December 2011

UMU

&the world

CONTENTS Feature Acknowledgements Congratulations Pictorial Profile Opinion Student wall Columinst
CREDITS Editorial Board Alex Agaba Amelia Zalwango Jude Ssempebwa Harriet Mutonyi Byaruhanga Aloysius Abisagi N. Kasoma Buti G. Ceaser Bukomeko Bernardine David N. Tshimba Esther Gensi Eleanor Naisikwe Susan Ninsiima Achilles Ahimbisibwe Nkalubo Edwin Eric Columnist Jimmy S. Ssentongo Design and Layout creatures Marketing One Design Ltd Tel: 0774858484 Contacts Tel: +256781572338 Email: aagaba@umu.ac.ug pro@umu.ac.ug

The Uganda Martyrs University Newsletter is published by the Public Relations Offi ce of Uganda Martyrs University.

EDITORIAL
UMU and the World as the New Issue of this Newsletter is indeed timely. Its not by chance that the editorial team of the UMU Newsletter resorted to this title; from the onset, this was carefully decided upon in a spirit of re-assuring the difference UMU has always been making. Eighteen (18) years down the roadbeing a full-fledged adult institution for higher learning, at least as per the Law of the Landwe, at UMU and beyond, have not just made a difference where it really counts; weve precisely made it in a timely fashion. No doubt UMUs achievements are worth narrating; we cant afford not to reiterate and underscore the many exponential accomplishments as well as prowess our Alumni have made UMU proud of. Achilles Ahimbisibwe, in his Stay Connected story, shares with us a wonderful glimpse of what UMU products have been and still are capable of. In our profile section, we have featured Mr. Vincent Agaba, CEO Avarts Housing Limited; Mr. Nobert Mao, Party President of the Democratic Party; Ms. Susie Mukiibi, Human Resources Officer; Mr. Roy Rwakihura, International Architect; Ms Evelyn Ayot, University Registrar; and Kenneth Kiyingi Bbosa, Member of Parliament to showcase how UMU impacts the world. In the last eighteen years, UMU has had successful stories to author a big chapter in a book on Transformative Higher Education in Africa. An important footnote to that chapter, at least from our perspective, could be the recent achievement by Dr. John Francis Mugisha, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, thanks to his value-addition PhD from Keel University, U.K. Equally insightful are articles in the Students Wall as well as the feature article together with a must-read from our consistent columnist, Jimmy S. Ssentongo, reflecting on social conventions more often as enslaving the individual mind and opposing human freedom. Please enjoy reading this Issue and kindly remember to let us know your thoughts as well as constructive contributions to bring this institution to greater heights!
Virtute et Sapientia Duc Mundum David N. Tshimba, SPCM

Editorial

team

FEATURE To Stay Connected: A promising link with UMUAA

Achilles Ahimbisibwe

shops on pertinent issues. Students will be engaged as ushers, runners, task managers/assistants, administrators, editors, publicity assistants, graphics designers and website managers in different UMUAA projects. Students will also appreciate the value of community outreach. Community empowerment is a fitting aspiration for an investor who intends to realize sustainable development in the long run. The immediate Nkozi community is our most reliable source of security, support-staff, comestibles and prospective students. Having already participated in community projects at the Nkozi Hospital and St. Anthonys School of the deaf, the UMUAA is committed to preserve and improve the relationship with the Nkozi community. Concern for community and neighbour will even be invigorated in students by a scholarship initiative.

In an attempt to develop and subsequently enhance social and practical skills in the UMU students the Alumni Association is preparing a scholarship initiative. This initiative will reward an outstanding individual over two years in UMU for his/her community UMUalumni volunteer at Nkozi hospital during a home coming. service efforts through a part/full scholarship. The association will also recognise and authenticate In the past, University Education guaranteed employthe efforts of outstanding individuals during their time ment. In some cases government agencies approached in UMU, such that they not only obtain jobs faster but universities to select candidates to fill vacant posialso reinforce the value of community service. tions. However, the job market is more competitive today and potential employees are subjected to more New ideas, opportunities and leaders replenish the rigorous recruitment processes. In this regard, Unifortitude of UMUAA. This is why recent graduates versity courses need to be constantly reviewed in orare invited to actively participate in UMUAA get- toder to keep abreast with the Job Market. gether and fundraising events. These activities will be published as part of a website, links, and a newsletCourse syllabi at Uganda Martyrs University are reguter. The association intends to have a sound financial larly reviewed and new courses are developed to mainand human resource base by way of implementing tain a competitive standard regionally and internationprofit oriented projects. In order to involve the entire ally. The Research Directorate and the Directorate of force of the association, we are igniting UMU Alumni Quality Assurance work hand in hand to ensure that Chapters in the different regions of Uganda as well as the courses taught at the University remain relevant. in the neighboring countries. In order to maintain an open link with changing market trends these directorates need a reliable source of Last but not least, UMUAA well aware of the Uniinformation for which, the UMU Alumni Association versitys future plans and needs, is targeting the 20 is an apt channel to bridge academia, practice and the year anniversary (2013) as the platform to launch its community. Alumni Center; a first class facility to house but not necessarily be limited to: UMUAA offices, Student Uganda Martyrs University Alumni Association (UMUnion offices, Faculty Offices, Teaching space and UAA) currently boasts of over 5000 members, which Retail space to-let. is an adequate platform for a good networking environment. With the aim of improving student welfare, the association will be a conduit for internship/employment opportunities for continuing UMU students. The association will also facilitate Seminars/Work-

