Editors Note Welcome to another edition of the Clarke International University Magazine. As we mark the beginning of the 2019/2020 academic year, we thought it necessary to share with you our strategic plan, clarify the strategic vision for engagement and our success to-date.
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In this issue, we celebrate cultural diversity through sharing stories from some of our International students. We have highlighted the partnerships we have established with Universities in Poland and Finland over the years which have enabled us to provide enriched training to our students. The student testimonials are evidence of the relevance of these exchange programs.
CONTENTS Message to Class of 2020 ................................................................................pg.5
Finish Exchange Program ...........................................................................pg.18
New Strategic Direction and Strategic Goals ..............................................................................pg.6
Carnegie Fellow ...........................................................................pg.33
Interview with Prof. Allan Mulengani - Dean SoBAT ..............................................................................pg.10
Polish Exchange Program ...........................................................................pg.18
Fostering Innovation ..............................................................................pg.14 A decade of Excellence at CIU - Mr. Pardon Akuguzibwe ...........................................................................pg.18
Celebrating Diversity ...........................................................................pg.28 Unsung Heroes - Antonio Kabega ...........................................................................pg.34
A publication of Clarke International Univeristy
Editoral Team To the class of 2020-23, you’re most welcome to this growing community. We thank you for choosing CIU to be your mentor on this learning journey. Our priority is to make your learning experience enjoyable.
Rose Clarke Nanyonga Sandra Naluwugge Steven Twinomugisha
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The future of Uganda will increasingly be defined by Ugandans who can lead, innovate and transform the current and future industries so that Uganda can continue to compete in the global markets. As an institution of higher learning, we aim to contribute meaningfully to this demand and need. Therefore, whether you are new here or are continuing your journey with us, our aspirational statements are a useful tool in grounding our journey in leadership. I hope that you can grow and thrive and that Clarke International University will benefit from the collective brilliance of her people. These are our aspirations:
CIU will be a university that constantly challenges the status quo and values a transformational approach to developing her people, infrastructure, culture, systems and programs that support our tradition of academic excellence and making a difference locally and globally. CIU exists to ensure that our people, whether students, faculty, and staff are enabled to make a difference using their talents, knowledge, skills, and available resources. The strength of CIU will continue to be measured in the form of conventional outputs: student academic excellence, research productivity as well as the strength of our students’ influence in communities as reflected in our industry engagements, outreach programs, and leadership influence. Faculty and students at CIU will be dedicated to joining the national and international community of scholars in exploring the complex issues confronting our world and finding solutions through robust academic and research undertakings. We will establish processes and procedures that ensure that Faculty and Staff remain principal assets in achieving our vision and mission In building our home, we will adopt architectural designs that reflect functionality, sustainability, structural ingenuity, and construction efficiency to maximize available funding and resources for the project. We want
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the learning spaces to be designed with the students in mind and to include: Spaces to Dream, Discover, Create/ Innovate, and Experiment in order to develop solutions that address the country’s needs.
CIU will be recognized for its outstanding values-based education, research & innovation and outreach services that increase our student’s readiness for a complex, interconnected, diverse, and fast-paced world. Therefore, we will strive to foster a culture of Trust, Respect, Responsibility, Diversity, Communication, Timeliness and Execution and Environmental Preservation. CIU will pursue a growth and change agenda that is necessary to ensure increasing capacity, vitality, sustainability, expanded programming and strategic partnerships that will support our continued responsiveness to societal shifts and needs. CIU will focus increasing attention on operating a financially stable, accountable, and nimble organization in order to strengthen CIU’s capacity to respond to internal and external threats.
