NURSING CLASS OF 2018
CONTENTS WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE VC ................................................................................Pg.7
TRANSFORMING LIVES OF YOUNG GIRLS ...........................................................................Pg.16
PROVIDING EVIDENCE FOR NEGLECTED NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDS): SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN UGANDA ..............................................................................Pg.11
CIU SERVICE AWARDS ...........................................................................Pg.18
LEADING AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH PHAU ..............................................................................Pg.12
ALUMNI STORIES ...........................................................................Pg.33
WHAT WE MEAN BY “INNOVATION” ..............................................................................Pg.14
www.ciu.ac.ug
CIU Magazine | July 2018
3
Editors Note
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Clarke International University (CIU) has, exceptionally throughout the years, exhibited a remarkable model of training students. As we mark the beginning of this new decade, CIU pledges to continue being a model institution of learning that not only inspires her students but also spearheads the goal to lead, innovate and transform. In this issue, we celebrate the people who have helped build CIU. These are individuals who have dedicated their youthful strength to build the institution over the past ten years. They have exhibited loyalty, teamwork and dedicated service that has enabled CIU to evolve into a center of excellence. The testimonials from our students and alumni are solid proof of our good work and the CIU legacy. We are highly honored by all our students and alumni because they continue to lead and uphold the mandate of making a difference. To our current students, the focus should not just be on getting the transcript. What matters most is the quality of training you have received and how well you can apply it in today’s highly competitive market. CIU focuses on training you to be well equipped for the job market in order to rise above ordinary and mediocre standards. Learning never stops. Unfortunately, some of our cultural orientation and socialization has conditioned us to think in a wrong perspective. CIU is looking towards breaking this notion so as to inspire people of all ages to embrace life-long learning. We are proud to see certain students enroll for our programs right from diploma level until they acquire a Master’s degree. This gives us a sense that we have successfully redefined the learning experience and made it enjoyable such that a person has the morale to keep going until they attain the highest level of training the university can offer. This magazine has been crafted carefully for you our reader to get a proper insight into CIU’s activities and to bring you on board with the rest of the CIU community. The new decade gives an opportunity to each one of us to realign our goals in a way that directly contributes to the achievement of CIU’s mission and vision. Cheers to new beginnings.
Contribute to the Magazine
Contact Us
Do you have interesting content. Please share it with us and will shall publish it in the next issue
Email: magazine@ciu.ac.ug Call: (+256) 0312 307 400
4
CIU Magazine | July 2018
Design & Editoral Team • Dr. Rose Nanyonga Clarke • Sandra Naluwugge • Steven Twinomugisha
A publication of Clarke International Univeristy
CIU Campus News
Dear CIU Family Welcome to back to CIU. To those who are new here, thank you for choosing to be part of our learning and teaching community. As we start the semester, am deeply grateful for the chance to remain part of the vibrant CIU community in the role of Vice Chancellor. I feel enormous gratitude for the support I continue to receive from the CIU family and believe more strongly in a future that is exciting 6
CIU Magazine | July 2018
and possible because we are all working tirelessly to shape it. Let me reiterate that I have confidence in the collective talent of this family and in our ability to foster an environment that will allow us to pursue and achieve our vision and mission. The mainstays of our achievements at CIU are grounded in our new Vision: We are a values-based university that inspires leadership, critical thinking, innovation, and outstanding academic training that transforms communities.
And mission: To prepare students for global leadership and to be catalysts for transformation. We achieve this mission through a Values-Based Education; Instilling in students a zeal for Lifelong Learning; Outstanding Interprofessional Academic Training, Research and Community Outreach; Innovative Action; and, Exceptional Faculty
What distinguishes us from others has everything to do with how we demonstrate these two guiding statements. We are committed to: Leading a valuesbased Education revolution in this country; Transforming what are otherwise good words into Demonstrable Actions of Service; Working with students to foster Growth and Development of ValueOriented Leaders; Pursuing Cultures and Norms of Integrity, Excellence and Efficiency; Engaging in Interprofessional Scholarship that fosters Imagination, Curiosity to Learn, and Informs how students and faculty continue to learn; Leveraging Technology to enhance Learning, Teaching and Research; and Building structures that foster Design Thinking and Creativity. More than 300 students will walk through our doors this week for the first time. In these first encounters, while we are excited to receive them, they are nervous about change, new university life and a future that is uncertain. They seek an education that will position them better to encounter life as professionals and earn a living. These are good aspirations and we are delighted to be a part of the “How to get there” for each of these students. However, the journey here is much more defined by what we all do to exceed expectations. How well we get on board with the broad CIU agenda of making a difference. We stand to gain more if we conduct ourselves with uttermost integrity and professionalism. If we arrive early than late or not at all. If we adopt a posture of gratitude. If we inquire, discover, learn and grow than expecting
www.ciu.ac.ug
grades on a silver platter. If we pursue solutions rather than complaining about what is broken. These are only a few ways in which we become value-oriented leaders. In this Issue: I am delighted to read about some highlights that showcase how CIU is transforming communities. Take a bow as we collectively recognize individuals who have served CIU for many years. Second, we invite you to participate in the next CIU Reads activities organized by the Library Team. Learn the value of developing life-long learning skills including search and retrieval skills which are critical to fostering research competencies for active investigators. In addition, take opportunity of the various information technology training at CIU to bolster your Tech Literacy Skills: We are now a certified centre for Cisco training. In addition, our ICT Certificate program produces outstanding designers and innovators—see Joanita Nalubega’s story which is truly inspiring. And engage with the community. We are privileged to know and work with individuals who are actively doing so much to transform their community. Join Sharif Tusubiira on the Sickle Cell Awareness Campaign and find ways to add value. Join Alumnus Patrick Ssegawa as he and his Team at Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PHAU) continue to pursue service to the community through the Women’s Health Project, Partnership to Inspire Connect, Transform HIV Response (PITCH), Ensonga etc. Join some of our talented and passionate students, such as
Nakaye Zaina (BscN IV) whose work with Tapowa empowers and motivates young girls to achieve more. This is an engaged community with demonstrable ways of achieving our broad mission and vision. Get on board. The CIU Administration welcomes you all back to CIU. We look forward to an exciting year and to seeing what we can all achieve when talent, passion, goodwill, commitment and science come together. It is an honour and privilege to serve as your Vice Chancellor Sincerely, Rose Clarke Nanyonga Ph.D. Vice Chancellor
CIU Magazine | July 2018
7
CIU Campus News
GUILD CABINET 2018/19
GUILD PRESIDENT - JOSEPH
The academic year 2017 - 2018 has been an incredible year. We saw the previous Guild Cabinet transition out of leadership to handing in offices to me and my new cabinet. I would like to thank the previous Guild Cabinet for making this transition a successful one. Leadership is a virtue and I am highly honored to have been chosen as a Guild President for the academic year 2018-2019. It is an amazing challenge and I believe it will lead to greater heights of achievements. I am very determined to work with my energetic and commit-