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT by Harriet Mutonyi

In July, UMU celebrated another accomplishment. One of their own, John Francis Mugisha, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, was awarded a doctorate at Keel University, England. We, the editorial board of the Newsletter want to say congratulations for this great achievement. In the spirit of sharing, John wrote an interesting piece of work and the abstract is included below: Dr. John Francis Mugisha Investigated the contribution of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to Organisational Performance in Healthcare in the context of Organisational Culture. The underpinning question was whether the huge sums of resources invested in CPD for healthcare professionals translate into improved performance outputs for healthcare organisations. Using a blended methodology with triangulated data sources and collection methods, evidence from four case study hospitals in Uganda indicated that CPD is associated with outcomes such as improved supervision, efficiency and clinical care which boost organisational performance. The forms of CPD that are conducted on the job such as bedside coaching, clinical audits, case studies, support supervision and ward rounds were found to be cheaper and to give more practical performance benefits compared to those conducted out-of-station such as workshops and conferences. It was established that some organisational cultural traits can maximise the benefits of CPD to support organisational performance in healthcare. Cultures emphasising employee participation in CPD planning, reflective practice, information - sharing, mutual support and trust, client respect, performance measurement, accountability and use of cultural artefacts such as dress code and religious symbols are associated with improved performance outputs as a result of CPD. Quantitative analysis showed a strong correlation between CPD, organisational culture and organisational performance in healthcare. The development of tools for mixed methods in this case study research was a contribution to research methodology while empirical findings contributed to development of theory on the interplay between CPD, organisational culture and organisational performance. The study recommendations have also contributed to practical improvements in the planning and delivery of CPD as well as management and assessment of organisational culture and performance at hospital level.

Dr. Mugisha with wife (centre) and friends

Congratulations

Martin Ebao and Veronica Ayobo (teaching assistant IEDS) They tied the knot at St. Augustine Makerere on 12th November 2011 and later colourfully hosted their guests at Open House Buganda road.

Kato Mark Fredrick former sports tutor and Schantal Nassuna at their wedding day. The couple would like to thank the management and staff of Uganda Martys University for the contribution towards their wedding.

John Muwemba from library and Imelda Nakyanjo from registry are greatful for Gods intervention to enable them wed sucessfully.

NATIONAL COUCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Maria from the Faculty of Built Environment presents to Hon. Jessica Alupo,Minister of education

UMUs Assoc. Proffessor Laura Byuma and Dr. Kisekka Jose

UMU staff representatives rock the new look

Vivian sharing ideas with Ms. UMU.

Alem from the Faculty of Science presents to secondary school students an insight on technologhy

Isabela from the Institute of Ethi Studies showcasing creativity a local resource

EXHIBITION 2011 AND UMU OPEN DAY 2011

Otaala, Mr. Innocent eph sharing a joke

Students of Bishop Cypriano SS Kihangire look at student exhibitions

Stella Nanzala CFO

Visiting students learn how to make models at the Faculty of Built Environment

ics and Development and innovation using es

Paul and Dianne usher in students from Uganda Martyrs Namugongo SS

Evelyn Ayot

Norbert Mao

Susie Mukiibi

Profile:
Alex Agaba Achilles Ahimbisibwe Harriet Mutonyi

Vincent Agaba

Roy Rwakihura

Vincent Agaba (UMU 2001-2004)

Alumnus: Faculty of Business Administration and Management Current Position: CEO, Avarts Housing Limited

What do you credit UMU for? While at UMU, I offered Business Administration and Management and one area that has been so important is the Entrepreneurship. I am now an entrepreneur. When I see the challenges we are facing in the real estate industry and economy at large, like the economic crisis and the depreciation of the shilling, these things as an entrepreneur, hit you hard. But my entrepreneurial knowledge and business acumen I learnt at UMU are helping me stay afloat. Besides the knowledge, I acquired other skills like time management, hard work, communication skills and attention to details. These are important skills if one is to run and sustain a successful business. When did Avarts Housing start? Actually, before I completed at UMU, I had already developed the concept. I developed an Avarts website and made business cards because I knew what I wanted. I then did another degree in International Business and Management from the Netherlands and in 2006, came back to Uganda to implement my business plan -Avarts Housing Limited, a Real Estate Management company. My student computer and mobile phone were the first company assets and my first office was in my living room. Was it an easy start? No it wasnt, as I didnt have sufficient startup capital. But again with resilience and hard work and time management skills which I learnt from UMU and also with entrepreneurial skills, I began with what I had, my computer, mobile phone and living room space. I began with one client and this client brought me another and so on. Now we have a fully-fledged company. Other lessons like documentation and management of clients have seen the company grow up day by day. I am proud of UMU for having given me these skills. The main problem we have in Uganda is that most SMEs start and die in the first year. For us we have managed to jump off that trap because we are 5 years into our business now. How have you impacted the world with your career? Besides setting up the Company, I went ahead to start the Estate and Home magazine. Real Estate did not have any media in the industry whereby somebody could write anything, so I started a magazine which