CIU will be an institution recognized for high-quality academic programs and research and for graduates whose scholarship, leadership and practice makes a difference and yields high impact within the local and global communities. We will expand the university’s impact and visibility while promoting a unique brand identity of excellence within a multidisciplinary community. Our work will be grounded in enduring values: Values based Leadership, Whole-Person Development, Collaboration, Innovation, and Quality
Lead • Innovate • Transform Have a wonderful semester #MakeADifference
Dr. R ose Clarke Nanyonga, Vice-Chancellor
MESSAGE TO CIU CLASS OF 2020-2023
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NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTION Dear Friends, the CIU Strategic Plan can be thought of as a roadmap to help guide the university towards its vision: A values-based institution that inspires leadership, critical thinking, innovation, and outstanding academic training that transforms communities. The strategic plan strives to blend the organizational strength (talent, resources) and our aspirations for the future. As with any roadmap, there are significant milestones. Two years into our strategic journey, we reflect on the successes of the past two years as well as the work that remains to be accomplished.
Since we started to implement components of the strategy, we have seen remarkable progress not only achieving the goals that we established, but also in the way the university has evolved into a more effective and successful educational, research-intensive and community oriented entity. Our commitment to the future of CIU remains strong. So far, more than 100 faculty and staff have contributed hundreds of hours, talent and passion to help us realize our goals. This update only captures a fraction of the tremendous achievements that we, as a community, have contributed to. It also provides a glimpse into the future of CIU.
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BREAK DOWN OF STRATEGIC GOALS IMPACT AND VISIBILITY Create A Multiplier Effect Through Graduate Leaders Who Will Transform Communities And Shape The Future
LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY
Increase Leadership Capacity; Lead Change And Take CIU To The World.
SUSTAIN Vision, Financial Health & Quality.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATE Advance Research and Scholarship and Enhance Innovative Practices.
GROW Resources, Strategic Partnerships, Diversification.
DEVELOP Talent (People), Infrastructure, Systems, Programs and Culture (Values).
Significant Milestones GOAL 1: DEVELOP:
Over the next 5 years we will develop CIU to become a destination for outstanding talent. And we will enhance infrastructure, systems, programs and cultures that foster traditions of academic excellence
Notable Achievements:
Faculty, Staff, and Students: CIU recognizes that preparing students for global leadership relies largely on competent faculty and staff. Our goal is to position faculty and staff as principal assets in achieving our mission and vision. In the past 18 months we have conducted 7 Targeted Faculty Development workshops including Competency-Based Education, 2 Curriculum Development & Instruction. In addition, we have held various other workshops including: Faculty-Student Research—Data Analysis; Manuscript Writing; Literature Review; ICT Integration in routine ops (The IOT). We are supporting one PhD Candidate and our faculty continue to lead in community with a proven record. For students, we have established a CIU Merit-Based Scholarship Program, more than 20 students are now enrolled on the program and have conducted 4 Student Leadership Training and Career Building workshops. We have also strengthened and forged new Industry Partnerships including 12 MOU’s to foster clinical placements, internships and community outreaches. Finally, we recently hosted 96 students and faculty for the AI Public Lecture.
Infrastructure: During this strategic period, more efforts will be directed towards building phase one of our future home. We have therefore established a robust Roadmap to Charter. Initial assessment for Charter was carried out in July 2019. Planning permission was secured from KCCA and site preparation for initiation of phase I is under way. We have also strengthened our ICT infrastructure as follows: Increased bandwidth, New Computer Lab at the School of Business and Applied Technology; ICT Policy Developed; Implementing; licensed as an ICDL Certification Center and CISCO Academy—Certification Center and partnered with Microsoft 4Afrika App Factory to increase ICT learning opportunities for our students.
Culture, Systems and Programs:
At CIU we strive to promote a culture that reflects the core values of the university—Values-Based Leadership, Whole-person Development, Collaboration, Innovation and Quality. Our visible Mission and Vision in classrooms and offices are not just for display. Staff and students engage in continuous Quality Improvement. We have recently just completed the Institutional Assessment Review which further informs the rigor of operations and performance management. We have also established a continuous Reward and Recognition program to celebrate individuals and the collective who contribute to legacies of excellence at CIU. Under program expansion we now have 5 New Programs in SoBAT: MBA, BBA, Bachelor Applied Computing Technology; Bachelor of Science in Midwifery; Foundation in Health Education Certificate; the PGD Medical Education as well as 2 New Industry Partners for teaching and learning: Laboremus Uganda, Fontes Foundation on the Refactory Uganda Initiative. 7
GOAL 2: GROW:
Over the next five years, CIU will pursue growth necessary to diversify and increase resources, expanded programing and relevant strategic partnerships that will support our continued responsiveness to societal shifts and needs.