8
CIU Magazine | July 2018
NEW GUILD LEADERSHIP ted cabinet members to make the next academic year an outstanding one on all issues of student’s welfare. Next academic year, we are looking forward to working together with the University Administration to achieve our mission and vision as Clarke International University (CIU). We will continue to have events including The Fresher’s Ball, Fresher’s welcoming football games, medical camps and other activities that make the university a unique environment for students. My message to the new students is that you have made the
best choice by choosing CIU to be your academic mentor. It is going to give you a strong and solid foundation and will prepare you for excellence in the professional world. CIU will nurture you to join the practice world with total confidence. Brain Herbert once said, “The capability to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, and the willingness to learn is a choice”. Lead | Innovate | Transform. I wish you the best at CIU
Clarke International University (CIU) held its first ever Library week from 26th to 29th March 2018. With a captivating theme ‘C.I.U Reads’, the four-day event was highly educative. First, during the morning session of the first day (earmarked for staff members), the external facilitators were brilliant at imparting informationsearching skills to the available attendees. All attendees including the Library Staff immensely benefited from the knowledgeable facilitators. The morning session was followed by an afternoon session that primarily focused on user education and summarized information about the general use and benefits of the library. Day two was all about E-resource training for our students. Each day, the world is increasingly transitioning into the
www.ciu.ac.ug
digital age. Students who fail to embrace the digital era and all its advantages are likely to be left behind in both learning and working. Therefore, the E-resource training the CIU Library offers will go a long way in positioning our students for success. Feedback from these sessions was positive and by the end of the workshops, the students could ably navigate all the available E-resources with ease. Day three focused on the referencing tools training i.e. Zotero and Mendeley. So many graduating students turned up for this session, many of whom were actively working on their research projects. The two tools were taught adequately to ensure that each student who attended left with a thorough grasp of how to use them. Day four of CIU Reads included a lecture
about maximizing professional networking platforms as well as a book-give-away. It was noticeable among these groups that while the majority of the people are conversant with the usage of social media platforms, fewer used professional networking platforms. CIU Library week presented a perfect opportunity for one to learn how to effectively utilize such platforms to aid his/her career growth. Three platforms were highlighted, namely; Academia, LinkedIn and Research Gate. Finally, and much to the delight of the attendees, book-give-aways crowned it all on a Thursday afternoon. That indeed marked the end of our first ever Library week at CIU. When next we call, come!
CIU Magazine | July 2018
9
CIU Endevors
Mr Sharif Tusubiira with Medical Lab Students
10
CIU Magazine | July 2018
PROVIDING EVIDENCE FOR NEGLECTED NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDS): SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN UGANDA Sickle cell disease is associated with progressive organ damage coupled with episodes of acute painful episodes and illness resulting from the sticky and stiff red blood cells which clog tiny blood vessels. Estimates suggest that about 25000 babies are born with this condition, however up to 80% die before their fifth birthday. Uganda Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation (USCRF) works to address this burden through increasing awareness and advocating against the associated stigma in communities. In Uganda, 13.5 % of our population are carriers of this condition while the disease prevalence varies from region to region. Research in sickle cell disease (SCD) is vital in addressing the challenges and ultimately, providing evidence to support the implementation of interventions. However, research on non communicable diseases has focused on other conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. USCRF and Clarke International University work to ensure that research is carried out to increase the knowledge on SCD and ensure the reduction in marginalization of persons with the condition. The plight
www.ciu.ac.ug
of the situation is such that in a recently conducted study, 83.4% of the study participants had never tested for SCD even though many (74.3%) of these wanted to know their status. Close to half of the participants (44.2%) did not know the cause of SCD. Persons with the condition still face several forms of stigma as a record 31% of the persons interviewed did not believe that peoples with SCD can work.
incorporate care for persons with SCD. USCRF believes that empowering students and providing access to learning opportunities is key in addressing Uganda’s development needs. We therefore call upon other departments or schools to use this model for real world application of class theory.
This research highlights the need to provide the necessary information and services to support people with and without the disease. Being a carrier means that a person has a chance of having a child with sickle cell if they have a baby with another carrier. Such unions continue to add to the sickle cell burden in Uganda. This means that every one, has a responsibility to know their sickle cell status. Couples are encouraged to take a sickle cell test. Knowing your sickle cell type and making conscious decision in regards to choosing one’s husband/wife can result in a sickle cell disease free society. Screening is the first step in breaking the cycle of sickle cell disease. Public Health services ought to
NOTE: The study quoted was published in April 2018 in BMC Public Health: Sharifu K. Tusuubira, Ritah Nakayinga, Bashir Mwambi, John Odda, Sylvia Kiconco, and Alimah Komuhangi. Knowledge, perception and practices towards sickle cell disease: a community survey among adults in Lubaga division, Kampala Uganda. BMC Public Health (2018) 18:561
More results from this study can be found at https://rdcu.be/MOQB
The writer Sharifu Kiragga Tusuubira, is a Mandela Washington Fellow who lectures in the Institute of Allied Health Sciences at Clarke International University. He is also the Executive Director of the Uganda Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation.
CIU Magazine | July 2018
11
CIU Endevors
LEADING AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH PHAU
Ms. Lilibet & Mr. Segawa - Team Leaders at PHAU My name is Patrick Segawa, I’m a public health practitioner. I was at CIU between 2010 and 2014 and I studied BSc. Public health.
EXPERIENCE AT CIU My experience as a student was very good in terms of the different courses that we were doing. They were very enriching because we were using problem based learning where it gives you an opportunity to looking for solutions about different issues that affect communities. We also had field visits within different areas and it was a different experience for all the students. The lecturers were and still are 12
CIU Magazine | July 2018
very supportive in terms of providing one on one sessions even after class, taking you through different topics in case you didn’t have the opportunity to understand in class.
were given this support because for all the activities we undertake they always come and support us. They encourage us and follow up on what we do.
While at CIU, we were empowered to start an initiative and we formed Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PHAU). Majority of the co-founders are CIU Alumni i.e. Namakula .E, Denis Ssesanga, Kiiza Johnson and other students that came on board. Currently, we have a core team at PHAU that is made up of CIU alumni and we still work with hand in hand with other alumni. We’ve been able to provide employment to our fellow alumni. It’s through the administration of CIU that we
Initially, we were so much interested in music dance and drama because we had a club at CIU known as Latino rhythm dance club and we would offer free dance classes to students. Even on university days, we were given time to perform and many students identified with us. We later started incorporating theater into music. We had a number of plays about raising awareness and we later on had productions at national theatre.
