Throughout the bright days of July 22nd and 23rd, 2024, as the sun begun to rise; Uganda Christian University (UCU)-Bishop Barham University College (BBUC) in Kabale Uganda, welcomed the UCU Senior Leadership team on a Support Supervision visit. Led by Associate Professor Aaron Mushengyezi, UCU’s Vice Chancellor, the team comprised of  Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, UCU Vice Chancellor, Rev. Assoc. Prof. John M. Kitayimbwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Mr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol, Director of Academic Affairs, Ms. Harriet Adong, Director Communications and Public Relations (VC’s Office), Mrs. Halima Nassanga Mutabazi, Head of Finance and Ms. Florence Nakiyingi and  Director Human Resource & Administration. The team leveraged this opportunity to celebrate achievements, discuss and propose solutions to the challenges facing the institution, and envision a shared future.

BBUC Administrators and Departmental Heads welcomed the visiting team. The energy was palpable, a mixture of anticipation and excitement. Associate Professor Mushengyezi with his calm demeanor and warm smile, set a reassuring tone for the engagements that followed.

Day 1 began with a tour of the campus, showcasing the recent upgrades, renovations and developments. From the new investments in infrastructure to the state-of-the-art library stocked with recently donated multidisciplinary books. The pride in the voices of the guides, a mix of students, teaching and none teaching staff, was evident as they spoke about the positive impact these changes had brought to their academic experience.

Following the tour, the leadership team and the college representatives gathered in the Malt Purpose Hall for a series of presentations. The University College Principal kicked off the session with a welcome address, expressing gratitude for the continued support from UCU. Associate Professor Mushengyezi then took the stage, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the University College community.

“We are here not just to supervise, but to learn from each other. Your achievements are our achievements, and together we can overcome any challenges that come our way.” Prof. Mushengyezi said.

The presentations that followed highlighted the milestones achieved by the University College over the past year. Key to note is that; Academic performance has improved, extracurricular activities are thriving, and community engagement initiatives are receiving widespread recognition. There were also honest discussions about the challenges faced: the need for more resources, the struggle to maintain student motivated to study and further explore opportunities, and the ever-present pressure of staying ahead in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.

After the presentations, the floor was opened for a candid Q&A session. Staff members   voiced their concerns, asked questions, and shared their ideas for consideration as we all worked towards realizing an improvement in the way we deliver services to our clients who include students, parents, guardians, well-wishers, UCU partners, alumni among others. The UCU team listened intently, taking notes and sharing insights where necessary. The atmosphere was collaborative, with a genuine sense of partnership in the room.

The visit concluded with a brainstorming session focused on envisioning the future. Small group meetings were formed, mixing UCU leaders, university college Departmental Heads, and Administrators. These small group discussions ignited creativity as group members discussed innovative ideas for curriculum enhancement, ways to integrate technology more effectively in all university college activities, and strategies to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment among others. The ideas flowed freely, and the energy in the room was infectious.

As the days drew to a close, Associate Professor Mushengyezi addressed the gathering one more time. “These engagements have been inspiring. We have seen the fruits of our labor, acknowledged our hurdles, and laid the groundwork for a brighter future. Let us continue to support each other, learn from each other, and grow together” he said.

The UCU Senior Leadership’s visit to BBUC was a success. These were days of reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment to excellence within the Center of Excellence in the Heart of Africa. As the team departed, there was a shared sense of optimism and a strengthened bond between UCU and BBUC teams, ready to face the future together.

Uganda Christian University’s Bishop Barham University College (UCU-BBUC) held a special service today to honor the late Bishop Festo Kivengere of the Diocese of Kigezi, recognizing his enduring legacy. The commemorative event, held on May 16th, 2024, at the University grounds in the Northern Division of Kabale Municipality, Kabale District, served as a heartfelt tribute to Bishop Kivengere’s unwavering commitment to evangelism, peace, and unity, particularly during Uganda’s tumultuous era under the dictatorship of Idi Amin Dada.