would disseminate information about Real Estate in Uganda. At first, I wrote all the articles myself but now it has become a company on its own, with its own staff. I also started the Association of Real Estate Agents of Uganda in 2008 because there was lack of transparency in the Real Estate industry. This Association is meant to create transparency and best practices in the industry. To date it has 120 members including most Real Estate companies in Uganda. Most important is that, under Avarts Housing Limiteds real estate management services, we offer tenant customer service and issues resolution, leasing units and processing evictions, property maintenance and improvements, bill payments, book keeping and financial reporting. Avarts Housing Limited aims at grooming people to become entrepreneurs and when it comes to staff and our colleagues, we emphasize growth. Individual growth is a pillar of our companys growth
Alumnus: Institute of Development Studies Current Position: President of the Democratic Party

Norbert Mao (2007 2011)

What course were you offering? I have just completed my M.A. in Development Studies. As a mid career study option I decided to pursue a course in Development Studies. I am lawyer by profession but I decided that to deepen my knowledge base I needed to go into the development field. Why UMU? When it comes to Development Studies, UMUs Institute of Ethics and Development Studies is among the best. The talented and committed faculty and the holistic approach to teaching, puts UMU heads and shoulders above the competition. How UMU has impacted your life? UMU has deepened my knowledge of development issues. As a politician and probably the next President of Uganda, I will have to make critical decisions concerning the wellbeing of our people. Thanks to UMU I feel better prepared to think about critical development issues. I am more confident in any debate concerning development. My network of capable people has also increased. Susie Mukiibi (1995 1998)
Alumnus: Faculty of Business Administration and Management Current Position: Manager Human Resources, Smile Telecom.

What do you credit UMU for? Passing through a system where ethics was taught as a module in every course, I have used these ethics skills as a basis of my experience while working in the banking sector for over ten years. UMU also instilled a work hard and do-ityourself concept in me. UMU is a university with a difference and you dont have the opportunity like that in other universities where people do coursework or other things for you. I believe that that has helped me and brought me to where I am. How are you impacting the world through your career? My position requires identifying people who can effectively contribute to the growth of the company. I have found that graduates from UMU provide this so I have recruited some. I must say the quality for students that come from UMU has been very high and exceeded most of the other universities in Uganda. I also occasionally offer career guidance to students at the University and other institutions by helping them to understand their careers and career plans and helping them to identify organizations where they can be able to contribute their best.

How are you impacting your world? Through efficiency team work and trust, I have managed to establish a good team which gets to do very many Architectural jobs. Having a busy work schedule does not give me much time during the day but I am able to entrust other people in the team with some of the work. We all need to be efficient. We need to have team work. People have to trust you and because of that trust, you end up getting to do much more work. This makes you employ many more people, a positive contribution for Uganda, in this era of unemployment.
Alumnus: Institute of Ethics and Development Studies Current Position: Registrar, International Health Sciences University.

Evelyn Ayot (1995 -1998; 2000 2002)

What do you credit UMU for? The ideas about ethics, respect and output that UMU has helped me turn into a people person with good management and leadership skills. I am able to handle students well. Furthermore, being in the Human Resource Depart- I think the whole issue of ethics and respect has ment, I help many UMU graduates find employment really helped me in my work because as registrar, you get all these temptations, like when a parent and be the best in what they do. comes with a child that doesnt have the qualifications. Roy Rwakihura
Alumnus: The Built Environment Current position: Architect, Symbion International

How are you impacting the world through your career? International Health Sciences University is training What do you credit UMU for? professionals in health and therefore contributes to The strict and arduous system at the faculty, prepared the health sector and the job market in Uganda and me to take on daily lifes challenges and demands abroad. The first graduates were all employed by Inespecially in the architectural field. I acquired mana- ternational hospital Kampala and the current students gerial and creative skills that I used to create jobs for are already doing internship with different organizamyself and to find solutions to problems in life. tions. Interacting with people from different ethnic backgrounds at UMU taught me that people are motivated in their own ways and that different people have different targets. This has enabled me to be self motivated, a quality that has earned me trust from clients. The spirit of team work: Team work is very important because you can never work alone and because of that insight I fitted within the team here at Symbion. As the university, we are also employing other people. That to me is an input that as an individual and as part of a University, I am contributing to the employment of people in this country.