When we graduated in 2014 we wanted to continue with this club so we were challenged on what we’d call it. The fact that majority of us had done public health we thought of public health and we wanted to make a difference in communities, be ambassadors of change. That is how Public Health Ambassadors Evolved. In 2014 at the very beginning we were hustlers, we didn’t have money except our few individual savings. We started out with small scale outreaches then later on in 2014 as the year was ending, we got a grant from African Women’s Development Fund and we did a flash mob at Colville Street to celebrate World AIDS day. We danced on the street and managed to have it closed through getting permission through police and KCCA. It was our year of registration and we had already gotten a grant, it was so amazing.
LIST OF PROGRAMS UNDER PHAU 1. Women’s Health project (WHP) 2. Partnership to Inspire Connect Transform HIV Response (PITCH) 3. Ensonga 4. Public Health Ambassadors Programme ( PHAP) 5. Girls Act “Girls Kisoboka” campaign. 6. HIV/AIDs Anti Stigma “TULI WAMU NAWE” Campaign. We are currently working in 10 districts and they include Kampala, Wakiso, Nakaseke, Jinja, Nakasongola, Koboko, Hoima, Kiboga, Bushenyi and Kabarole. A vast number of people have been reached out to in terms of offering services to them and training peer educators. We are working with a number of partners. We are a fully-fledged registered organization. As an organization, we are trying to have a relationship with CIU for mentorship and guidance. We occasionally have meetings with the VC and Dean Institute of public health and management
for mentorship and guidance while implementing our various programs. To the current students, public health is a field that has a potential for students to explore. There are quite a number of initiatives that can be started because PHAU focuses on sexual and reproductive health. Other fields include nutrition, humanitarian sector, HIV AIDS, water hygiene and sanitation and many others. It has definitely been a journey and passion is very important, it should not be done for money because that is a misleading motive. I want to thank CIU for following up with our lives even as alumni. I’m happy that I received a medal in honor of my service to the community. I believe it all came as a result of consistency in our works and maintaining the standards all throughout. I believe we are a testimony of the products of CIU for the rest of the community. CIU should continue engaging with the alumni and support them in any way so we can have many more alumni shinning.
PHAU Community outreach event www.ciu.ac.ug
CIU Magazine | July 2018
13
CIU Endevors
WHAT WE MEAN BY “INNOVATION”
Joanitah N Nalubega is one of Uganda’s uprising young women who have bravely ventured into the field of technology and made a huge impact in the industry. She initially studied Industrial Chemistry but was later on led to technology and innovation primarily due to the need to make a positive contribution to the world she lives in while she still had the chance. “I’m fully aware of the unrealized potential of the industry owing to the negligible number of women and girls involved in technology, and so I deliberately choose to become the affirmation another brilliant girl needs to lend her genius to the Tech industry,” Joanitah explained. Ms. Nalubega was recently chosen to be one of the Next Einstein Forum ambassadors and she is the representative from Uganda. A Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Ambassador is a champion of
14
CIU Magazine | July 2018
science in their own country, in Africa and in the world. NEF is growing the largest forum of African Scientists to allow for collaboration, learning and building of solutions for the continent and contribute to its integral development. NEF is able to do this work with the help of ambassadors in each of the 54 African countries, who help highlight the great scientific research and innovation in their own countries via the NEF platform exposing them to possible collaboration with other scientists in the field, markets for their products and services and partnerships for growth. NEF Ambassadors are also charged with participating in the formulation of a conducive policy environment for the development of Science, Tech, Engineering and Maths in their home countries. According to Ms. Nalubega, in order for one to become an ambassador it takes a
Applied ICT’s and Leadership course class
passion for science and its development. Applications for these champions of science go out every two years and all African scientists below the age of 42 are eligible to apply. “Technology is not a stand-alone industry but rather an enabler of already existing industries, other sciences and particularly Chemistry,” Ms Nalubega expounded, “So when I sought a path through which I would create the highest impact and build a better world, Technology was an easy choice, “easy” because venturing into it wasn’t as easy as knowing it was the best way for me to go, but rather that I was ready for the challenge. I enjoy learning and growing in understanding and that has kept me going,” Ms Nalubega revealed. Ms Nalubega has both studied and worked with Clarke International University and
www.ciu.ac.ug
she feels it has led to bigger opportunities. ”Studying and working with CIU has given me hope of a brighter future for Uganda’s children in and out of school. The excellence, value-based approach to education and work at CIU makes it easy to continuously innovate around our work processes, curriculum and classwork delivery to produce a well-rounded life-long learner. I have been given an opportunity to contribute to and influence the output of the university in major ways without first wearing a grand title and for that I am honored,” Ms. Nalubega explained. The field of technology in Uganda particular has not been penetrated by many women compared to the men. It is somehow evaded and thought of as a complex filed reserved for men and this has unfortunately contributed a lot to the continued gender imbalance we have in
the country. From the perspective of a lady who has been part of the technology field for some time now, it’s unfortunate that these ideals continue to be upheld by us and our systems because it’s clear what incredible solutions have been produced by inclusive teams to some of the world’s biggest problems. “The good news is that it’s not too late for women and girls to take their place in the Technology industry and we must all continuously and deliberately work towards breaking those walls and unfounded biases against them in order to build groundbreaking technological solutions for a world that is already inclusive by composition,”Ms Nalubega said.
CIU Magazine | July 2018
15
CIU Endevors
TRANSFORMING LIVES OF YOUNG GIRLS try my luck and she encouraged me to go ahead. I got all the recommendation letters, she called me for an interview and I was given 70% scholarship for my entire fourth year. The scholarship has helped me because I didn’t have pressure for tuition so it gave me time to concentrate on my research and academics. It has been great because I was actually one of the few lucky people who got into the Rose’s journey scholarship fund.
