Uganda Martyrs University

The Relevance of Higher Education

RELEVANCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Professor Michel Lejeune Strategic Advisor Administration and Finance The Virtual University of Uganda www.virtualuni.ac.ug

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All of us in higher education believe strongly that we have a case in favor of higher education. But is this the feeling of the nation and does the nation need it? I would contend that higher education has to be seen as one of the components of nation building and cannot just be ignored. Some years back the World Bank thought that the only important thing was primary education as this would lay the basis for the development of the nation. Rightly so, but can we stop at the basis? Should we not ask ourselves how basic education will be imparted if we do not have the proper trainers. This makes it clear from the start that we, in higher education, are contributing to the building of a system which will be fulfilling its objectives, namely propel the nation into the future by giving it the tools to achieve this. Therefore, it is ludicrous to think that we can satisfy ourselves with the idea that contributing to one sector, primary education, and neglecting the others, such as technical and higher education, will really be part of nation building. It is of the utmost importance that what we do in higher education be seen and felt as part of the grand scheme of nation building.

It is of utmost importance that what we do in higher education be seen and felt as part of the grand scheme of nation building. We cannot claim that higher education is a once off and that after having obtained a piece of paper (degree certificate) one is fully equipped for life.
We have to rally people round the idea that education has to be as complete as possible as this will help in dispelling false ideas about development and growth. The more we know the better armed we are to respond to questions and challenges. We cannot claim that higher education is a once off and that after having obtained a piece of paper (degree certificate) one is fully equipped for life. It is only the beginning which has been reached and efforts of constant improvement have to be made. Higher education is a moving something of which we want to be part be it as developers or as recipients. No doubt that in the years to come the approach to higher education will shift and we should not shy away from new technologies, on the contrary. Our young people know better than me how to use smart phones and other similar tools. Education has to reach them in that way and assist all who want it to attain greater heights. The Virtual University of Uganda is one of the pioneer institutions where new technologies and quality are linked with the sole objective to impart greater quality to those who join this venture. Why not be part of it now?

IN THIS ISSUE
Pg.1 The Relevance of Higher Education Pg.2 Editorial Pg.2 A Thought on Higher Education Pg.3 Cross Fertilization Education Pg.5 Architecture Students Projects Pg.6 News in Pictures Pg.7 Fun Pg.8 Profile Pg.12 Pictorial Pg.14 New Meritorious Awards Pg.15 Student Wall Pg.18 Columnist

Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter

EDITORIAL
Welcome to yet another edition of the UMU Newsletter. The theme for this one is The Relevance of Higher Education and we hope that our writers have done a good job at dissecting this interesting theme. In the first article, our former vice chancellor Professor Michel Lejeune lays emphasis on the fact that higher education is a necessary link in the educational chain of the African nation necessary for its development. In the second article, Isaac Kiiza Tibasiima deals with how humanities are related to personhood and in the third article Samuel H. Baligidde dwells on the need for co-operation by the stakeholders in search for funds to invest in promoting higher education. We profile our academic registrar, Mr. Byuma I.M. We present an insight into his Curriculum Vitae. He also talks about quality at Uganda Martyrs University. On the student wall, Nkalubo Edwin Eric highlights the unique impact of Steve Jobs on the global level through his innovative developments and Alem Abebe is our face in the crowd. A former UMUSU chairperson who talks about the way he has been shaped by UMU. Finally, our columnist Jimmy Spire Ssentongo argues that what has been labouriously researched and put into dissertations should be disseminated and its practical applications explored for the benefit of society. Br. Aloysius Byaruhanga Dean, faculty of Education

how will all the educated people be absorbed into the working community University education cannot be under-minned, not just because of the prestige from a university degree, but for the fact that one has received the required knowledge
The relevance of Higher Education

or even geography be of importance? I A THOUGHT ON HIGHER remember asking myself such a question when I was at high school. I guess EDUCATION coming out of university with a degree By Isaac Kiiza Tibasiima. in Literature put me in a queer position: after school, what next? One of the things In any good I have come to realise is that university education systaught me the very basics of survival in a tem, we are mad world. They may think they do not highly aware need us, but soon they will realise we of the fact dont need them; they actually desperatethat education ly need us. must meet the needs of Humanities deal with the human person the society (and this is opposed to the human being). that receives it. Over the years, university Personhood goes a long way in explaineducation in Uganda has gone from being ing who we are, our attributes and what offered by just Makerere University to society and even ourselves expect of us. more than 10 private universities and This means, humanities teach us to love five public universities. This creates a and respect who and what we are. The challenge for many of us in Uganda: how sciences have always made us believe will all the educated people be absorbed that the technological component in us is into the working community. This is important for society: the truth is science further worsened by the fact that as more and humanities must be balanced for a graduates leave university, their skills better world. People want to be listened leave a lot to be desired and so more and to, to be helped by a human being. Peomore employers start questioning the naple want a human touch in almost everyture and role of the university system and thing. In studying literature at university, whether graduates are receiving someI had to learn more about how societies thing worth the money they paid. work hand in hand with each other. In my teaching at university, I have had University education cannot be underto let students realise the importance of minned, not just because of the prestige people in their work, not just academic or from a university degree, but for the research work, but even life after school. fact that one has received the required knowledge. At the moment, we in the Higher education becomes useless once faculty of humanities are struggling to we forget why we are here. It ceases cope up with less research funds and less to make sense when we think we are students. This means we have to compete separated from those that we belong to. in an unfair academic situation but also In Africa, it is sometimes hard (and I say beat this cutthroat competition so as to this with a lot of reservation) to separate prove our worth. the individual from the community. But Why would studying literature or history it is also important for the individual to

Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter

map out ones life as part of this community. A university teaches one to uphold community even when there is need to maintain ones independence. If we think that the walls of our university separate us from the society, we have lost it. That society needs us. It needs the educated and knowledgeable, the skilled to work with and for them. A university plays this role, and if it does not, it should instantly begin. We may always believe a university degree in Humanities, Social Sciences or even the seemingly simple courses like Peace studies is not worth it. When we wake up and realise that it is not just

about science but our human touch, we shall get the rude shock that our existence matters even more. Education trains the heart, the hands and the brain. Each field of study teaches us their importance. When we find out where we are best at, we then work with others to make it even better. That is our role as educationists, but even more, our role as a university. We must train people to feel, to think and to use their hands or else we are giving them a raw deal. Only school and real training in these attributes make one ready to face life after university as a whole and complete person.

CROSS-FERTILIZATION EDUCATION: THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY TO INVEST IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Samuel H Baligidde Director East African School of Diplomacy, Governance and International Studies

Questions about the employability of graduates are always asked at the end of the graduation season every year. Employability entails acquisition of 21st century practical skills used in todays workplace which can be acquired through practical experience made possible through institutional collaboration and partnership with employers; a rather interesting phenomenon a British firm official on BBC Global Business recently termed cross-fertilization education. According to him the skills that make graduates employable include customer

handling skills, team work, communication as well as the ability to use modern information and computer technology, among others. His firm has initiated partnerships with some selected universities in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the formulation of relevant curricula, internship placements, sponsoring scholarships programmes and employing students on graduation. He revealed that it takes two and half years to train university graduates on the job but

his firms contrivance has reduced the period to only six months! Makereres legendary staff development programmes which aimed at mentoring students to take up teaching and other positions in the same institution after graduation were partly based on the same assumptions.

The Relevance of Higher Education

Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter Uganda Martyrs University has, in the same vein, in the past sponsored or facilitated foreign sponsorship of its academic staff for higher degrees, and invited professionals to participate in designing some of its programmes and sharing their experiences with students at seminars and workshops held at its campuses. Outreach programmes, in collaboration with foreign institutions and organizations, with local communities in two-way flows of indigenous and practical knowledge triangulated with intellectual ideas are a regular feature of the universitys activities. Besides, Public-Private partnerships are now in vogue everywhere in the world. During a recent visit to Maltas Foreign Ministry we found that a Catholic Priest headed the Diaspora Desk in the Prime Ministers Office and that the Professors at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomacy located at the University of Malta previously worked in the Foreign Ministry and the senior Directors of departments at the Ministry former professors at the Academy. Furthermore, while on the Beijing leg of the Best Practices visit for the Uganda Foreign Policy Review project, we found that the Executive Vice President of Chinas Foreign Affairs University Professor Qin Yaqing is a member of the Foreign Advisory Group of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and when the delegation that I was a part of met Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhai Jun, the idea of a member of academia being on a government delegation was highly applauded as the right way forward in the age of public diplomacy. At the Inter-University Council for East Africa meeting held in Kampala in 2004, the relevance of university education to the needs of government, business, industry and society was discussed. In a speech by Professor Apollo Nsibambi read for him by Professor Tarsis Kabwegyere, the former

The National Council for Higher Education has conducted many seminars on capacity-building in the field of curriculum design. Universities and other institutions of higher education have responded by designing curricula that address the issue of relevance and the case should now be rested lest it becomes boring like the endless rendition of a requiem song.
alluded to the need for academia to be politically irrigated, a comment that greatly titillated the participants. The National Council for Higher Education has conducted many seminars on capacity-building in the field of curriculum design. Universities and other institutions of higher education have responded by designing curricula that address the issue of relevance and the case should now be rested lest it becomes boring like the endless rendition of a requiem song. But the debate has now moved from relevance of programmes and curricula to employability of the products of universities and institutions of higher education. Instead of harping on the un-employability of fresh Graduates the Federation of Uganda Employers and Private Sector Foundation should embark on a campaign to persuade business and industrial firms to do likewise. The Private sector should invest in education not just because it has become a lucrative business but also to promote theirs and national development. The students should steer clear of easy research topics and propose topics that lead to projects that are researchable as well as fundable. In the academic heartland of the western world firms routinely collaborate with universities to identify research projects that can be skewed towards their requirements and they promptly fund them. In a symbiotic relationship the students could benefit from the sponsorship and guarantee of employment after graduation while the firms gain from the findings of the research projects or inventions, recommendations and innovations arising therefrom. A former Commonwealth Professor at Makereres East African School of Higher Education and Development Sam Owolabi explains in the foreword to Higher Education expert and Uganda Management Institute Director-General Dr James Nkatas book, Emerging issues in Education Management in Developing Countries in the 21st Century, that the challenges facing education include the need to make the content of education relevant to the needs of client systems, the need to modernize teaching and equip leaders with a repertoire of management techniques, the need to manage education systems more efficient and higher education more effective as an instrument of national development. Related to the modernization and diversification of teaching methods is the efficacy of the professionals, technical personnel with experience of various kinds from the public and private sectors giving public lectures or participating in seminars conducted at universities and other institutions of higher education to give students knowledge of the organizational culture of potential employers and pre-experience of what is required and actually happens in the workplace environment. The East African School of Diplomacy, Governance and International Studies which has students with a broad professional background some of whom aspire to become military and defence attachs, international peace-keepers, and diplomats, among others, not long ago hosted the Commander of the Land Forces of the UPDF General Edward Katumba Wamala, a professional soldier who has