Pangs of political change

Esibo Omaada, Lecturer, Department of Good Governance and Peace Studies

Politicians are known for wooing supporters when they agitate for change. In his presidential campaigns in 2008, Barak Obama enticed Americans, young and old to vote for the change they can believe in. Obama painted his campaign motto, change we can believe in, to an extent that it looked attractive, promising, and fulfilling. Through this catchy phrase: vote for change we can believe in, Obama was seen as a sign of hope for the black race, the Americans and the entire human race. However, in the campaign Obama did not delve into the details of change, and more importantly, the pangs of change. Political change is effected in various ways: nonviolently through the power of the ballot, or violently through the power of the bullet, or coercively through protests, or through inheritance when a monarch dies. Change brought about through non-violent means such as voting and the natural death of a monarch is welcome and advocated for through programmes such as good governance and democracy (programmes) taught in higher institutions of learning

Opinion

whats the big idea!

and promoted through civic education. Western countries are the arch-advocates of this means of change, and most western leaders including Obama came into power by this means. Change realized through the violent means such as the employment of the power of the bullet is welcome by some, but not by all. Many a leader in developing world including Yoweri Kaguta Museveni took-over state power using this path of change. Change effected through semi-violent means through mass protests seems to be welcome as it happened in the liberation of India, in the Philippines in 1986, and in Tunisia and Egypt in 2011.

In these various ways of realizing political change, pangs of change are experienced but in different degrees. In the case of change realized through nonviolent means, the voted out candidates lose power and the benefits that accrue in the political posts they coveted. A friend told me that once you lose in a political race, you will not be the same, implying that not winning in a political race is such a great loss. In cases of semi-violent change, the degree of pain and loss is greater than in the cases of non-violent change. Naturally, the degree of pain and loss is greatest in the cases of violent change because many lives are lost and a lot of property is destroyed. Lets illustrate more on the protests. As protests intensified in North Africa and the Arab world in the wake of political change in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, the other parts of Africa like Uganda and Ivory Coast were involved in electioneering. The agents of this political change have undergone various experiences. While Tunisians, Egyptians, and Libyans endured a lot of pain and destruction of property, Ivorians and Ugandans endured anxiety, threats, fear and some pain. In these experiences, lives have been lost, property has been burnt to ashes, and sources of livelihoods as well as shelter have been destroyed. When Mohamed Bouazizi, a young Tunisian graduate got tired of seeking for employment in vain, he attempted to commit suicide by setting himself on fire as an act of desperation. On the day of the event, December 17th 2010, Bouazizi had tried to sell vegetables and fruits as a last resort of earning a living, but the municipal inspectors did not allow him. Bouazizi became terribly frustrated because the municipal inspectors had robbed him of the only remaining possibility of keeping alive.

protesting President Mubaraks 30 years stay in power. The police attempted to disperse the protesters using tear gas, but to no success. The protest went on till Mubarak quit power. There have been similar protests in Libya, Algeria, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq and Yemen. The government of Libya was widely condemned for using excessive force against peaceful protesters. The question many asked was, will Gaddafi bow down to the demands of the protesters, that he quits power after 42 years of ruling, hence shortening the pangs of change? Unfortunately, he was killed on October 31st 2011 while clinging to power.

CLIMATE CHANGE: ONE PREVAILING CONSTANT BEYOND SPECULATION

Ngendo Tshimba David d.tshimba@umu.ac.ug

Over time, human societies have altered their ecosystems and thus modified regional climates. And since the local is intimately related to the global, it becomes evident that the human influence on environment which began at local levels has now attained a global level. There is a new and strong evidence that most of the warming observed over the last past fifty years is likely to be anthropogenic, most importantly the release of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels. Virtually every human activity directly or indirectly involves combustion of fossil fuels, producing emissions of carbon dioxide, the most significant green house gas into the atmosphere.

The most recent report on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows significant risks of global temperature increases of above five degrees Celsius, relative to pre-industrial times, by the next Bouazizi died two weeks later in the hospital from century if we do not act to curb emissions. It is about severe fire burn. News of his death triggered masredrawing at unprecedented speed the system of how sive protests all over Tunisia. These protests were and where people live because if temperature were to directed towards the government. In the weekend of rise by five degrees or more in the next century, the 8-9 January, 2011 the government of President Zine level of Growth Domestic Product (GDP) probably el-Abidine Ben Ali yielded to the pressure of protes- would set back decades, not years, with billions of tors and collapsed after 23 years of autocratic power. people suffering from hunger, thirst, mass migration, The collapse of the government was seen as an act of and conflict. emancipation and a commencement of democracy. Emissions of carbon dioxide represent social conConsequently, political prisoners were set free and sequences not accounted for by the workings of political exiles were allowed to return home. the market. The recent New York Times Review of The political change in Tunisia was reverberated in Books Magazine says that if economics provide a Egypt and Libya. The Egyptians went to the streets single bottom line for police, it is that we need to