My name is Nakaye Zaina, I am doing Bsc Nursing Science and I am graduating in December 2018. I am privileged to be one of the beneficiaries of the Rose’s Journey scholarship Fund. Initially, I got an email like any other student that was informing me about the available scholarship opportunities and how to apply. This particular scholarship was directed towards students in second year and I was already in fourth year but I still sent an email to Dr. Rose asking her if I could apply regardless of the fact that I was not in second year. Since I was in my final year, I decided to
16
CIU Magazine | July 2019
I am apart of an NGO called Topowa Youth Mentoring. It basically empowers the youth in secondary schools and the community. I am an advocate and my role is designing girl kits for the presentations we are going to do for the girls. I mainly focus on educating the girls about menstrual hygiene which has helped me a lot in doing my research and understanding where the gap was. I have been part of the organisation for two years and it has been a great experience to do something that has a positive impact on the lives of these young girls. Our work has had an impact because some of the girls have questions on such a sensitive topics like menstrual hygiene and when we bring it up they get a chance to ask as many questions about different things that they do not clearly understand and we in turn advise them on how to handle various situations that may sometimes seem odd to them. Our
work empowers the girls and gives them motivation because we bring celebrities and role models to give them hope to aspire for higher achievements in life. CIU gave me an opportunity to join the medical profession, nursing science in particular. I used to be sickly as a child and I always promised myself I would be in the medical profession so I could help other children. I have never regretted being here, CIU has given me a very big opportunity to pursue my career and it has motivated me not to just stop at a degree but to go on and upgrade even to the level of PhD. The mode of teaching is very good, the organization of the schemes of work and the delivery is very good. What needs to improved is the communication between students and lecturers because it has an impact on the way we study and take in what is given. I want to major in critical care nursing because that is something I love. It helped me to know my clear career path. To my fellow students, CIU is a university that gives us a chance to concentrate on our studies so we get good grades.I urge you to focus on performing well especially in the first years so at the end of it all you can have excellent grades. Tell as many people as possible about this wonderful University so they can join it and have this same or even better experience of learning and training.
STUDENTS IN THE COMMUNITY: KANSANGA MEDICAL CAMP Clarke International University (CIU) in partnership with Kiwoko Hospital, 6th Mt. Zion Baptist Temple (Hampton Virginia USA) and Kansanga Miracle center Reuben Clinic conducted a 2 days community medical camp on 27th in Kansanga, Wheeling zone, Kyadondo County. Led by Lecturer Komuhangi, the team included students from the Institute of Public Health and Management who offered talks on Nutrition, Hygiene and Sanitation, Family planning, Immunization, prevention and control of communicable diseases and risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. CIU Clinical Medicine, Laboratory, and Nursing students offered: HIV Screening, General Assessment and Treatment of common conditions. Participants received merit award certificates in recognition of their valuable contributions and CIU was awarded a merit award certificate for adding value to the community. Special thanks to the CIU Administration and the students that participated for their valuable input which contributed to the success of the community medical camp. #MakingADifference
Ms. PHIONA BITARIHO
10 YEARS OF SERVICE Ms. Phionah Bitariho is currently an Assistant Registrar/PR at Clarke International University. She joined the University on 1st July 2007 as a Front Desk Officer and Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor and on 1st August 2008 she took on the role of Assistant Registrar which she holds to-date. “I started as an administrative assistant in Uganda Health Management Institute (UHMI) which was then a training department for IHK. When the university started, UHMI is what emerged into the Institute of Public Health & Management,” Ms. Bitariho elaborated. She was able to quickly progress from one position to another because she is a person who always challenges herself to move to the next level, always ready and willing 18
CIU Magazine | July 2018
to learn but more importantly she is very optimistic about the future. “I remember walking into CIU which was then called International University of health sciences (IUHS), this later became the International Health Sciences University (IHSU). We were then 5 staff members, everything about the University was on paper and I was excited to be part of the process that would turn ideas, thoughts on paper into reality that is to say actual students, more staff members, building structures among others,” Ms. Bitariho recalls. Today a lot has changed and many developments have emerged. CIU has over 600 students, over 100 staff members, graduated over 3000 alumni plus having its home. When Ms. Bitariho sees CIU today, she cannot help but smile with fulfillment.
According to Ms. Bitariho, her experience with the university has been exciting, challenging but mostly fulfilling & rewarding. Through working with CIU, she discovered her passion for image & public relations and that motivated her to study a master’s in Public Relations & Media Management. Ms. Bitariho attributes her achievements in the 10 years to working as a team, knowing and understanding the organization’s goals plus keeping the mission statement at the center of every activity. “It is truly an honor to be part of a University that has consistently built high standards and has been able to sustain & celebrate 10 years of existence,” Ms. Bitariho said proudly. In regards to the medal she received,
Ms. Bitariho thanks management for the recognition and she is also grateful to the registry team who have always exhibited high levels of team spirit. This has made her work more enjoyable to an extent that she always looks forward to the next challenge.
“It was a good feeling to know that one’s efforts and years of service are appreciated and recognized, it’s a way of boosting one’s energy & enthusiasm towards work,” Ms Bitariho explained. Ms. Bitariho describes the CIU community as a family which encourages one to always
think out of the box and through this, problem solving, innovation and creativity have become a lot easier to manage and deal with. “I urge you to uphold the mission and vision of CIU, Lead, innovate, transform and make a difference.”
Ms. EVELYN AYOT 10 YEARS OF SERVICE Ms. Evelyn Grace Ayot is currently the Registrar of Clarke International University (CIU). She joined the University on 1st July 2007 as a University Administrator and on 1st August 2008 she took on the role of Registrar to-date. Evely has her imprint on every fiber of the CIU DNA and on all things that make this university great. Her achievements over the last ten years are too many to count and she handles this record with humility and www.ciu.ac.ug
grace. From collaboratively fighting and winning a 5-year battle to ensure Nursing Alumni previously denied licensure were registered, to fostering change and helping the university overcome the 2015 financial crisis, to establishing lasting strategic collaborations that have allowed enriching faculty and student exchanges, to seeing CIU through 8 graduations of more than 2000 health care providers, to mentoring young and foreign VCs, and to offering
guidance and wisdom to students, Council, Senior Managers and the entire CIU family. Her loyalty speaks for itself. When no body else will listen, Evelyn will. Teamwork and dedicated Service is her motto!! Congratulations, Ms. Evelyn for your Outstanding 10 Year Service to CIU. We are all better for having had you here and look forward to the next 10!!!
CIU Magazine | July 2018
19
Mr. IVAN RICHARD NSUBUGA FROM THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT TO A DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR
Raised by a single mum, Ivan Nsubuga had a dream to grow up and be a successful man. At that time he did not know exactly what he wanted to pursue career wise but he knew one thing for sure, he had to work and earn a living! Immediately he finished the S.6 exams, he started looking around for what he could do regardless of the pay. “I knew very well I had to forge a plan to take myself to the university because I knew my mother needed support,” Nsubuga said.
20
CIU Magazine | July 2018
Luckily enough, he got a job at International Hospital Kampala (IHK) where he worked as a maintenance guy. He had a job previously somewhere not disclosed that had been paying him double what he was receiving from IHK but subconsciously he knew he was in the right place. “In comparison with the first salary I got at IHK, it was half of what I had been previously getting. It all comes down to focusing on what you feel you want to
achieve and where you see an opportunity to grow,” Nsubuga explained While at IHK, he saw CIU which was IHSU by then as a project that had deadlines and needed many things to be implemented. He worked closely with the University until he fully became a staff member on 1st August 2008.