The relevance of Higher Education

Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter been involved in several regional and international peace-keeping operations. His almost two and half hour lecture on the Role of the UPDF in Peace-keeping Operations in Somalia was quite informative and very highly rated by the audience. [This is a slightly modified version of the article that was run in the Daily Monitor published on Monday 13th February 2012]

ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS UNDERTAKE LIVE PROJECTS ON LAKE BUNYONYI AND AT THE US EMBASSY IN KAMPALA. By Marga Jann
Visiting Lecturer, Faculty of The Built Environment

Under the mentorship of lecturers Anthony Ogah and Felix Okoboi, tutors Pam Akora and Guy Mambo, and visiting professor Marga Jann, first year FoBE students have designed a piazza for the entry area of the U.S. Embassy in Kampala which is currently under construction. A student team that includes Adeyabeba ABEBE, Shem KABENGE, Jude KATTA, Matthew NGANGO and Paul WAMALA came up with the winning conceptual design that consists of a water feature around an abstraction of New York City. As the students put it, their design is inspired by New York City, a multicultural, dynamic city, transforming the characteristics of busy, loud city life to a serene, relaxing spot, incorporating the clients caf and garden brief. FOBE students from the three different years are working on an orphanage project at Rubona on Lake Bunyonyi with Sheila Windridge, founder of NGO EDIRISA UK. The project that is scheduled to take 2-3 years to complete involves designs for accommodation for the orphans, a nursery school, dining hall, primary school, library and crafts workshop. The colourful and creative student designs incorporate solar and wind power, vegetable and fruit gardens, playgrounds, and water harvesting tanks. The result will be a whole community of buildings or a veritable childrens village The Relevance of Higher Education

Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter

News in Pictures

The new UMU bus in its glorious colours

Congratulations are in order for our very own Jimmy Spire Ssentongo upon his successful wedding ceremony. He wed his long-time fiance Diana Nampijja at St. Augustine Chapel in Makerere. The couple later hosted their guests to a well-attended reception at St Karoli Lwanga, Ggaba.

David (Alumnus) and Joan (lecturer) at the openning of a new UMU campus at Nyamitanga in Mbarara on 14 Oct 2012

Following a blackout for over a week at some parts of the campus due to the falling of electricity poles, the university is currently digging for armored cable. These are electric cables passing through the ground. This is a safer way of transmitting electricity.

Global Trust Bank opens up a brach at UMU

Staff members that attended one of the financial workshops at the main campus. These workshops were facilitated by a finance team from The Catholic University of East Affrica (CUEA)

The relevance of Higher Education

Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter

Cross word puzzle

Across:

1. This faculty has majority visiting lecturers 3. Martyrs day celebrations happen here 4. Constitutes one of UMUs core values 6. and red are the theme colors 7. Big november event 8. New head at the SCTC 9. Prof. Charles Olwenys middle names 11. It is most certainly a spirit 12. together with wisdom we lead the world 15. DHRs middle name 17. He is possibly the longest serving employee of UMU (Prof.) 18. You will find one of them at the Infirmary 20. These two are the pioneer faculties of UMU 23. Three academic staff go by it 24. When abbreviated, the three offices end with O. 25. Exam before admission to graduate studies

Down:

2. He is a dilligent bus driver 5. He was the first Vice Chancellor 7. They are new on campus 10. Is a hall on campus 13. An UMU publication 14. With him the concept of a Catholic University in Uganda stemed 16. You find him in registry, finance and wardens office 19. The recent financial workshop was conducted by them. 21. Catering is their dormain 22. Though part of registry, he is curretly on study leave

The Relevance of Higher Education

eets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/crossword-puzzle.php 11/11/12

Name: _____________________________________

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Across: 1. This faculty has majority visiting lecturers (FoBE) 3. Martyrs day celebrations happen here (Namugogo) 4. Constitutes one of UMU's core values (Research) 6. and red are the theme colors (Yellow) 7. Big november event (Graduation) 8. New head at the SCTC (Meresiane) 9. Prof. Charles Olweny's middle names (MarkLwanga) 11. It is most certainly a spirit (StCharlesLwanga) 12. together with wisdom we lead the world (Virtue) 15. DHRs middle name (Akiiki) 17. He is possibly the longest serving employee of
worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/crossword-puzzle.php

2. He is a dilligent bus driver (Magambo) 5. He was the first Vice Chancellor (Lejuene) 7. They are new on campus (GlobalTrustBank) 10. Is a hall on campus (Haflet) 13. An UMU publication (Newsletter) 14. With him the concept of a Catholic University in Uganda stemed (Kiwanuka) 16. You find him in registry, finance and wardens office (Innocent) 19. The recent financial workshop was conducted by them. (CUEA)
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eets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/crossword-puzzle.php 11/11/12

UMU (Prof.) (Kanyandago) 18. You will find one of them at the Infirmary (Nurses) 20. These two are the pioneer faculties of UMU (BAMIEDS) 23. Three academic staff go by it (Jude) 24. When abbreviated, the three offices end with 'O'. (PROIROPO) 25. Exam before admission to graduate studies (GAT)

21. Catering is their dormain (Finaland) 22. Though part of registry, he is curretly on study leave (Moses) 26. Former UMUSU chairperson (Abebe)

worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/crossword/crossword-puzzle.php

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Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter

PROFILE

Who is Mr. Byuma?