correct this market failure by ensuring that all people, everywhere, and for the indefinite future is confronted with a market price for the use of carbon that reflects the social costs of their activities. Should governments try to wean the world off fossil fuels by subsidizing renewable energy? Or do subsidies waste too much money and create unwelcome externalities? The most efficient strategy for slowing or preventing climate change is to impose a universal and international harmonized carbon tax levied on the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions that is emitted from fossil fuels. We need therefore to strike a balance between the competing objectives of preventing climate change damage, maintaining economic growth, avoiding catastrophic risks, and not imposing undue hardships on poor people and/or future generations. Economists and environmentalists will undoubtedly continue to debate the proper level of the carbon price. But if all can believe that this is a serious global issue, Uganda should also agree that not to do something about this remains the greatest incalculable risk one can undertake and thus this should be promptly corrected.

THE NEW UMUSU.

Eleanor Naisikwe, BAM III

UMUSU is an acronym for Uganda Martyrs University Students Union. UMUSU is a body which among other principles is determined to cultivate and encourage worthy tradition and responsible leadership. UMUSU leadership is a component of the organs that govern the university and is guided by its constitution, the University Memorandum of Association and the University Charter. The leaders are elected into power by the students body which is comprised of all registered students of the University. The elections are conducted by an ad hoc Electoral commission which is elected by the Students body. Any ordinary member is eligible to stand for candidacy as provided for by the UMUSU constitution. An ordinary member is a full time student enrolled at Uganda Martyrs University and resides at the main campus. Any ordinary student has the right to elect and be elected for any post in leadership. The students interested in standing for candidacy are approved by the chaplain of the University and a committee of staff and when approved, they carry on with the campaigns. The students have a mandate to vote for the Union President and the hall/hostel councilors. Three students stood for presidency during the academic year 2011/2012, namely: Bukomeko Bernardine (BSc. GEN III), Ashaba Dorothy (BBAM III) and Mugisha Brian (BSc. IT III). The elections involved intensive campaigns as all the candidates showed capability of competing favorably considering their various manifestos. The campaigns lasted for two weeks during

which the different candidates offered students T-shirts, flyers and copies of their manifestos. The candidates also embarked on door to door campaigns where they would approach the students in person in their halls of residence. They also made visits to the classrooms to lobby votes. There was so much creativity as people used different strategies. For example, the current presidents campaign team showcased a video documentary which depicted their candidate as being the most competent of them all. Unique events were also used as campaigning tools such as that of Ashaba Dorothy who launched her manifesto in the auditorium. Brian Mugishas team was the first to spearhead the website campaigns when they launched his website on the internet. The Election Day was characterized by an anxious atmosphere but the elections were generally calm and tranquil. There was a body of observers whose mandate was to ensure that there were no malpractices, and each candidate presented their own representatives at the polling stations. The day was climaxed with the counting of votes where Bukomeko Bernardine emerged as the president elect until the day he was fully sworn in as the president of the Students Union along with the other members of the 17th Union Cabinet 2011/2012. Alem Abebe Bedada was elected as the Union Chairperson and Ayebazibwe Rebecca Kyaka as the vice Union Chairperson during the first sitting of the new union council. Ajobe Phionah was later elected by the councilors to act as a chief whip. The president presented names of the secretariats (the executives), including the vice president, Esther Gensi, that were approved by the honorable councilors through a vetting process. Each Secretariat is under the Secretary General and is composed of five members referred to as standing committee who must also be approved by the Council. The new students leadership body has portrayed an enthusiastic potential to serve. Among the outstanding activities they carried out was the tour around the University where they interacted with the students in order to find out about their needs and areas that require their attention which was a relatively new move. They have also successfully organized the Freshers ball and the Prom night which were organized by the Campus affairs and Executive committee. The UMUSU has also formed a committee of 29 members under the Justice