Notable Achievements
Resources, Strategic Partnerships and Diversification: We recently rolled out the 1000 for 100Million Alumni & Friends Campaign which allows the university to tap into dedicated giving towards the development of CIU’s future home. Towards the close of 2018, we secured 2,000,000 USD Funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Corporation (Norad) for Refactory Uganda under SoBAT in collaboration with strategic partners—Fontes Foundation Uganda and Laboremus Uganda. In the same year, we secured 5-Year NIH Grant in collaboration with Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Busitema, Kabaale, ACHEST, and Yale University to support Health Education Profession Initiatives. Makerere is Principal Administrator of this grant. In addition, CIU was awarded the Africa Carnegie Fellowship in collaboration with University of Nevada, Reno—for Faculty Development, a Pfizer Grant in collaboration with the Royal College of Nursing to train 350 nurses (CPD Training), and a research Grant in collaboration with Baylor University (Louise Herrington School of Nursing). Other grants included a collaboration with University of Southampton, MUST, University of Leads, University of Cambridge and Bwindi Community Hospital. In the next four years, CIU will strengthen its marketing strategy while expanding available options for learning. We will deliberately peruse strategic partners who will enhance the capacity of the university to achieve its mission. We have so far increased our partners markedly in the last two years. We have gained recognition as a trusted community health partner in community health outreach programs. In addition, we have strengthened partnerships with the Health Africa Development Cooperation (HADCO) to facilitate the Student-Faculty Exchange with 8 Finish Universities. 8
GOAL 3: RESEARCH & INNOVATION: Over the next five years, CIU will actively advance research and scholarship, diversify the research portfolio and enhance innovative practices
Notable Achievements:
Across all disciplines, teaching faculty and students are engaging in research projects that are aligned with the country’s research priorities. Over the last 18 months we have seen an increase in both faculty and student research output and will continue to support these endeavors. We have also established a Think-tank to expand the platform for sustained dialog on critical issues in health and business. As reported in other for a, the CIU Innovation Program continues to produce market-relevant products such as DrugDash, DigiHealth (Winner of the UpAccelarate Incubator II Hack-a-thon); and Criticare.
GOAL 4: SUSTAIN:
Over the next five years, we will cultivate and sustain a vision and mission-focused community, operate a financially stable and efficient organization while fostering quality standards
Notable Achievements:
The strengthvv of the CIU Strategic Plan 2018-22 will determine the success story laid out in its core strategies. We have therefore embarked on the process of integration of mission, vision and values in routine activities, brand standardization across campuses and websites, increased visibility on all social medial outlets as well as strategy dissemination. Goal 2 strengthens our resource mobilization to foster a financially stable entity. Institutional reviews, benchmarking exercises, and harnessing student voice are some of the QA initiatives that are informing routine improvements and quality standards.
GOAL 5: LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY:
Increase leadership capacity of administrators and management teams who can lead change and transformation, and position the University for success by taking the CIU success model to the world
Notable Achievements
This year, CIU led, in partnership with the MoH the organizing the first Africa Hepatitis Summit (June 18th and 19th)—with Dean John Bosco Alege (Institute of Public Health & Management) and Alumnus Dr. Robert James Gulom as part of the secretariat. We have also received strategic appointments in the MoH: Vice Chancellor Rose Clarke Nanyonga appointed to the Nursing Now Campaign Technical Working Group and CONNECT Girls Technical Working Group. In addition, Professor Okiria was appointed the Chairperson of the Allied Health Professionals Council. The university has continued to engage meaningfully with the VC Forum and the Uganda Healthcare Federation. Community service remains a strong pillar of the CIU DNA. We believe that students learn better and faculty teach from a strong position if they are actively engaged in community. Notable achievements are reported on all our social media platforms.