How are the academic programs run at UMU respondI am a trained graduate teacher from Makerere University. I obtained ing to the contemporary issues which are of a concern a Bachelor of Arts with concurrent Diploma in Education 1971in Uganda?
1974 and in 1985/86 obtained a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration from the Institute of Public Administration (IPA). In 1988/89 I obtained an a MA in Educational Administration from the University of Hull The students of Uganda Martyrs University receive knowledge, skills and attitudes which prepare them to face the world of work. The University tries to bring out high ethical values within the students. There is evidence in the University curricula across the In 1974-1980 I worked at Namilyango College as a secondary school board that the University is training students to be managers who are teacher. In 1980 to 1998 I worked at National Teachers College, ethically well prepared to fight corruption. Consequently, most of Kyambogo (NTC), and Institute of Teacher Education (ITEK) as an Uganda Martyrs University students get employment easily. There Academic registrar. are students in reputable organisations and these act as ambassadors. Such organisations and firms include Banks, Telecommunications, In 1998 to 2002 I started and worked as a Rector of Kigali Institute Professional bodies and others. of Education based at Remera, Kigali Rwanda. From July 2003 to date works with Uganda Martyrs University. My hobby is walking after work and on weekends. I am a country walker for health reasons and to interact with nature. I am a keen farmer mainly in dairy cattle and tree planting. I keenly follow current affairs worldwide and I enjoy high level of discussions on such issues. I dislike dishonest, selfish and unreliable individuals. I also hate corruption to the core, something I learned from my upbringing. I like working with people that are hardworking and team players.

What do you think are the challenges of higher education in Uganda?

One of the challenges of higher education is financing. Government needs to introduce the long awaited loan scheme to enable the majority of Ugandans benefit from higher education. It is also important to link the University Curricula to societal needs. Quite often, Universities tend to become Ivory Towers and are detached from the communities they are supposed to serve. Universities should take keen interest in what exists in the

The students of Uganda Martyrs University receive knowledge, skills and attitudes which prepare them to face the world of work.

The relevance of Higher Education

Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter environment which they are expected to serve. In the preparation of the curricula, Universities should involve industries, farmers and other organisations that are likely to employ our graduates. Higher education including University education is expanding too fast a situation that might lead to poor quality of output. There is need to control this faster expansion to ensure quality higher education. Without control of higher education, there will be great lack of infrastructure in higher education Institutions. There is need to ensure that both physical and non-physical infrastructure is available in higher education Institutions. Higher education out put does not match the existing opportunities for employment. There are too few jobs for the increasing graduates hence a need to expand the job market if higher education is to be useful.

It is also important to link the University Curricula to societal needs. In the preparation of the curricula, Universities should involve industries, farmers and other organisations that are likely to employ our graduates.
Private Institutions once properly managed have a bright future because they are not influenced by politics of the day. All over the world private education appears more expensive than public education but provides in most cases better quality education than public Universities. Probably, the word competitiveness comes to light when you talk of cost, quality, and independence. highly trained/educated personnel should influence politics and therefore Economic Development. Individual choice will be based on sound judgement. An educated society will not be manipulated politically but will participate in the affairs of their society with soberness.

Uganda is channeling out about 40,000 graduates per year. How is this impacting Ugandas economWhat is your view on the competic development? Is there a link itiveness of private institutions to public institutions and what is your between education and economic take on the future of private institu- development? tions ?
The term competitiveness of public Institutions to private Institutions is not clear. Competitiveness in what? Whereas public Institutions are owned and funded by government, private Institutions are owned by private individuals and organisations and are not funded by government. The two Institutions live side by side and compete for students they admit. Both public and private institutions including Universities compete for the qualified academic and administrative staff. There is an informal way private and public Universities share academic staff. This is called moonlighting. Whereas this may overwork the concerned teachers/Lecturers, it is beneficial to both the individuals and the Institutions concerned.

With globalization, the world is increasingly becoming one. How is UMU utilizing this global space? How do universities keep relevant and position themselves to that global market?
Globalisation is a dynamic and wide concept and has been defined differently at different times. It could mean the movement of ideas, goods and people in a world that has become smaller. The speed of information flow has improved with the modern technology available. Internet has brought about knowledge revolution.

Education is definately a key to economic development. But usually the question is what type of education is one talking about? Good quality education will lead to good public service and this should be able to positively bring about economic development. The output of 40,000 graduates is quite high for the job market in Uganda but assuming that the quality of education at this level is quite good then, the graduates can compete nationally and internationally. There is also an element of job creation where high quality of education can lead to self employment. On the other hand government should create a conducive environment for private sector growth such that more jobs become available. It is also important that a society which has

Good quality education will lead to good public service and this should be able to positively bring about economic development.