and Reconciliation Chairperson who are working on pool. The ripples spread from the center to larger and amending the UMUSU constitution. larger circles of influence. It begins within you! Find your dream again. Shake off the dust. Put it before you say, Hello, Im back! Get reacquainted! Feel Making a Difference - It is and energy, excitement, enthusiasm, fire and passion, the Up to You! overflowing within, calling you to movement and acMpeirwe Sharon, IEDS III tion. Take a stance! Let people know what you think and what you believe in, remembering the old phrase: I have a dream that my four children will one day Stand for something or fall for anything - Words are live in a nation where they will not be judged by the not enough - let your actions talk. colour of their skin but by the content of their char- Making a difference challenges you to think and act acter. Those powerful words are part of a speech differently. To be different! It requires daring. Being given by Martin Luther King in August 1963, a man different is rarely considered a quality. It requires comwho was persecuted and then murdered for preach- mitment. Commitment both to yourself and to your ing a non-violent civil disobedience whilst fighting for integrity. It requires persistence. As Winston Churchill black peoples civil rights in the United States during said, Never, never, never, never give up! the turbulent early sixties. If youre not sure yet, why you should make a differHis dream was manifested a year later, when President ence, let me put it simply: It stretches you to fulfill Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, which your potential. It gives a meaning to your life. It lights (also) guaranteed blacks the right to vote. In that same your being and actions; and it encourages others with year, at age 35, King was awarded the Nobel Peace their dreams so that they can make a difference too. If Prize. more of us would make a small difference, this planet is bound to become a better place. We all have dreams or more accurately, we have all had a dream. As children, not being preoccupied with what is possible, sensible or logical, we all dreamt of making a difference. I remember my- Second life? Kabiito Benedict Losike self dreaming of being the best brain surgeon in MA. SPCM the world, saving people - making a difference. We all had a dream! It involved growing up, some Laugh at it only if you must, but it is better to smile, falling down and listening to those who never made well then, chill down to read it all. Albert Einstein told a difference to arrive at the conclusion: I cannot me that, he rather be an improved ape rather than bemake a difference. Think for a moment, how the ing a degenerated son of Adam, if I may only ask, world would be if all people had chosen not to strive which of the two is appraisable? At stake is a radical for their dreams and make a difference. People like question between evolution and creation. Excuse me, Martin Luther King, John Kennedy, Mohandas Ganthis is only my simple guess! No please, change your dhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa...,you may image of Einstein; he wasnt a pagan as you may be look at these names and feel somewhat intimidated tempted to think. He believed in (a) God. and be tempted to ask : Can I really make a difMy answer is neither leaning on evolution nor creference? Is it worth the price I would have to pay? ation, just their interplay. I beg to be got right, and will It is easier to live a compromised, mediocre life, hopnot speculate. Whether by creation or evolution, being that someone else makes a difference, while you lieve me, things die after living. If you ask me whether read about it. they live after death, I am sorry, I may not answer. Only to give it a try. In a state of wonder I tormented However, if that was your choice, you wouldnt be myself with a burden of establishing whether it is reading this article now. Now is a time for action. It death after life or life after death that lives; a friend is time to confront our upbringing, conditioning and confessed to have been intrigued by the subject circumstances. We all have met people in our lives, matter of my reflection. He immediately poured a big telling us that dreams are for children, encouraging outcry grieving of his grandmother whose death after us to grow-up. It is time to share with them the old life he had just witnessed. In a benevolent and pasChinese proverb, Man who says it cannot be done, sionate tone I pointed at the nice looking plantation of should not interrupt man doing it. young flourishing maize for him, whose lives sprouted Making a difference is like throwing a pebble in a after the death of innumerable seeds. Upon this I com-

forted him, and assured him of his grandmothers life WHEN YOU HAVE TO after death, since even maize is capable of it. When did your nuts loosen? He asked me. When did corps- DECIDE es ever gain potential to germinate? May you please point at any plantation of human beings? He retorted Nakabugo Barbra, Masaka Campus Life indeed as they say is a huge jigsaw puzzle. For further in attack. many at times we are exposed to situations in which He was profoundly unaware of the fact that he is the we have to make choices. But do we really make the seedling of his grandmother, a human plant descend- right decisions? Way back in August 2008, I was faced ing from an infinitely stretching field of humanity, with a situation in which I had conflicting interest to taking the above analogically. I realized that the con- choose between Kyambogo and Uganda Martyrs Uniception of life after death was not a verifiable one versity. To me Kyambogo had always been my thing as exemplified with that maize plantation next door. and never gave a second thought to Uganda Martyrs What could have been my intent on giving him this Universitytell me who did. Little did I know that example as a sure inference for his grandmothers Life there was some hidden treasure in the latter Univerafter Death? Of course, that example is only analog- sity. I was admitted to Uganda Martyrs as if that was ical, therefore less applicable in the strict sense. It not punishment enough, I would not imagine myself only meant to open his eyes. Dont tell me he never at the Masaka campus. learnt that phrases and sentences can be used either metaphorically or symbolically. The fact still stands; Never did a day go by without me ever thinking to it had an enormous mission to serve, if it were to save myself how unfair this life was, seeing that I had to my friend. Does life precede death or otherwise? But sacrifice a lot. What kept me sane was the thought that who doesnt know that death crumbles down and shat- it was not all about the buildings that we get to enjoy ters life into emptiness, who has remembered to for- campus but the level of commitment we have towards get that only vegetative life wakes-up from the dying our studies and ourselves (to have fun ) and above seeds of their respective parent plants. In whose mind all understanding the purpose of our life and that if one doesnt it click that no life has ever gathered strength is bound to succeed, no matter how hard the situation to stand out from a buried human body, just as a maize is they are definitely bound to make it big always. seed would. Point at him whose eyes enjoy masquerading, whose ears do not open to the louder sounds of Today, I am so grateful to my sister who encouraged death after life, whose attention is cut off from where me to join Uganda Martyrs, because while in my secthings happen, whose perception is veiled in the dark- ond year I got a job with a telecom company, so did est of mist. It is true I received life from parents, but my other friends, three of them started their own businot after their death am quite sure; on the same rhyth- nesses, and as I was about to graduate, I got another mic flow animal life flows. It happens in life, with life opportunity with an NGO. To all the students who have had a chance to go through the same grooming, and to the living. let your light shine, with honesty and integrity proudKnowledge being a social reality, it required me to so- ly represent this great institution Virtute et Sapientia licit peoples experiences on the subject matter. The Duc Mundum) two I asked had this to say; when I asked them where their destiny was. On the day I cease to live Loky answered. Toita looked on indignantly for a while, took a heavy breath and retorted in a deep voice, paradise. Toita seemed to lack self-conviction on what his destiny is. According to the answers of Loky and Toita, it could be said that Lokys stand was upon a conviction of death after living his life, Toita on the contrary, cherished his conviction of beginning to live in paradise after his death. The two were interested in knowing which of the two sides I was a fan of, but of course mine was only to enquire and possibly to learn.