THE EARLY DAYS
“During the first days of working here, it was a bit calm though we had a lot of work because you know with a project you have a timeline of exactly when things are supposed to start and be implemented,” Nsubuga recounts. “I remember I was in maintenance alone and later on they gave me other people to support me. I did everything I had to do perfectly and I was always on time because punctuality was a must. Working with the VC at that time made me realize a lot of things and it changed a lot in my life,” Nsubuga recollects.
THE TRANSITION
After joining CIU, Nsubuga was able to quickly upgrade from maintenance, to support, to IT maintenance, to registry clerk and finally to database administrator. Being put directly under the ICT department at that time opened doors for him to pursue a career in ICT. It was at this moment that he decided it was time to enroll for a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (BIT). “I took myself to school and I owe the university a lot of gratitude for that. I had to balance both work and studies and I was able to deliver on both ends,” Nsubuga said. On 4th January 2010, Nsubuga was offered the job position of IT Maintenance in the ICT Department. He was then transferred to the position of Registry Clerk on 1st August 2010 and was confirmed in this job post on 24th March 2011. Ivan Nsubuga’s title from Registry Clerk was changed to Database Administrator on 1st August 2013 and he has served under that position to-date.
www.ciu.ac.ug
THE PRESENT EXPERIENCE
“Over the years a lot of things have changed with different Vice Chancellors coming in and going. By then the student numbers were few and so was the staff but we lived by hope. The Vice Chancellor by then was a person who gave me hope because you would work knowing things are going to be better. She believed in making smaller changes which would eventually lead to something much bigger when put together and this gave us a purpose and motivation to keep going.” “I believe the growing number of universities offering almost the same courses as us and the culture of Ugandans wanting to just get a document without looking at the quality of education has affected us,” Nsubuga explained, “People will prefer going somewhere cheaper as long as the document reads public health yet CIU is actually the first private University in Uganda to offer public health,” he added.
THE 9 YEARS MEDAL OF SERVICE Recently, Richard Nsubuga was awarded a medal by Clarke International University in honor of his dedicated service over the years. He felt good to be recognized as one of the individuals who have contributed a great deal to the growth of the University. “If I was supposed to give a medal on that day, I would have given the medal back to the CIU family because they have contributed something big to my life and I thank them for giving me that medal. As it hangs in my sitting room today, I look at it and I know it was a recognition for serving all these years,” Nsubuga revealed.
“Often times when people talk about their achievements they forget to mention God. I used to pray for such achievements though I knew it wasn’t going to come easy. When I joined as a maintenance guy I had a bigger picture and I had hope that God was going to make a way for me up there,” he said. Furthermore, within a few months after joining CIU he was able to get different promotions which came with a financial raise too. His title was modified to support and that gave him more responsibilities which paved way for bigger opportunities.
FINAL REMARKS
“Young people are interested in earning high income right from the start which is wrong. It is always good to first establish your worth to the organization then you can make demands for higher pay with clear evidence,” Nsubuga advised. To the students, it is very hard to compare CIU to other universities especially if you look at aspects like research and innovation. Nsubuga challenges you go to the professional job market and find out how the student’s that CIU has trained are performing. “What we are teaching here is not just equipping you with the document, it is equipping you with skills to serve the community and also earn you a very good job,” he emphasized. I love the entire CIU organization because it is gender responsive and it makes it a point that every individual has equal rights and opportunities without basing on their sex. Naturally men always want to be at the top and dominate but CIU gives a chance to all individuals to lead and express themselves freely.
CIU Magazine | July 2018
21
DEAN AGNES AGWANG
THE JOURNEY TO NURSING
As a young girl, Dean Agnes Agwang used to be very sickly and was always in and out of hospital. Little did she know she was being prepared for her future career every time she watched the nurses inject her and take adequate care of her. She was captured by their kindness and humility. “I got the passion for nursing as a young girl because I used to be sickly. I remember my father could take me to hospital and I admired how the nurses were dressed. They were very smart and kind, this motivated me to join nursing,” Dean Agwang narrated. After completing her O level exams, she could not proceed to advanced level due to financial constraints but luckily she managed to get into nursing school. “I joined nursing in 1989 for certificate level and I did it from St Kizito Nursing 22
CIU Magazine | July 2018
School in Karamoja which is under the comboni missionaries. The training was enjoyable because they provided everything we needed to facilitate our studies,” Dean Agwang recalled. She completed in May 1992 and was posted upcountry because by then the system in place was to exchange nurses for midwives. She had to go to current Agago district and practice for two (2) compulsory years because their certificates had been withheld until after the two years of serving. She says she went to a strange land as a young nurse and it was hard to adjust but this did not stop her from doing outstanding work as a trainee. She eventually picked up and managed to progress in her profession. “After those two (2) years, I came back to Rubaga and did my registration in nursing which was for one and a half years,
1994-1996. Then I worked in Nyenga hospital for a while, came back and did another one and a half years registration in midwifery which was 18 months. I went to Rukungiri and later came back for tutorship in Mulago for 2 years where I got my diploma in health tutorship. I was sponsored therefore I had to go back and serve a 3 year bonding tutorship teaching in the nursing school. I was there till 2006 October when I officially left. I had already been interviewed by International Hospital School of Nursing for a teaching job, that is how I joined Clarke International University (CIU),” Dean Agwang narrated.
THE EARLY DAYS
After leaving Mulago, she joined CIU which was by then only a Nursing school
and was known as International Hospital School of Nursing. “We had two groups of diploma nursing students and they were 23 in total. I am happy that I was part of the team that nurtured those students. All of them were employed by IHK afterwards and they later on came back and did their upgrade to Bachelors in Nursing Science from CIU,” Dean Agwang explained. She worked up to 2008 when the Nursing School officially became a university. She requested the university to allow her go back and study bachelor of nursing science to upgrade. On her graduation party, the registrar informed her that her position was still available and she was welcome to come back and work with CIU. She says she has been officially with CIU since 2007.
EXPERIENCE WITH CIU
“My experience with CIU is that it gives you the opportunity to learn, the decisions you make are respected and you feel you have a belonging, I feel this is more like a home than a workplace and over the years I’ve become so attached to it. It has been exciting to watch it transition from just nursing to other courses,” Dean Agwang said. “I’m proud to be part of the few individuals who have seen this university grow from just a nursing school with 23 students to more than 900 students now.”