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their transcripts before graduation . With transcripts the students can begin to look for Institutions for further studies or look for jobs. I wish to thank all the Faculty Administrators, academic staff, the Deans and Associate Deans for keeping quality work at all levels. In the near future we shall be able to release results on line to all students.

Where do you see UMU in the near future?

Uganda Martyrs University has created a firm foundation. It should be a deliberate move that Uganda Martyrs University becomes more relevant both nationally and internally. On top of what we offer currently, there is need to think of programmes that bring on board more science and technology to match the national aspirations. In 1993 the University started with the Faculties of Business Administration and Management and the Institute of Ethics and Development Studies. At that time there were less than five Universities in Uganda: today there are more than 30 Universities in the Country. The demand for University education is greater today than it was then. Are these programmes still relevant or do we need to focus on more practical, job related and competitive programmes. Is it not high time that we re-examined ourselves and begin to probe the reasons that have led to the declining popularity of some of these old programmes? A market survey must be carried out to establish what is lacking in the programmes we offer such that we prepare for future challenges.

UMU has created an environment where students can access information easily, fast and correctly. There is a wireless internet facility, the library has a well connected system of computers where you access online books, journals, and magazines. All computer laboratories in the university have internet access as well. For universities to keep relevant to theglobal market they have to teach what is current and relevant for today. The graduates from universities should be able to be deployed globally. Students and staff mobility should be flexible. More students and staff exchange will bring out more sharing of knowledge and cultural exchanges. Students should be exposed to methodologies of research to access more knowledge globally.

What have you achieved at UMU?

I have been in this University for now slightly over nine years (2003-2012). I found the total number of students at 1500 today the figure has gone to about 5000. This is not my achievement alone. I found four members in the Registry and the number is now 20. The management of examinations has been superb as there has not been any examination malpractice. Thanks to all those who have handled examinations with high ethical standards under my supervision. Admissions have been done on quality in the 9 years. Nobody has been admitted without the proper minimum requirements. Another area of quality service is that when results are discussed in senate, students get their result letters at once and also the finalists receive

If you were asked to talk about a specific program or faculty within UMU that you want people to come to. Which one would you highlight?
I do not have any particular faculty. The faculties of Science, Business Administration and Management and Built Environment on full time programmes have impressed me in terms of quality product and I state this because of the rate of employability of the graduates compared to the rest. But this not to say the other faculties are not doing useful work. I think all faculties that help uplift the level of education of people already in employment have done a tremendous job. Students who upgrade their level of education will become more

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The relevance of Higher Education

Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter relevant and useful to society. I therefore salute such faculties as Education, Agriculture, IEDS, East African School of Diplomacy and International Studies, Health Sciences and the school of post graduate studies in Medical education at Nsambya How do you respond to the assertion that UMU is an

UMU STUDENT WINS BERKELEY PRIZE ESSAY COMPETITION

expensive university?
The word expensive is relative in this case. Let it be stated that Uganda Martyrs University does not charge fees based on the actual unit cost. Expensiveness would mean that the University charges fees that is higher than the unit cost which is not the case. In this case expensiveness may mean that Uganda Martyrs University charges higher fees than some other private Institutions. I wish to point out that Uganda Martyrs University is not expensive because it charges fees which is less than the actual cost it takes to run different programms of the university. On the other hand the education Uganda Martyrs University gives to its students is highly qualitative compared to what some other Institutions provide. One clear thing is that when you talk of Uganda Martyrs University being expensive one looks at the total figure that includes food, accommodation, tuition, and medical fees whereas other institutions only display tuition on their admission letters. It is possible that if all costs were calculated in other institutions, Uganda Martyrs University may be charging less fees.

Any words of wisdom

I am proud to be associated with Uganda Martyrs University where I have worked over nine years. I have enriched my experience in the management of student academic affairs. It is interesting to work in an organisation where you meet challenges that test your different abilities to absorb pressure. Such challenges have helped me to come out even stronger than I had been before I met those challenges. Lastly, after twenty years of existence, the university needs to take stock of its achievements, challenges, and prospects to be able to chart a path that can bring a strong foundation for the next twenty years.

We congratulate Bryans Mukasa, a student in the Faculty of the Built Environment who was awarded the second prize in the Fourteenth Annual BERKELEY PRIZE Essay Competition. That competition was open to undergraduate students of architecture from across the world. Bryans essay, Suubi; The Architecture of Hope was enough to win him the second prize and the award of 3,500 USD.

Profile compiled and edited by Alex Agaba, Harriet Mutonyi and Christine Nakyejwe

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1. Some of the staff members who represented UMU at the 6th National Council for Higher Education Exhibition at Lugogo Show grounds September 2012

2. The IRO talking to Hon. Amelia Kyambadde (Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives), and Hon. Major (Rt) Jessica Alupo (Minister for Education and Sports); at the University in-marketing event in Rwanda July 2102. 3. UMU at the Nairobi International Education Fair March 2012

4.