GOAL 6: IMPACT & VISIBILITY:
Over the next five years, CIU will create a “Multiplier Effect” by preparing graduate leaders wo will transform communities and shape the future
Notable Achievements
2018 was a big year for CIU. We rebranded. To strengthen our new brand, our brand management strategy is currently being implemented. We have updated our website, created the Alumni Database, held the first Alumni Social and attained 5th Rank in the country (2018). We have also strengthened pursuit of Charter by defining and implementing a targeted Charter Roadmap. As noted earlier, we have e established one Center of Excellence: Refactory Uganda: ICT short courses and this CIU Magazine is a tool that allows us to reach an expanded community who are vested in the future of CIU. The findings of the 2018-2019 Alumni Tracer Survey showcase the experiences of more than 250 CIU alumni and affirm the universities’ efforts in producing graduates of the highest caliber who continue to take the CIU traditions of excellence to their communities. The majority of the alumni report quantifiable ROI in terms of high employment rates, leading in their chosen fields, ability to pursue advancement in their training, and rewards and recognition for their continued contributions in the organizations where they serve.
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INTERVIEW with Prof.
Allan.K. Mulengani
The CIU School of Business and Applied Technology just received its new Dean, Professor Allan Katwalo Mulengani who has previously worked with various higher education institutions in Africa and Europe. The CIU community is honored to have him join the team of already excellent faculty who prepare students to compete favorably on the global job market. We had the privilege of having a one on one interview with him during which he gave us an in depth look into his character, vision, experience and a detailed discussion about the different programs under SOBAT specifically their relevance in today’s advanced World.
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Could you please introduce yourself? I’m Professor Allan Katwalo Mulengani and I’ve recently joined CIU as the Dean, School of Business and Applied Technology(SOBAT). I’m an Associate Professor of Strategic Management and for the last three years I’ve mainly been in consultancy, enterprise, and business development services, executive development and leadership development in Uganda but also across the region. Previously, I was the Dean of the School of Business at Kabark University where I served for a period of 3 years. Before that, I was the Director of the Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Strathmore University in Kenya. I’ve held various faculty positions both in Africa and Europe, specifically the United Kingdom. I hold a PhD in Strategic Management from Bradford School of Management, Bradford University in the UK, a Masters of Business Administration and a BA from Makerere University. I should say I’m excited to be here and to have been offered the opportunity to make a difference here at SOBAT.
How do you describe yourself? Wow that’s a very interesting question for me. I like to see myself as very professional but I also believe myself to be someone who is not uptight about who I am and I suppose that has got to do with my professional upbringing. I like to see myself as easy, with my feet on the ground, fairly ambitious, very hardworking and I believe in hard work. But I also like to have a human face to what I do.
You said you’re very excited to be here, why? I’m excited on two or three levels. The first level of my excitement is derived from what I think is an opportunity. I returned to Uganda three (3) years ago and this provides for me an opportunity to contribute more towards
management, education, leadership and development in Uganda. In terms of how much I think I can contribute, I believe that I’ve got a lot to bring to the table both in terms of what I’ve achieved previously like my experience but also in terms of my vision in regards to what we need to do in order to develop the management and leadership of institutions and organizations in the country.
SOBAT is the newest School in the University with the newest programs as well, could you give us some information about the programs? At the moment we have programs divided into undergraduate and postgraduate. At the Undergraduate level we have Bachelors Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelors Applied Computing Technologies (BACT). We also have the Diploma and Certificate programs but I like to speak more about the two (2) Bachelors programs and the Masters Business Administration (MBA) because they are the flagship programs at the moment in the School. Alongside that we have the Post Graduate Diploma in Health Technology Innovation and several short courses. My view however is that in the course of the next one to three years, we are able to see an expansion of our program portfolio in terms of the new programs that we shall be introducing. We are looking at development areas like tourism, travel both at the undergraduate and masters’ level. We hope to become a key player in this market not only Kampala but also the East African region. My desire is that we position ourselves as a business School that is going to cater for the business needs across the region.