PRESENT DAY
Currently, Ms Agnes Agwang is the Dean School of Nursing at Clarke International University. She joined the University on 1st February 2009 as an Assistant Lecturer. On 17th August 2015, Ms. Agwang took on the role of Dean, School of Nursing
www.ciu.ac.ug
and she has diligently taken on the role, to-date. During her time with CIU, She has continued to facilitate the exchange programs where the CIU students visit Finland and vice versa. CIU has managed to graduate many nurses who are excellent professionals in the field of work. Dean Agwang attributes the excellence of our students to the good teaching and training we offer them. “While they are here as students they do not easily recognize our different mode of teaching but when they step out and work with people from other institutions, they get a clear distinction of the skills they have been equipped with,” Dean Agwang said. She also relies heavily on the staff members who work in unison with her to ensure students are groomed in a professional way with high quality standards. According to Dean Agwang, the CIU staff members are very experienced and well-grounded in whatever they teach. The university’s curriculum has unique components in our programs that other universities do not teach and this enables our students to excel both academically and professionally. “The kind of environment we teach in is the kind that gives our students freedom to challenge us and reason freely which has enabled them to be critical thinkers and they can handle any situation presented before them,” said Dean Agwang proudly, “traditional nurses normally say our students are very argumentative because they are always up for a challenge and they do not follow blindly simply because it has been said by the senior nurse,” she added. From the yester years, nursing has been categorized by society as a female profession and men were generally
expected to be the doctors. However, the current trends are changing and more numbers of men are beginning to join the nursing profession. “Surprisingly boys are beginning to embrace nursing almost like the girls, the numbers are somehow beginning to catch up. It could be partly because boys excel more at sciences than girls. I have seen boys who are even more passionate about nursing than some of the girls,” Dean Agwang explained, “On policy level boys have been restricted from midwifery due to gender issues yet in their component of training they have some midwifery course units and these boys handle the women very well. Some women actually prefer the boys to the girls,” she added.
THE MEDAL OF SERVICE
“I have always seen people receiving medals and I think this is a sign of merit saying you deserve this and much more for everything you have done. I am a woman who puts service to others before anything else and it really inspires me to work harder. I did not work to get a medal but I was very grateful for it. The institution has offered me the opportunity to progress with my career. It gives me the satisfaction that my efforts have been appreciated and recognized,” Dean Agwang revealed. To her fellow staff members especially lecturers under School of Nursing, Dean Agwang urges you to work even harder than before because nursing and midwifery are very sensitive professions which require students to get proper training so they can know how to handle different people in the most professional way that always makes a difference in the patient’s lives.
CIU Magazine | July 2018
23
Prof. JOHN CHARLES OKIRIA Prof. Okiria is currently the Dean, Institute of Allied Health Sciences (IAHS), at Clarke International University. He joined the University on 1st August 2008 as a Lecturer Grade B. He was later on promoted to Senior Lecturer and Acting Dean, IAHS on 1st August 2014 and he was confirmed in the post of Deanship on 31st March 2015. Prof. Okiria received his Doctorate Degree (Doctor of Philosophy- -Management) on 31st October 2015. He is one of the pioneer lecturers of CIU since 2008. He joined the university with a wealth of experience in the health sector of over 18 years after having served in different 24
CIU Magazine | July 2018
capacities and committees. ACHIEVEMENTS: • Prof. Okiria is one of the strong pillars of the University. He has spearheaded the accreditation of various university programs under the Institute of Allied Health Sciences. • He has also spearheaded the start of various programs, for instance, Foundational Course and Diploma of Pharmacy. • He was recently appointed by the President H.E Yoweri.K. Museveni as the Chairman, Allied Health Council Uganda for a period of the next 3 years.
• Professor Okiria inherited a floundering IAHS and has worked with his team to strengthen the department and to increase levels of success of the Allied Health graduates. With his new appointment as the chair of the Uganda Allied Health Council, Professor Okiria earns a well-deserved leadership nod from the President. Congratulations, Prof. Okiria, for your Outstanding 09 Year Service to CIU we highly appreciate your work with us
Mrs. ELIZABETH MERAB WAFULA Mrs. Elizabeth Wafula is currently a Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing at Clarke International University. She joined the University on 1st February 2009 as a Lecturer Grade B in the School of Nursing.
ACHIEVEMENTS: She collaboratively worked with the Registrar to ensure that the School of Nursing works accordingly.
On 1st September 2011, she was appointed Acting Dean School of Nursing and was confirmed in the job position 7th March 2012.
Like the Registrar, Mrs. Wafula was instrumental in lobbying to secure a resolution for the nursing alumni who were previously denied licensure by the Uganda Nurses and Midwifery Council.
Mrs. Wafula retired from the Deanship position on 5th November 2015 and she is currently a Senior Lecturer, under the School of Nursing.
www.ciu.ac.ug
She collaboratively worked with the Registrar and to steer several Exchange programs for our students , a case in point, the North-South-South Higher Education Institution Network Program that is to say Center for International Mobility (CIMO)
where the CIU students get a chance to visit Finland and vice versa.
It is with great honor to note that, she was specifically recognized by the President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri.K. Museveni, for her 50 Years of Nursing Service to the country. Mrs. Wafula Elizabeth is a committed, dedicated and honest employee of CIU. Congratulations, Mrs. Wafula Elizabeth for her outstanding nine (09) Years of dedicated Service to CIU.
CIU Magazine | July 2018
25
Mr. RICHARD BWIRE Over the past 9 years, Richard Bwire has selflessly served Clarke International University with a high level of commitment and allegiance. After the successful completion of his diploma in law from Law Development Center, he came to CIU seeking for a job and the Vice Chancellor then placed him under the security department on 11th September 2008. “When I was interviewed by the VC at that time, she said you have a diploma in law, will you do security work? I said yes I will do it,” Mr. Bwire narrated, “I told her you will like my conduct and you will put me where you think I fit best,” Mr. Bwire added. After a while, he was promoted and transferred to the finance department as a Cashier on 1st August 2009. Through being loyal and devoted to his work, he obtained the title of Accounts Assistant on 9th February 2016 which he holds to date. He has honestly and diligently ensured that the University’s money is safely kept and used appropriately. After being transferred to the finance department, Mr. Bwire thought it wise to get finance qualifications and this pushed him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce which he successfully completed. 50% of the tuition was paid by CIU and that was life changing on Richard’s side.
According to Mr. Bwire, his experience at CIU has been good because he has been
26
CIU Magazine | July 2018
able to upgrade his career and enlarge his field of expertise. He attributes this to the fact that he joined as a security guard and nine years later he is an Accounts Assistant. “I think I satisfied the expectations of my bosses who then gave me a promotion. I think I have worked well because I have changed posts and I have stayed here for years,” Mr. Bwire explained. On 7th April 2018, Mr. Richard Bwire was awarded a medal of service by the current Vice Chancellor Dr. Rose Nanyonga in honor of his reliability and trustworthiness to the University during his period of service. “I felt happy when I was given the medal because I felt like CIU had recognized my importance,” said Mr. Bwire. “There are times you stay somewhere and people think you are there because you do not have any other option but I am happy that my stay here was recognized and appreciated,” Mr Bwire explained. It is for this very reason that Mr. Bwire said, “For the period I have worked at CIU, I think I am one of the people who get so many job offers from some of our clients because when they come here I serve them well and they get me jobs in their respective organizations, I have gotten jobs in Ministries and big NGOs but I turned all of them down because CIU has treated me well,”Mr. Bwire further explained. When I am here I feel like I own it. I do not think it will be easy for me to ever work somewhere else and my prayer is to retire from CIU.