Students performing a traditional dance at the UMU day 18 October 2012

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1. Members that were present at the Governing Council Induction on 18 / 08 / 2012 at Protea Hotel 2. Prof. Charles Olweny (VC) addresses a congregation at the UMU day 3. Prof. Charles Olweny, Amelia Zalwango (PRO) togetehr with guests from Global Trust Bank cut the cake at the UMU day

4. Mrs. Sophie Acom ( Dean of students) and Amelia Zalwango attend to vistors at the UMU stall at the NCHE exhibition at Lugogo. September 2012 5. UMU volonteres don the UMU colours at the UMU day

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NEW MERITORIOUS AWARDS 2012

By Mary Stella Apiyo Personal Assistant to the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs

Madam Passy Nabulya currently working in Masaka Diocesan Development Office. It is in remembrance of her mother who worked tirelessly to uplift the standards of her children and the people in her village at Kyanamukaaka through social work. The Maria Namaganda Award worth UGX500,000/= is given to the best performing candidate in Bachelor of Education (Primary). The award is offered by the family of Kasozi Gerald, the proprietor of Bright Grammar Primary School, Nyendo-Masaka. It is in honour of their mother who was not formally educated but managed to educate her children. Bright Grammar Primary School is one of the best primary school in the country. Dear Alumni/Friends/Well-wishers, Academic Awards encourage students to work harder in their studies and this has been made possible through the commitment and contribution of different people and organizations. We acknowledge the enormous contribution of everyone offering awards to our students and welcome new ones to support this great institution. For further information on support, please contact the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs.

Uganda Martyrs University holds Graduation Ceremony every year. During the Ceremony, the University offers awards to the best performing students, in different disciplines. The best students are recognized for their outstanding work in their studies and given monetary awards. In the academic year ending 2012, the University received four new awards from well-wishers all offered in honour of people whose services were outstanding in the community. The new awards were initiated by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs. The Hans Bremer Award worth Euro100 is given to the best student in Fundamental Accounting at the Institute of Ethics and Development Studies. Hans Bremer (RIP) was an accountant of the old school. He spent all his life doing volunteer work of book-keeping at his Church in Herten, Germany. He made accounting easy for non-accountants. He will always be remembered for his positive outlook at life and generosity. The award is being offered by his two sons Dr. Hans Bremer, Dr. Bernard Bremer and the widow Klar Bremer. The Nakiweewa Susan Award worth Euro200 is given to the best Bachelor of Science student with Statistics elective who attains an average of 77.9%. Susan is an alumna of UMU and was the best performing student in class. She conveys her gratitude to UMU community for the support and knowledge shared during the time she was a student at UMU and her siblings Sylvia Birabwa, Kevin Namazzi and Paul Kimera for their effort to achieve their objectives in life. She encourage students to focus on education and enjoy the benefits of successful education especially those in the field of statistics. The award is offered in remembrance of her late uncle Prince Vincent Kimera. The Jane Namakula Kintu Award worth UGX100,000/= is given to the overall best final year student in Social Development and Counseling with a first class. The award is offered by the daughter of the late Jane Namaganda,

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Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter

His accomplishments and character helped define a generation and changed the world. He is co-founder of the fairytale company we now know as Apple Computers. And he is the visionary of the personal computers world that led the entire computer hardware and software industry to restructure itself. This man with boundless energy and charisma is also a master of hype, hyperbole and the catchy phrase. And even when hes trying to talk normally, brilliant verbiage comes tumbling out. Heres a selection of some of the most insanely great things he said, golden lessons to help you succeed in life, Jobs-style: On Innovation Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. Innovation has no limits. The only limit is your imagination. Its time for you to begin thinking out of the box. If you are involved in a growing industry, think of ways to become more efficient; more customer friendly; and easier to do business with. If you are involved in a shrinking industry get out of it quick and change before you become obsolete; out of work; or out of business. And remember that procrastination is not an option here. Start innovating now! On Excellence Be a yardstick of quality. Some people arent used to an environment where excellence is expected. There is no shortcut to excellence. You will have to make the commitment to make excellence your priority. Use your talents, abilities, and skills in the best way possible and get ahead of others by giving that little extra. Live by a higher standard and pay attention to the details that really do make the difference. Excellence is not difficult simply decide right now to give it your best shot and you will be amazed with what life gives you back.

Golden Lessons From Steve Jobs

By Nkalubo Edwin Eric BSC IT III

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On passion The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you havent found it yet, keep looking. Dont settle. As with all matters of the heart, youll know when you find it. Ive got it down to four words: Do what you love. Seek out an occupation that gives you a sense of meaning, direction and satisfaction in life. Having a sense of purpose and striving towards goals gives life meaning, direction and satisfaction. It not only contributes to health and longevity, but also makes you feel better in difficult times. Do you jump out of bed on Monday mornings and look forward to the work week? If the answer is no keep looking, youll know when you find it. On making a difference You know, we dont grow most of thfood

we eat. We wear clothes other people make. We speak a language that other people developed. We use a mathematics that other people evolved I mean, were constantly taking things. Its a wonderful, ecstatic feeling to create something that puts it back in the pool of human experience and knowledge. Live in a way that is ethically responsible. Try to make a difference in this world and contribute to the higher good. Youll find it gives more meaning to your life and its a great antidote to boredom. There is always so much to be done. And talk to others about what you are doing. Dont preach or be self-righteous, or fanatical about it, that just puts people off, but at the same time, dont be shy about setting an example, and use opportunities that arise to let others know what you are doing.

