During the first Executive meeting of the UMU Alumni –Hoima Chapter held on 2nd July 2017 at Hoima Kolping Hotel, members reiterated the importance of having an umbrella under which fellow Alumni can come together to share opportunities and challenges and foster UMU's noble causes. A number of resolutions agreed upon, including creating an Alumni database to know their location and any activities they are involved in. The committee agreed to hold quarterly meetings to ensure regular engagements and foster the achievement of set objectives. The Executive Committee resolved to hold radio programmes with the intention of marketing the University and specifically, this is already happening with the target of mobilizing at least 50 students to join UMU this academic year 2017/2018. Our Executive also intends to host a get together event for all our Alumni in the sub region, to strengthen our cohesion.

As Chairperson, I appreciate this opportunity given to me to lead the Hoima Chapter and declare my full commitment to consolidating the Alumni in my jurisdiction, while ensuring the growth of student numbers to Uganda Martyrs University from the Bunyoro sub region.

We would like to see Uganda Martyrs University opening a full time branch in Hoima - the Oil City in the making in the very near future.


Image above: Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri, Hoima Chapter Chairperson

©ARO Office



Interview with: Assoc. Prof. Michael Mawa The UMU Alumni: Your name, the course you did, position held and years at UMU.

I am Michael Mawa, my current title is Associate Professor in the field of Development Studies, Human Development and Human Rights. My academic growth was influenced by my first degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Ethics and Development Studies, which I did at UMU. This was and still is one of the unique programmes in the region. The programme was not easily understood at the time. I did it and questions like “what are you going to become? What career are you going to take?” were frequently asked. These questions were being asked because of the pioneering aspect of the course. I knew I would contribute in the development work of the country.

While at UMU, I was one of those who looked young and I had a number of elderly students whom I looked up to. In my second year, I was chosen to serve my class as a class representative, a position I held up to the end of studies at UMU. We were 21 pioneer students of Ethics and Development Studies with only 4 professors – Prof Michel Lejueune, Prof. Peter Kanyandago, Prof. Carabine, Prof. John Walligo and other professors who came from Business Administration and Management. I also was elected as Union representative for Martyrs Hall and was also elected Union Vice Chairperson to Vicent Kisenyi. Our Union President then was Silver Turyahikayo whom I played a critical role in his election as a strategist.

I came to UMU as a first student on 16th September 1993 although the University opened on 18th October 1993. I graduated on 18th October 1996 in absentia because I had traveled to do my masters degree in Belgium.

The UMU Alumni: What message would you want to send to your fellow Alumni as we prepare to celebrate 25 years of UMU’s existence?

To my fellow Alumni, I want to say that 25 years is a long journey in the life span of UMU, from its infancy through these years of transformation. As Alumni, we have all the reasons to celebrate 25 years of steady growth of our institution which has continued to provide quality higher education and in nurturing leaders in this country and region. I call upon the Alumni to actively participate in different ways at different times and forums in the activities


Image below: Associate Professor Michael Mawa, DVC UMU

©ARO Office

1st student to arrive in 1993, now DVC-AA, UMU!


that will mark the 25 years particularly the climax of the celebrations on 18th October 2018. The Alumni have a very central place in the life of the University; they bare the brand of the institution and can play a key role in the growth and development of the University. I ask the Alumni to identify the activities they are to take part in. I ask the Alumni during the Alumni Homecoming on 28th to 30th July 2017 to discuss how they can celebrate.

To my fellow pioneer Alumni, our pioneering role is not yet over; we still have a role to play as regards mentorship of the current students. We have a role of linking the traditions of UMU to the new students and the rest of the Alumni. We still have our story to tell of that unique pioneering experience and the world we have been sent to lead in virtue and wisdom. Let us use the platform we established for ourselves to mobilise for action for the glory of our alma mater.

The UMU Alumni: Which key strategic issues do you propose for the Alumni Community in the next strategic plan for Uganda Martyrs University?

As I mentioned before, the Alumni Association is a vital organ of the University and so the Alumni have a vital role to play in the life, growth and development of the University. The key strategic issues for the Alumni community are:

Mobilization and organization of the Alumni is very important. The extent of the mobilization of the Alumni needs to be improved together with having a comprehensive database of the Alumni all over the world. Thanks to the new technologies that are available that can enable us to reach wide and interact with one another. Once the Alumni are mobilized, they need to be organized by cohorts or faculty, for example.

Some of the key activities to engage in are resource mobilization for example fundraising for the Silver Jubilee complex at Lubaga campus and other projects which they may choose.

The Alumni need to be involved in mentorship activities in terms of being guest lecturers, guest speakers. For those Alumni who are already established and have businesses or organisations, they can offer internships to the UMU students and eventually can recruit them for employment.

The UMU Alumni: While at UMU, which turning point came your way as a student and how has it influenced your life today?