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The BBA program is currently being offered by almost every University in the country. How unique is the CIU BBA program from what other universities have and what do you have to say to people who feel like this particular program is losing relevance? First of all, the problem is not in the course being offered at almost every University, our focus as SOBAT is on what the course can offer the student. From my point of view as the Dean SOBAT, the course is supposed to provide learners with the opportunity to grow with not only skills and aptitude, but also the right attitude towards work that is going to make them both relevant and employable. The question of the course being common is not an issue to me because different providers have got different propositions they bring. Our proposition here is to build for the learner the kind of tools that they will need to go out and become innovators, relevant and employable.
Which kind of audience is the MBA program designed for?
The MBA that we have is designed for the mid-level executives who are looking to grow to the next level towards what we call the C-suite. We’re looking for people who have been in work for some years and have reached a level within the organizational structure where they are now looking at themselves as ready to make the move upwards to the senior managerial level.
And how flexible is the MBA program in terms of study modalities?
Initially it had been designed primarily for weekend studies but we have now looked at the possibility of having evening and block release so that we give as many options to our learners as possible to take the program according to their desired time. We know that it is possible to start the program as a weekend student but during the course of study you get a promotion at work or you get transferred and that would require you to change modality in order to keep studying. That is why we are putting into consideration all these study modalities. 12
Could you expound more on what you mean by block release? That is the kind of modality where we say for example every quarter of the year, we shall have one week of studying fulltime so that the individual plans ahead knowing he/she has to get one week off work to study every after 3 months.
The MBA being offered currently is called MBA-Technology. Why choose to focus on the technology angle and not any other field?
I think the future of management and leadership in organizations is currently tied to application of technology not only in terms of decision making but also in terms of actions that are taken. Someone looking forward to becoming a manager in the future is going to have to be empowered technologically in order to use data to make informed decisions. How do we use technological applications to make decisions that will help you in your management? That is why we are pointing our MBA in that angle.
For the time you’ve been around so far, how do you find the CIU work environment?
Well I’m still finding my way around but I can say I’ve found the place to be warm and welcoming. Management, staff and students appear to be very professional and to me that is already the minimum that I expected from this community. I am prepared to work and I’m happy for all the support that is and continues to come in from colleagues.
What should the CIU community be expecting from you?
Wow I like that question. I think they should not only expect a hardworking person but somebody who loves innovation and making an impact through his work. I always prefer letting my work speak for its self so that wherever I go my reputation precedes me. They should definitely expect somebody who is on the go in terms of making things happen. I truly look forward to working with all the team players at this wonderful University.
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FOSTERING INNOVATION
Refactory-Catalyst Certificate in Software Development, a program at CIU under the School of Business and Applied Technology (SoBAT) received funding worth NOK 16.4 million from The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), a directorate under the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project is expected to run over a four-year period from 15th December 2018 to 31st December 2022 and the overall budget for the academy is approximately NOK 30 million.
This funding allows CIU as the lead partner, in collaboration with Fontes Foundation and Laboremus Uganda, to expand the advanced ICT training at SoBAT in order to: • Close the gap between graduates of higher education and the skills (technical skills, soft skills and practical skills) demanded by the employment market, improving their employability. • Provide youth with the practical experience required by the market to gain meaningful employment. • Connect graduates with potential employers, and encouraging more women to become part of the IT sector. • To promote a mindset of lifelong learning, ensuring the graduates have the potential to grow in their careers and update themselves with the latest technological developments. • Provide the industry with a wider pool of qualified graduates, which will in turn improve the level of IT skills in the respective IT departments.