On having a beginners mind Theres a phrase in Buddhism, Beginners mind. Its wonderful to have a beginners mind. It is the kind of mind that can see things as they are, which step by step and in a flash can realize the original nature of everything. Beginners mind is Zen practice in action. It is the mind that is innocent of preconceptions and expectations, judgments and prejudices. Think of beginners mind as the mind that faces life like a small child, full of curiosity and wonder and amazement. Each lesson might be difficult to integrate into your life at first, but if you ease your way into each lesson, one at a time, youll notice an immediate improvement in your overall performance. So go ahead, give them a try.

STUDENTS RECEIVE CONFIRMATION

We congratulate Angella Mary Cynthia Nakityo, Levison Akankwasa, Linda Nyamata, Leticia Munyes, Suzan Joan Magala, Jovia Shila Nyakairu and Immaculate Kyomugisha who received their first holy communion on 15/04/2012. The group was blessed to have Rt. Rev. Paul Kalanda Lokiru, Bishop Emeritus of Fort Portal Diocese lead a colourful eucharistic mass. He urged them to love their church and to be actively involved in all its activities.

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Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter

FACE IN THE CROWD

By Harriet Alur, EDS II

ALEM ABEBE Who is Alem? I can be best described by my life and the people around me. I am born to Mr. Abebe Bedada an Area Program Officer and Food Security Advisor for Food for the Hungry Sudan (FH-Sudan) and my mother, Mrs. Meskerem Endale is a financial auditor by profession. My sister Adeyabeba Abebe, who is a student of UMU, is my only sibling. Where do you come from? I was born on 24th November, 1983 in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. We live in Kenya and there I studied at Parklands Boys High School in Nairobi and graduated from high school in zSchool in Nairobi Kenya. Any hobbies? I enjoy spending time with children and youth at my church in Nairobi and value the time I spend with my family and friends. I like to get involved in projects and initiatives that aim at bettering peoples lives. In my spare time, I like to watch as well as play football, listen to inspirational music, go for a walk or biking. Of recent, Im developing a habit of regularly reading books which hasnt really been part of my routine in the past as it should. Whats your UMU story? In the month of August 2009, I joined

Uganda Martyrs University to purse a degree course in Information Technology. While at UMU, I was chosen as a councillor of the UMU Christian Union and later the President of the Computer Society while I was still a fresher (first year). In my second year, I was elected as the representative (councillor) of my hostel, Kavuma. I was then, elected to be the Chairperson of the Uganda Martyrs University Students Union (UMUSU) Council. Why study in Uganda? Having already lived in Ethiopia and Kenya, I wanted a new experience; adventure as some might call it! Of course factors like my financial status, geographical location, and quality of education were the factors I analysed well. With these considerations, Uganda was the most logical and probably the best option I had; and UMU was the perfect choice! You have a rich background of three different countries, what does it feel like? My homeland Ethiopia has taught me to be hospitable, respectful, and responsible; Kenya has exposed me to the complexities of socialising and challenges of living abroad while Uganda has redefined the true meaning of equity for everyone, despite their background. It is in Uganda (at UMU) that I have experienced the true value of leadership. I feel I am a better person because of the exposure and experience that comes with living amongst people of different origins. The diversification I am experiencing here has enabled me relate to people on a more personal level. I also have friends from Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Eritrea, Tanzania, and beyond Africa. What would be the relavance of higher education? Higher education is relevant in building the

economic status of any individual and in ensuring the stability of ones life. The major that I studied has a range of possible job opportunities which goes a long way in ensuring the relevance of higher education. How has UMU prepared you for the future? UMU has given me an opportunity to grow into an all round individual not just academically but spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. I have had opportunities to serve at various posts of leadership. Hence, I leave UMU as a graduate with a bachelors degree in Information Technology and a groomed leader who is always eager to make a difference wherever he goes. UMU has equipped me with a global perspective that is well founded on ethics. In this competitive world, having a global perspective is mandatory. At UMU, I have been challenged to think outside the box, to think nationally, to think continentally, and to think globally! UM U has brought me to the realization that the future is in my hands.

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Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter COLUMNIST sise that the recommendations from the study are directed at specific stakeholders and that indication is made on how the suggestion can be executed. Not just abstractly shooting that this and this should be done. By who? How? More importantly, how will the stakeholders access your findings and recommendations? By the power of the Holy Spirit? Wish though we may, chances are very low that they are going to come to the university library (worse, and skip, the basement) looking for dissertations relevant to their duties. It is unfortunate that only a few of us would follow up our studies to see to it that they realise their beautiful articulations and contribute to the vital changes that they preach. It is the shelves that get the best (the futile weight) out of our dissertation labour, and perhaps the dust that gathers on them as a stamp of underutilisation. Resources gone to waste in our watch! To say the least, this is an insult to the respondents. Those people we bother with interviews and questionnaires year after year. They vainly wait through one opportunistic student/researcher after another in the hope that with the accumulating research their situation may come to change one day. Some of us would even deceive about the expected impact of the study to raise the respondents expectations so that they may enthusiastically participate in our studies, only to see nothing when we get what we want. The researcher assures: Through this research, Government will get to learn about your problems and something will be done. And, oh conned men and women, they thank us expectantly after the interview: We are very glad that you cared about our problems and came to talk to us. Tell Government all we said, we are really suffering. Dont we find any guilt in abusing the time, energy and pain, especially of the wretched! In so doing, we are polluting the field! In certain areas, especially around institutions of higher learning, many people are research fatigued. They have given out a lot of information but often with nothing out of it, even as little as feedback or dissemination of findings from researchers! We make the environment hostile for well-intending researchers after us. People would feel that we are simply

Dissertation submitted What then?