Mr Bwire says being part of this wonderful institution has helped him a lot both personally and career wise. “My field was law and I thought I would pursue that career but when I got to CIU I was made to realize that I could venture into accounting and be very successful,” Mr. Bwire said. When asked about how CIU has helped him grow, Mr. Bwire had this to say, “I have gotten friends because of CIU, all my life is now CIU and because of this institution I know people from different ministries and from the state house. Right now people identify me as Richard CIU and I am happy to identify with it too. I am not what I was 10 years ago.” Through the 9 years of service, Richard says it has not been an easy journey because when he first joined he was a security guard and they were only 2 people yet they had to work both day and night
shift. He was just a fresh graduate with his Diploma in Law and the kind of job he had been given was totally different from what he was aspiring for. “It was not easy to conform to my new status then because I had just graduated with a diploma in law from LDC and I automatically thought I would be wearing a suit and tie from day one of my job but it turned out to be the total opposite,” Mr. Bwire explained. He however found a way to cope and eventually his career path started getting better and brighter. He believes one of
www.ciu.ac.ug
the aspects that has helped him to move forward is patience because as a young boy it took him time to adopt to the change of career but he was hopeful and knew that he would find his future in this institution. As a long term employee of ClU, Richard Bwire says he has learned that in order to achieve success in an organization, one should not take anything personally because sometimes in order to do the right thing you have to say no even to your friends. “To the CIU family, my message is to
continue having transparency in everything we do so that we can help each grow and succeed, let us always be one team with one goal,” Mr Bwire urged. We as Clarke International University congratulate Mr. Richard Bwire for his outstanding 09 year service to the University.
CIU Magazine | July 2018
27
Mr. SAMUEL WANZIYIMA Mr. Samuel Wanziyima is currently a Team Leader- Maintenance, in the Maintenance Department, at Clarke International University. He joined the University on 2nd February 2009 as a Maintenance Officer in the Maintenance Department and was confirmed in job position on 10th January 2009. Mr. Wanziyima’s role was changed to Team Leader for the Support Team on 1st January 2010.
Mr. MOSES OKULLO Mr. Moses Okullo is currently a Library Clerk/Guard in the Library Department, at Clarke International University. He joined the University on 2nd February 2009 as a Warden/Security Officer Guard. Moses was relocated to the Maintenance Department on 4th January 2010. On 1st December 2011, Moses was transferred to the Library Department in the job position of Library Clerk/Guard.
Samuel has worked diligently in the previous role and current job position of Maintenance-Team Leader. He has spearheaded the general cleanliness of the University
Mr. Moses Okullo is a gentleman who keeps a low profile; a diligent, honest, committed and dedicated worker. He has honestly and diligently ensured safety of the University Library informational materials & resources, and all property therein.
Mr. Samuel Wanziyima is a dedicated worker and loves to work at CIU.
Congratulations, Mr. Moses Okullo, for your Outstanding 09 Year Service to CIU.
Congratulations, Mr. Samuel Wanziyima, for your Outstanding 09 Year Service to CIU.
28
CIU Magazine | July 2018
I started as a practicing nursing midwife with community and oncology nursing experience in a hospital. I had interest working with students on clinical placements and later I was called to give classroom teaching occasionally. With a bachelor’s degree in nursing, I joined IHSU then, now CIU to coordinate a catch up program for Sudanese students under school of nursing. I then became part of the teaching faculty in a nursing program for diploma and the pioneer students for Bachelor’s degree in nursing from January 2009. Initially, I joined CIU as a coordinator for the catch up program for Sudanese students. Then I became Assistant lecturer school of nursing and after getting a Master’s Degree in Public Health, I became a lecturer under school of nursing.
In addition to my teaching job, I was also appointed to coordinate a student exchange program for the Finnish students since 2011 up to date. By then, CIU was a smaller family and much of the time was spent on using what was available to develop the institution. Now CIU is a bigger family with more staff, more students and more resources which are indicators of development. I felt honored by the medal of service I received for the service rendered and I am so excited about it. CIU is quiet a cool conducive environment with materials to use and friendly helpful staff. There is good leadership and supportive staff. CIU gave me support during my Master’s Degree in Public Health. The materials I needed were available and also during my
teaching, much of the basic requirements for teaching are available. I have been able to come this far because of prioritizing communication, commitment, persistence, objectivity and personal integrity. In future, I see myself as a Publisher of research and a consultant mentor for nursing students. I am privileged to be one of the individuals actively taking part in bridging the gap in health care through development of the institution and mentoring nursing students. I am motivated by the desire to have better trained nurses in the practice in order to improve the image of Nursing and overall healthcare in Uganda. Long live CIU family, you have been great to me. Long live Dr. Rose Clarke for this initiative.
Ms. SITUMA ELIZABETH www.ciu.ac.ug
CIU Magazine | July 2018
29
Mr. ERIAS SERUWAGI Erias, is currently an Assistant Systems Administrator, at Clarke International University and we are grateful to have you as a team player in this university. He joined the University on 1st August 2008 as a Senior Library Clerk and he was confirmed in job post on 4th June 2010. He was promoted to Assistant Network Administrator on 2nd June 2014 under the ICT Department where he works to-date
30
CIU Magazine | July 2018
Mr. Erias Seruwagi has diligently ensured good networking services at the University, has improved his Education profile and developed his career over the years. Mr. Seruwagi is a committed, dedicated employee and valuable member of the CIU community. Congratulations, Mr. Erias Seruwagi, for your Outstanding 09 Year Service to CIU.