ABOUT THE CATALYST CERTIFICATE IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Refactory is Uganda’s new Tech academy that is offering a Catalyst Certificate in Software Development. Refactory is a collaboration between Clarke International University, Laboremus Uganda and Fontes Foundation. The collaboration is supported by Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). Microsoft App Factory Program provides technical support. The program is an initiative aimed at equipping Ugandan graduates with world-class skills in software development. Running in a rigorous boot camp format, the program will be delivered over a period of 12 Weeks, Full-Time, offering both non-technical and technical skilling that will influence three core spheres namely; Mindset, Skill set and Tool set.
The program seeks to recruit students who have demonstrable passion and basic software development knowledge. Whereas the focus is on fresh graduates from IT related disciplines, students from other disciplines have equal opportunity of being admitted. The program believes in creating a co-creation environment where technology is an enabler rather than an end in itself. It is envisaged that over 500 persons will directly participate in the program with another 2,000 benefiting from the outreach programs.
This will allow the economy, customers and end users to enjoy more efficient and transparent services, which will in turn grow the country, the sector and create more jobs. The program aims at becoming an example that hopefully will be followed by other higher learning institutions, and will actively promote IT professions countrywide.
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REFACTORY STUDENT TESTIMONIES
Tendo Martin I enrolled for this program because I wanted to advance from an entry level programmer to a professional Software Engineer Developer. I have learned and enjoyed working with teams to solve both simple and complex problems and come up with basic solutions (Sprints), with minimal efforts using the Scrum and agile. I have worked on class projects like developing a travel guide video about a Travel app, a basic Registration Form, a basic Loan Acquirement form, Personal Profile Page and Student Profile Website. I’ve learned to better organize and prioritize task execution which increases efficiency and quicker delivery compared to multitasking. I’ve also learnt to consider human beings first before designing anything new because it’s for them to use at the end of the process. I want to apply the soft skills which I have gained to collaborate on existing projects, startup institutions for training / developing well designed products ready for public consumption.
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Odong Sunday I was thrilled to know I had been accepted to join the pioneer class of The Accelerated Learning Certificate (ALC). I believe that if explored extensively, the field of software development can change the World in more outstanding ways than what is already in existence. I chose to apply for ALC because I recognized it as an opportunity to build my skill-set in line with programming and coding.
The classes are characterized by intense practicals which stimulate a high level of engagement and interaction between the students and the lecturers. Students have been challenged to work on various projects in order to enhance their abilities. Most self-taught programmers lack a lot of important skills required in the business world like leadership skills, Lean, Agile and others. I am so grateful for the knowledge I’ve acquired outside programming because it helps me know to survive out there.
Olive Nakiyemba I have always been curious about technology and a little envious of people who could solve problems using tech skills. I remember the excitement I had when I printed my first line of code “Hello world”, I’ve moved from zero to hundreds of lines of code in just a few weeks. The earliest and biggest take away has been self-management. I have learned basic HTML, CSS, JavaScript and currently onto Node JS. For someone that joined the program so green, it’s exciting to watch the web-page I am working on for a class project develop into something. Leadership and Emotional Intelligence sharpened our interpersonal skills and prepared us for better interactions with our prospective business partners and clients. I am striving to make it to boot-camp so I can have an opportunity to have my skills sharpened by an industry partner. I would like to be heavily involved in the development of a product.
Nakabanda Beatrice I was motivated to enroll for this course because I felt it was the right course I needed that could teach me coding and programming. My learning experience has been great so far, I have learnt more than I expected. Coming for this program I thought it would only be about coding and I came ready to code but to my surprise when we started it was like they were telling me relax, let’s go back to the basics of leadership and having soft skills then after you will make a great software developer equipped with all the necessary skills. I intend to use all my acquired knowledge to research and find out the problems in my community then use programming to develop sustainable solutions.