Jimmy Spire Ssentongo Lecturer, Institute of Ethics and Development Studies Let me leak this one. Was it a secret anyway! One of the most commonly asked questions during MA dissertation defence (Viva Voce), at least in the Institute of Ethics and Development Studies, is on how the student plans to use their work to influence/ bring about the necessary change in the researched community. And, though not a surprise question, boy oh boy, you should witness the err, um, you know, you see, anyway A lie or two may be thrown in to silence the vacuum. But there are also those few that will articulate a clearly envisioned social impact of their study. Karl Marx famously said that philosophers have done their part in interpreting the world, the point is to change it. Of course this is not to suggest that enough has been done in interpretation but that much more needs to be done in solving the problems that have frequented our pages. We have certainly done a lot of research! If dissertations were gold, many Ugandan universities would be of enviable status. If dissertations were medicine, which ailment would survive? And if dissertations were seas, which social problem would not be drowned? Well, the gold, they can be. The medicine, they could be. The solace in face of vast social problems, they can be. But the vital question is: why arent they? Or, why arent they sufficiently so?

It is a requirement for every student, at least in the Institute of Ethics and Development Studies, to carry out research and write a report. One of the vital sections of the research report Dissertation submitted What then? It is unis the Significance of the Study in which fortunate that only a few of us would follow up the student explains in realistic terms the anticipated impact of the study. This could be our studies to see to it that they realize their by way of adding to the body of literature on the subject (a claim often redundantly pasted beautiful articulations and contribute to the viin), helping in solving the researched problem tal changes that they preach. It is the shelves that (social or theoretical), or/and resulting into a get the best (the futile weight) out of our disserrelevant social project. Related to the study significance, we empha-

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tation labor, and perhaps the dust that gathers on them as a stamp of underutilization.

The relevance of Higher Education

Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter wasting their time, only using them as MERE means to an end. Perhaps as we read this we are wondering how the writer could fail to appreciate that I am only a student and doing my research as an academic requirement, period. I appreciate that fact, but even as a student there are certain things ranging from small to grand that you could do out of your academic requirement research. For example, it would mean a lot to the studied community/people if you went back to disseminate your findings. Sometimes they do not know what the real problem leading to their predicament is and may be your analysis could give them some important insights (not in a condescending manner). You may not have the financial resources to lift them out of poverty but you could be instrumental in sensitising them (perhaps through a workshop) on who to lobby and how. It is also not too much to write a brief report (out of your study) to the responsible/concerned authorities bringing the findings and recommendations to their attention. You may even develop a community project out of your study that can be funded to make a difference. Doing something to address the studied problem is not a favour, it is an ethical obligation for all researchers studying societal problems. Above all, it is an expression of humanness. It is good that you have fulfilled the dissertation requirement for the award of a degree in this and that, but is that all your research efforts are worth? Does that make you sufficiently responsive and relevant to the researched community? Your questions.

Virtual University of Uganda

expanding horizons

licenced by the National Council for Higher Education

Virtual University of Uganda is a Private-Not-For-Profit university licenced by the National Council for Higher Education. VUU offers programmes for professionals entirely online. If you are a busy professional and wish to upgrade your skills and knowledge and you are working in the fields of development or public health and you cannot attend class full-time or part-time, then VUU could be the university ofchoice for you. VUU tutors are sourced at national, regional, and international levels, and are contracted to provide premier resources for online learning. Our Open Access Digital Library contains numerous databases with full on-line access to thousands of journal articles and full-text e-books that can be accessed by students 24/7. Applications are invited from suitably-qualified professionals for: PG Diploma (Master of Science) Public Health PG Diploma (Master of Arts) International Development PG Diploma (Master of Arts) ICTs for Development Fees per module: 700,000/= In preparation Executive MBA for January 2013 Virtual University of Uganda 425 Zzimwe Road, Muyenga, Kampala, Uganda tel: (+256) 0312 202 136/7/8 or 0772 202 137 P.O. Box 70773 Clock Tower Kampala - Uganda infovuu@virtualuni.ac.ug www.virtualuni.ac.ug

Professor Dr Deirdre Carabine PhD, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Patrick Mangheni PhD, Chairman of Council Professor Dr Michel Lejeune PhD, Chairman Board of Trustees
VUU - quality education at the click of a mouse!

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Uganda Martyrs University | Newsletter

FACULTIES, SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTES

EAST AFRICAN SCHOOL OF DIPLOMACY, GOVERNANCE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF ETHICS AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MOTHER KEVIN POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL SCHOOL FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES FACULTY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE FACULTY OF EDUCATION FACULTY OF SCIENCE

CREDITS

Alex Agaba Amelia Zalwango Harriet Mutonyi Byaruhanga Aloysius Abisagi N. Kasoma David N. Tshimba Christine Nakyejwe Harriet Alur Contacts Email: pro@umu.ac.ug iro@umu.ac.ug aagaba@umu.ac.ug

Tel: +256781572338

Uganda Martyrs University

making a dierence

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