I joined the University as an up country school-leaver with a lot of naivety. Right from the start, it was a learning process. The pioneering experience was an interesting one. One of the




turning points was acting in a play which has defined my career. Today, I am called a Professor but this prestigious position was revealed to me through a play. We organised a play titled “The Professor” and I did act as “The Professor”:- that scholar who was much engaged in reading and writing books, engaged in debates and discussions; that professor who had less time for his family because of his academic engagements. After the play, people continued to call me “The Professor”. Well, it is now not a play any more. I am acting in the real theater of academics.

One day in 1996, the Vice Chancellor and Director of the Institute of Ethics invited me and informed me that they had seen my capability to serve as a lecturer. They informed me that they had discussed with the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, to send staff and undertake studies in Ethics such that they undergo a staff development. Out of the 4 people, 2 were selected including me. That selection was a turning point to me because we had a pre- graduation ceremony before travelling to Belgium. Prof. Lejeune the Vice Chancellor said “I am sending you as Academic Ambassadors of UMU; I am sending you to these renowned Catholic universities to test the quality of UMU”. We left UMU with that challenge, worked hard to complete our studies on time and returned to serve UMU. I am glad I have had this second chance to return to UMU to serve this great institution as “The Professor.”



Brain trick or treat? HOW GOOD IS YOUR MEMORY?

A B C D

When will UMU be celebrating its Silver Jubilee?

October 2017 January 2018 March 2019 October 2018

What is probably the most significant element in any Catholic Institution?

The Statue of Mary The Main Gate The Grotto The Chapel

By which of the following places is the Equator line closest to UMU?

The Parish Nkozi Hospital Bbosa Hall The Trading Centre

What is the week of Supplementary exams infamously known as?

Weaklings' Week The Bad Week The August Conference The August Rush

Which is perhaps the most frequented building on Campus?

The Archbishop Kiwanuka Library

The Cardinal Wamala Auditorium

The Dining Hall The Bernard Onyango Registry



Images: UMU - Students, Staff and Alumni engagement.

©ARO Office

“Uganda Martyrs University. Cultural and Religious Diversity. Campus in diverse green to Savour. Only one within metres of the Equator.”



HON. KENNETH J K BBOSA Former MP, Mawokota South First, I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate the editorial team as well as the sponsors and contributors of this publication. I am truly honoured and proud to be a member of the Uganda Martyrs University Alumni Association. Being an alumnus of UMU places me in a family of over 16,000 distinguished personalities across the globe. I urge all Alumni to uphold the values of UMU and similarly have a common voice that strengthens the image of our great University hence broadening the spectrum for employment and other opportunities for all members of the Uganda Martyrs University Alumni Association.

HON GRACE MARY MUGASA Mayor, Hoima MunicipalityHon. Grace Mary Mugasa , has since been appointed to serve on the steering committee of the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM). GPM is a new governance body of, by and for Mayors from all continents. This body builds on the experience, expertise and leadership of Mayors in tackling local challenges resulting from global problems. Grace Mary Mugasa, graduated with an Associate Bachelor of Arts, Democracy and Development Studies -2004, Bachelor of Arts (Democracy and Development Studies) - 2007 and Master of Development Studies - 2015.

BRO. ALOYSIUS BYARUHANGA Director, Centre for Expertise, Greater Masaka “In the spirit of appreciating our people while they are still around, this is to recognise and appreciate Brother Aloysius’ selfless contribution to research and scholarship at UMU through collecting information and willingly sharing it with whoever approaches him. I have heard numerous testimonies of colleagues who have accessed material from him in their studies. Even when one casually mentions to him what they are looking for, he often takes the initiative of finding it and bringing it to you – sometimes even after you have forgotten about it. Thanks for that sharing heart Brother.” Spire Ssentongo

SYLVAN MEDHO KALUMBO Assistant Liaison, UN Civil Affairs Office, DRC

Sylvan, a graduate of UMU, is from the Democratic Republic of Congo - Kinshasa. He joined Uganda Martyrs University in 2005 and finished in 2009 with a Bachelor in Ethics and Development Studies. He has been working with the UN mission in the DRC as Liaison Assistant in the Civil Affairs Office since 2012. He has previously worked with International Labor Organisation (ILO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as well as local NGOs.


TOM ALIINDE Customer Service Manager, Link Bus Services

Tom Aliinde was at Uganda Martyrs University, between 2008 and 2011 pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Ethics and Development Studies. He later worked with the Parliament of Uganda as an intern. He worked with Tungsten Construction Company Ltd mid 2012 before joining MTN Uganda as a Customer Service Advisor 2015. His experience at MTN Uganda nurtured him for his current managerial role as the Customer Service Manager at Link Bus Services, one of the leading bus and Courier operators in Uganda. In his everyday operations as the Manager at Link Bus Services he notes “I give credit to UMU for the kind of quality training I acquired that continues to impact my professional life”.

Sample profiles/career moves!

CONTACT: Alumni Relations Office P.O Box 5498, Kampala | [email protected] | +256 38 241 0611

THE UMU Vol. 1, Issue No. 1 July - September, 2017 …...THE UMU Alumni Vol. 1, Issue No. 1 July -...

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