Kintu Declan Trevor I’m happy to have been accepted into this program because I’ve learnt many things that I wasn’t taught during my Bachelors. The learning here in the ALC program is dynamic and fast paced. I particularly enjoy the leadership sessions where I have learnt new concepts such as Lean Startup, Agile Development, HCD, Marketing & Self Improvement. Some of my key takeaways from this program include the concepts of Agile Software Development which focuses on publishing iterations rather than a finished product. I also found the Human Centered Design sessions interesting as well as Lean Business Start-ups, Marketing and the 7 Habits of Successful People. Upon completion, I would love to join the boot camp and work with Laboremus because I’ve always dreamt of being part of that organization. as I mentioned earlier. I’m sure I would find the hands on experience very useful for my career. By end of next year, I would love to have registered my own company and deploy an application that I am currently working on which aims to shorten & ease goods logistics within Uganda. I appreciate the fact that this program was designed to cater for people with or without an IT background.
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Pardon Akugizibwe at 10: A Decade of Excellence at CIU Over the last 10 years, Mr. Pardon Akugizibwe has taught several course units at Clarke International University (CIU) including: Health Promotion, Health Education, Project Management, and Research methods. He has supervised over 30 Masters students’ dissertations to completion and over 50 undergraduate students in various research studies. He written over 10 publications in reputable peer review journals. In addition, he has been involved in community outreach programs including several consultancy assignments on Teacher Performance, Curriculum Deign, Curriculum Review, Strategic Plan Design, Grant Proposal Writing, Baseline 18
Surveys, and Project Evaluations among others. His resume is heavy, but when you talk to him, he will say he is just starting!
The mission of CIU is to prepare students for global leadership, and to be catalysts for transformation. None of this is possible without talent and dedication. Embodied in every milestone, is grit, dedication, passion, and hard work of staff such as Pardon. So, we dedicate this space to Pardon Akugizibwe for 10 years of service to CIU!
EDUCATION BACKGROUND At only 33 years, Pardon is one of the few Lecturers whose name is accompanied by so many letters—a reflection of ambition, brains, hard work, and versatility. He received his Bachelor of Science with Education, BSc. Ed (Chemistry, Biology and Health Education- Minor), in 2008 from Makerere University. He went on to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma (Advanced Diploma) in Health Promotion and Health Education (ADHPE), in 2009, from Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences, formerly known as Mulago Paramedical School. In 2011 he graduated with a Master of Public Health (MPH) and graduated in from Clarke International University (Formerly known as IHSU). Then, in 2015, he graduated from Kyambogo University with a Master of Education in Policy, Planning and Management (MA Ed). Pardon also holds several postgraduate qualifications in Public Administration (Diploma), Project Planning, Project Monitoring and Evaluation from UMI. And finally, he also holds a Diploma in Theological studies from Lutheran Ministries International and has strong interest in Christian ministry.
MILESTONES AT CIU
Pardon was first appointed in August 2009 as a Visiting Assistant Lecturer in the School of Nursing (SON). He was later appointed a Part-time Lecturer in both SON and Institute of Public Health (IPHM). He was subsequently appointed a Full-time Lecturer IPHM in August 2011 where he has taught to date. Prior to CIU, Pardon was a teacher and Head of Science Department, Mbogo College School (a member of the Mbogo Schools Kawempe). He has previously worked with Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU, formerly Family Planning Associations of Uganda), World Vision Uganda, War Child Holland Uganda and World Health Organisation (Uganda country office).
OTHER LEADERSHIP ROLES HELD AT CIU INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: (1) Chairperson of the CIU Academic Staff Association (CIUASA), 3+ years; (2) Member of CIU Council (University Council); (3) Patron of the CIU Christian Union, 5+ years; (4) Founding member, pioneer Chairperson and a current Ex-Official the IHSU (CIU) Employee Saving Scheme (IHSUESS); (5) Founding patron, IHSU Red cross club (2010-2017)
WHAT DRIVES HIS PASSION FOR TEACHING?
The desire to contribute to one’s knowledge, skills and attitudes. It is satisfying to see one learn something I have taught and goes makes a difference.
FUTURE ASPIRATION:
A PhD in Health Promotion and Education, aspire to become a professor of Health Promotion
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Adolescent and Young People’s Health, School Health, Health Work Performance, Media and Health; Adolescent Sexuality Pardon at 10 looks great. CIU cannot wait to see what he accomplishes in the next decade!