Born in 1919 and passing away in 1988, the late Bishop Festo Kivengere was often hailed as “the Billy Graham of Africa” due to his indelible mark on the Christian landscape of Uganda and beyond. His steadfast advocacy for peace and fearless opposition to tyranny continue to inspire generations of believers, embodying the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.

Today, during the college’s customary community hour service conducted within the college chapel, provided a fitting backdrop for reflection and reverence. Attendees, including campus staff and students, gathered to honor Bishop Kivengere’s remarkable religious leadership and his enduring impact on the region and beyond

Preaching during the function, the Missions Coodinator of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rev. Daniel Byamukama, delivered a stirring sermon that encapsulated Bishop Kivengere’s ethos of love, integrity, confidence, and selflessness. Urging the community to emulate the late Bishop’s unwavering faith, Rev. Daniel underscored the importance of evangelistic outreach and spreading the message of love and compassion.

Speaking during the service, Rev. Agaba Moses, the college’s chaplain, eloquently highlighted Bishop Kivengere’s enduring legacy of love and mission beyond borders. Quoting Bishop Kivengere’s profound words, “To hate is to die, to love is to live,” Rev. Moses emphasized the imperative for continued dedication to the gospel and extending kindness to all.

The commemoration elicited heartfelt responses from attendees, including Mr. Arinaitwe Isaiah, a theology student at UCU-BBUC, who expressed deep appreciation for the message of love and urged fellow Christians to follow in Bishop Kivengere’s footsteps.

As the commemoration week unfolds, UCU-BBUC reaffirms its solidarity with the Diocese of Kigezi in honoring Bishop Kivengere’s enduring legacy. The college’s participation underscores its commitment to nurturing future generations imbued with the values of love, service, and faith, echoing the timeless principles exemplified by Bishop Festo Kivengere.

Every year, the Diocese of Kigezi hosts Bishop Kivengere’s memorial week as a way of recognizing and celebrating his efforts.

Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, concluded his pastoral visit to the Diocese of Kigezi with his maiden visit to Uganda Christian University -Bishop Barham University College Kabale which is a constituent college of UCU Mukono.

The Chancellor was accompanied by the Bishop of Kigezi the Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna who is the Chairman of the University College Governing Council, the acting Chaplain Rev Samuel Kanyike, and the Church of Uganda Communications Officer Mr. Sadiiki Adams.

The Archbishop was received at the College by the University Principal Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye together with the Management team and the staff of the University College.

In his welcome remarks, the Bishop of Kigezi expressed his joy and appreciation to the Archbishop for accepting to visit UCU-BBUC on his pastoral visit.

The Principal Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye also appreciated the Chancellor for sparing time from his very tight schedule to visit the University College 

She said that despite the financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Post- Covid trials with the stiff competition faced by the University College. It has ably kept its head above the water, and has continued to provide an atmosphere for holistic education that is hinged on Christian values and morals.

Dr. Alice Jossy highlighted to the Chancellor the need for significant improvement of the University College infrastructure especially lecture rooms which have been in existence for almost a century! She also pointed out the need for a University College library building

The Principal said that the University College intends to augment its revenue by exploring other avenues among which is organizing a fundraising and also planning a celebration of 100 years of the existence of Bishop Barham Divinity College                  

The Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Bishop of Kigezi and the University leadership for the warm reception and the impressive work the University College is doing in Kigezi and Uganda at large. He further encouraged them to continue in their efforts to make University College “A center of excellence in the Heart of Africa”.

He challenged members of staff to learn to be strategically positioned if they are to survive in this challenging world. This he did by illustrating from Luke 19:1-10 about the story of Zacchaeus whose faith and desire to see Jesus made him   climb a sycamore tree

He advised the   University Management team and the entire staff to be flexible, creative, and humble but most importantly to remain focused on the cross.

On the very first day of the Lent, let us promise ourselves that we will work on our differences for a happier life. BBUC Community took some time off to honor Ash Wednesday. Rev Edward Mwesigwa parish priest at St Andrews’ Nyabikoni Church of Uganda Urged Christians to make it a season of prayer fasting ,reconciliation and studying the word of God.