Mr. Alex Lwanga is currently a library clerk/guard in the library department, at Clarke International University. He joined the University on 11th November 2009 in the Maintenance Department and was later on transferred to the library department in the job position of Library Clerk/Guard on 6th September 2011 where he works to-date. He believes he has been able to achieve all of this by being flexible, humble and most importantly having a great passion for his job. According to him, CIU is like a family and it gives its students the best education. He loves CIU because it gives him a sense of belonging. “I was humbled and felt good when I was given the medal because from that moment I started to think that my effort and dedication has not gone in vain; I felt
appreciated and that I had to work more harder “ Mr. Lwanga said. Alex has been a faithful employee of the University for eight (8) years now. He has taken part in various Community Outreaches and taken on various Administrative assignments which have proved him to be a valuable member of the CIU community, he believes any extra assignment to him is an opportunity to learn and improve. He says his time with CIU has been more of a learning experience, because he has been able to push his studies forward and expand his horizon. “My greatest inspiration is working with such energetic young men and women that I admire and look up to, they have worked their way up to achieve their dreams and haven’t given up either; some have left CIU but still keep in touch and impact on my
day today life, the Alex you see today has a life inspiration of people like Ivan Nsubuga and Harry Barry who challenge me daily on the zeal and strength that drives their performance.“ Alex is currently undertaking a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science (BLIS) and this is one of the achievements he has registered during his service. He believes that one of the best ways to balance work and studies is by making both them a single priority with equal importance and putting them above anything else. We congratulate Mr. Alex Lwanga, for his commitment, dedicated and outstanding 08 Year Service to CIU.
Mr. ALEX LWANGA www.ciu.ac.ug
CIU Magazine | July 2018
31
Ms. CHRISTINE ATUHAIRWE Ms. Christine Atuhairwe is currently a Lecturer Grade C under the Institute of Public Health and Management (IPHM/ SPH) at Clarke International University. She joined the University on 3rd August 2009 as a Lecturer Grade A and is currently a Lecturer Grade C; a promotion she received in 27th November 2017. Ms. Christine has diligently offered service to the University specifically facilitating
all Statistics Classes for Undergraduates and various Biostatistics Classes for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Classes. ACHIEVEMENTS: She has so far published 10 Manuscripts She has improved her Education profile and developed her career. She made Six (06) Students’ presentations at an Annual Obstetrics and Gynaecology Conference. Congratulations, Ms. Christine Atuhairwe for your Outstanding 08 Year Service to CIU.
Clarke International University honors Mr. Boniface Oundo for the eight (08) Years of dedicated service and love for the University. Mr. Boniface Oundo is currently a Security Guard, (Security Department) at CIU and has diligently and faithfully worked for the University for all these years. He joined the University on 15th October 2009 and was confirmed in the job position. Congratulations, Mr. Oundo Boniface, for your Commitment, Dedicated and Outstanding 08 Year Service to CIU.
Mr. BONIFACE OUNDO Ms. JOYCE AWORI Ms. Joyce Awori is currently a Head of Security/Support Team in the Security Department, at Clarke International University. She joined the University on 1st August 2009 as a Security Guard in the security department and was confirmed in the job position and has since worked diligently for the University.
32
CIU Magazine | July 2018
Ms. Joyce was promoted to the position of Head of Support Staff on 1st August 2011 and has worked in the role, to-date. ACHIEVEMENTS: • She has spearheaded the general Security and Safety of the University • She has improved her Education profile and developed her career. Congratulations, Ms. Joyce Awori, for your Outstanding 08Year Service to CIU.
MR. ROBERT AFAYO Mr. Robert Afayo is currently a Lecturer Grade C, in the School of Nursing (SON), at Clarke International University. He joined the University on 20th August 2009 as an Assistant Lecturer. He took on the role of Associate Dean on 1st August 2013 until 1st September 2016.
ACHIEVEMENTS: He has improved his Education profile and developed his career. Mr. Robert Afayo is a committed and dedicated worker and loves to work at CIU. Congratulations, Mr. Afayo, for your Outstanding 08 Year Service to CIU.
ALUMNI STORIES A NUTURING UNIVERSITY In my job as a clinician, I developed a passion in the management area within a health setting and I started my search for an institution which offered Health Management programs, Clarke International University was my choice. CIU offered the most flexible day program which enabled me to work and study at the same time.
Ms. Florence Githinji www.ciu.ac.ug
The problem based learning at CIU, enhanced critical thinking and intensive research for every coursework helped me gain a wider scope of knowledge. The staff of CIU were very approachable, it really felt and still feels like a family. We enjoyed the extra-curricular activities like sports I still remember I was a member of Lukwiya house,
cultural university day and charity work through the Rotaract club of CIU. After attaining a First class honor in BBA (Health Management), I was offered a position in the Quality Assurance Office at CIU where I am still working up to date. The working environment is conducive and I have managed to attain my Master’s degree alongside my job. I have learnt a lot in my position as the Assistant Quality Assurance Officer and also as a member of Uganda Universities Quality Assurance Forum (UUQAF). I have developed a great network platform with different institutions in and out of Uganda and NCHE. I am also the CIU Alumni Coordinator.
CIU Magazine | July 2018
33
ALUMNI STORIES
My name is Iyumva Aimable, registration number 2014-BNS-FT-031 and I was pursuing Bsc. Nursing Science at Clarke International University. I deeply appreciate the prestigious IHSU (now CIU) that provided the best quality of education to me. 34
CIU Magazine | July 2018
I am Komugisha Sarah an alumni of Clarke International University. I had a very great experience at this university, I enjoyed the mentorship which was being offered by the lecturers. The teaching system was so flexible for me because I was able to work while studying which enabled me raise my tuition. The knowledge and skills I acquired have made me do outstanding things at my place of work. I was working with Kawempe home care, a community based organization dealing with HIV and cancer patients as a clinic coordinator at that time. After my studies I was promoted to the position of Manager medical services
for the medical department and this department has been doing excellent work. I believe the change I made in my department was due to the training I received from my university. I am proud of CIU and thank all my lecturers for the support they gave me to become who I am today. I therefore call upon those who would want to achieve the best in the medical career to join CIU because it is the perfect university to be.
The years I’ve spent in nursing school have been definitely my most challenging both academically and in life. When they say that nursing school takes over your life, I can say that nursing school truly did. I had to focus more on my studies than other aspects of life, and learn so much in short time. The clinical experience of nursing school allowed me to have the opportunity to put what I learned in my classes and readings into action. Clinical trainings really put in perspective what truly it is like to be a nurse. Nothing fully captures the skills and responsibilities necessary for nursing better than hands on experience in the clinical environment and I am happy to have received adequate training from CIU. As graduation day draws closer, I am excited to be walking out of CIU not just with a document saying I have been awarded a Nursing science degree but
mainly because I feel I have been mentored by professionals and I have what it takes to succeed. The four year journey I have walked has been long but I am proud to say it has been worth it. I am grateful to my lecturers, my fellow students and the entire academic staff at CIU who have done their very best to help me reach my desired goal. Thank you for being supportive from the very beginning. The program has been one of the greatest achievements I will forever boast about, I got a chance to challenge and be challenged, to learn stuff beyond my understanding and to widen the scope of my knowledge. It has been hard work but fun too. Farewell to all my classmates and I urge you to keep representing Clarke International University honorably and proudly wherever you go.
Best regards. Komugisha Sarah.
www.ciu.ac.ug
CIU Magazine | July 2018
35