Since I have never met him up-close I wonder what it will be like. From far he does appear to be young and that doesnt change as I get closer. As I walk up to him there is a wide and warm smile on his face as he graciously welcomes me. I am left calm and genuinely humbled (as he gestures me to a seat beside him) to have a share of time of this great and noble man. Who is Kenneth Kiyingi? I am the 3rd born of nine children, 25 years of age. I was born on 8th November 1986 to Joseph and Grace Bbosa. I did my primary in St. Savio Junior school Kisubi then went for S.1 and S.2 at Mengo Senior School, S.3 and S.4 at Vienna College Namugongo, S. 5 and S.6 in Makerere College School and finally joined UMU for University where I had my Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Management and Masters of Business Administration (MBA). I am currently the Member of Parliament representing the people of Mawokota South Constituency. What inspired you to join UMU? I surely wanted to have my undergraduate studies around my home village Nkozi having had my earlier studies in town. I also wanted to strengthen my background in my home village. I also had it in mind that UMU was one of the leading Universities in the country so I gave it my first choice above the rest. It was abit tricky in the beginning as I started my first year but I later managed to adjust positively. What did you enjoy most about UMU? I really enjoyed my relationships with students in UMU, it was amazing! People related with me with a lot of ease which was nice. This was also facilitated by my once being the papa Good Samaritan family and later Campus Affairs of the students Guild. Why did you come back immediately to do your masters? I saw the opportunity as one of a life time and it was also a chance for me to further my studies while I was still vibrant and fresh in mind. I applied for Masters just after my 3rd year, sat the GAT exams and succeeded. I almost missed my first graduation because I had an exam slated for that day. However, the class was excused for my sake. UMU is conducive for study and I still love the University even though I completed my studies. What was it like being in UMU for a long time: bachelors then Masters? It was really nice. Generally, there were no problems

sou ota k wo i Ma Gens . P M her Est

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during my stay at UMU. The only challenge though was leaving my 3rd year classmates and meeting new people while pursuing my Masters Degree and a few changes in the University management which saw a number of members leaving for other duties. The changes though have been consistent since Prof. Lejeune left the University.

If there was something you could change about UMU what would that be? It is not easy to cite what those things are because I am an objective person. In everything I look out for the nice things rather than the negative things, however I would establish more vertical (storeyed) structures considering the space problem and growWhat key values did you pick from UMU ing student numbers. I would also encourage stuand how did they influence the Kenneth dents to enroll in more co-curricular activities. we see today? Patience. Learning how to wait. There is time for ev- UMU has several customs; what invaluable cultures erything. It has carried me this far. I have learnt to do you think UMU should strive to maintain? sacrifice and learnt to put certain things aside like The UMU culture and discipline should be mainhaving fun especially during the time of campaigns. tained. Ethics has been part of the way things are I was able to build a rapport with almost everyone; done at the University. Certain things are exclusive greeting everyoneand it is still working, I mean I to UMU, the way we treat and entertain people from have come to interact with people of different ranks outside for example the formerly free meals to visiand backgrounds. tors was very much cherished by many although costly to the University. How did UMU prepare you for the world? I was able to serve as a student leader while in UMU which opened my door to serving people outside UMU. I served on the students union as the Secretary for Campus Affairs and I was the chairperson of the Good Samaritan Family. So what is the difference between you and other university products? Something you learn from day one is the value of ethics and integrity. Values that guide you before making any decision and these have made me outstanding from others. I have learned to make a positive difference in peoples life in each and every thing I do in life as it is in UMUs motto Making a Difference. You joined parliament in 2011, what inspired you to join parliament? Firstly, to serve the people of Mawokota south constituency; as a matter of fact, service above self. I wanted to make a contribution in the political environment in Uganda. People keep saying the leaders of tomorrow but when will tomorrow come, let it be now, its time for new people to get into the system. I also wanted to be a living example to the youth today, committed and educated to serve. It challenging though because you face elders but when you have your facts straight, they respect your contributions and give you due audience.

THAT PART OF YOU They know the lies I know the truth I see beyond the happy face They look at the stretch of the laughing lips They look at the well groomed face I see beyond the blade scratches They think I am a coward not to love you I think I am soldier enough They think we are the perfect match I see what they dont want to know They see my laughing face at the train station I see only my teary face in the midnight dark They think that love is beautiful Because they dont see that part of you PHEONAH OKORI, BAM 3

Reflections on Social Conventions

Jimmy Spire Ssentongo Lecturer, Institute of Ethics and Development Studies

shirt into trouser. And maybe they feel it, but the social chains intricately packaged in their upbringing do not allow them to live what they feel! Again, what a mental slavery! Why does your house have a shade with pillars? Because every good house has a shade with pillars. Why have you painted it cream? Because that is the colour on all good houses today. Why are you wearing those dark shades on a cloudy day? Because everyone is wearing shades these days. Why are you buying an Ipsum? Because everyone is buying one. Why are you always playing that song? Because it is a hit. Why are you watching that TV soap? Well, precisely because everyone is watching it. Perhaps there are some people who go into such things with genuine purpose, but quite a number are victims of the herd complex. Where those ahead go, the rest will follow. A people condemned to a very loud inferiority. With a mixture of enjoyment and awe, I have been reading a book entitled I Write What I Like. It is by none other than the great Steve Biko, a man I still feel I took rather long to discover. Well, he was killed by the Apartheid regime in South Africa in 1977 at a tender age of 30 precisely because of the ideas that won my admiration for him. In instilling Black Consciousness, Biko lashed both at the colonisers dominative tendency and at the black races unashamed mimicry. He observes that whenever colonisation sets in with its dominant culture it devours the native culture and leaves behind a bastardised culture that can only thrive at the rate and pace allowed it by the dominant culture. That is where we are. A big lot of us are oppressed by social conventions consciously or not. We have become beings for and as by the other. However, as Franz Fanon recommends in Black Skins, White Masks, it takes our consciousness to rise above the absurd drama that others have staged around us. We would agree with Biko that the most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed. Granted that we dont always have to determine our actions individually and as per our individual tastes/preferences, but that should not be an opening for irrelevant social conventions to stand in the way of our freedom.

The famous social contract philosopher - Jean Jacques Rousseau - wrote that man is born free but everywhere in chains. We often act under the illusion that we are socially free, yet our range of choice of action is to a large extent determined by the societies in which we live. That in itself is not as such a bad thing but could translate into some sort of a social dictatorship. Back in my early seminary days in the 1990s, two of my classmates were suspended for having shaved their heads close to clean. They were told not to come back to school until their hair had grown. A decent seminarian had to retain some amount of hair on his head. Fast forward into the 2000s, a virtually clean head is the way to go! And I am often reminded that I need a hair-cut! Why do I need a hair-cut? It is because almost everyone has theirs cut, and I dont have to look different. I have to fit into the taste of the majority, which majority itself is largely a blind follower of the waves of social convention. Under such majoritarianism, individual freedom and room for harmless difference are usurped by the ideal. This is just but a small indicator of our intolerance to difference. It extends to higher forms of difference such as race, class, ideology, tribe, gender and so on. We often have the urge to homogenise. In a manner that Professor Peter Kanyandago calls negative universalism, we label, stereotype and dismiss wrong languages, wrong colours, wrong tribes, wrong lifestyles, wrong dress-codes, wrong cultures, wrong foods, ... When you choose to grow your beard, you are coerced back into the fold by being labelled crazy or a terrorist When I went for my first job interview (in the conservative world of accountancy), I knew that the conventional official dress-code was a suit. On that hot day, I had to package myself acceptably in a black suit. About thirty minutes before the interview, my patience with the weather-insensitive dress-code had climaxed. I walked in with jacket in hand and all the interviewers looked at me like they were seeing porridge in a bar. In this hot part of the world, members of parliament are thrown out of the house for indecency, where decency means wearing a suit. The irony is that they ensure that air conditioners are running. What a mental slavery! No wonder their lack of realism extends to their monstrous self remuneration amidst an impoverished electorate. My mum would always ensure that my shirt was tucked in before I would leave for school. After the exercise, she would exclaim: smart boy. Well, perhaps. Indeed some people look smart with their shirts tucked in neatly, and some seem to fancy every bit of it. But I never experienced it and it always made me feel awkward! Yet someone always had to ask why I had not tucked in and add that I was indecent. May be I was, but there was no option for those of us who would prefer a no-tuck-in code! The subjectivity of smartness aside, some people look real cumbersome with