Congratulations Mr. Pardon Akugizibwe for a legacy of excellence at CIU. 19
Clarke International University (International Health Sciences University by then) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences, Finland for Health Africa Network on 10th May 2011, in which the two parties agreed to collaborate in the fields of Nursing, Health Care, and Social Services. The aim of the collaboration is to exchange information, to share experiences and expertise, and to promote the professional development of student nurses, social work and health care students, teachers, and staff through international and inter cultural cooperation.
FINISH EXCHANGE PROGRAM
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The Finnish exchange program started in Uganda as Health Africa Network which was established in 1996 in partnership with the Public Health Nursing school – Kyambogo by then.
This is achieved through student mobility, teaching staff mobility, applied research, development of curricula, teaching content, methods and materials, joint projects designed to promote community health and education within the fields of nursing, social work, and health care. Funding is granted annually by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, within the framework of the Finnish North-South-South Higher Education Institution Network Program. Free tuition for the exchange teams and valid insurance for the exchange period are also provided.
The beneficiaries in Uganda are the nursing students in their 3rd year for the Full time program while in the 2nd year for the Top-Up program. As of April 2019, the number of CIU students who have benefited from this program are thirty (30) while the teaching staff are seven (7).
CIU has successfully established collaborations with eight (8) Universities in Finland and we look forward to expanding areas of collaboration to include joint intensive academic conferences with Maseno University, CIU and Finland joint research work, professional career advancement, consistent sources of funding for the continuity of collaboration, active participation of CIU in writing proposals for funding opportunities, encouragement of Ugandan students to contribute to self-sponsor for the exchange program which has so far been embraced by four (4) students, exposure of students and staff to external environments, and to benchmark on various expertize and technology to adopt in our local settings like hard copies of library texts, skills lab models and projectors.
CIU STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN FINLAND people for directions and due to language barrier we just communicated with train tickets and just followed the directions of their hands although some of them could speak good English that we could understand,” Abbey narrated.
Patricia Abbey Have you ever travelled abroad for anything? Regardless of the reason behind your journey, the idea of travelling seems to excite many people especially if it involves flying. This was the same feeling that engulfed Patricia Abbey when she realized she was going to Finland for 3 months. “Preparations started immediately I confirmed my travelling for the exchange program, my family and school supported me a lot right from getting the visa to getting on the plane,” Abbey said.
Like the beginning of any exciting journey, getting on the airplane and feeling it fly was a moment that kicked off the beginning of a new adventure. It took Abbey and her friends over 8 hours to get to Istanbul but they finally arrived, took a break, and got onto the next plane that was to take them to Helneski. Upon arrival, they went through all the checking procedures and afterwards they were free to go and catch a train to Seinajoki which was their final destination. “Since we were all new to the place, we depended on
Abbey says Ms. Helina, the coordinator from Finalnd, was already there and she welcomed them with hugs. In an hour’s time, they had reached the apartment they were to stay in and it was so beautiful and well organized. She had bought them some groceries that were to take them through the night and the next morning before they could do any shopping. The next day, they went to Ms. Helena’s house where she prepared for them lunch and gave them the program for their clinical practical. “Initially we went to the mental and physical disability institute which is filled with people who have different disabilities that I heard never heard of,” she explained, “I kept looking forward to learning how to manage all these different cases and widen my skills,” she added.
The staff at the institute was welcoming and eager to not only teach them but to also learn from them in terms of how they deal with similar cases back at home in Uganda. By the time Abbey left Lehtimaen Opisto, she had gained lots of psychiatric skills and disability nursing, enlarged her knowledge and widened her field of specialization preferences. “I learnt new advanced ways of managing epilepsy, monitoring diabetes and individualized care. This helped me to add on what I had already been taught from CIU,” Abbey said. From there, Abbey and her colleagues headed to the geriatric hospital which deals with managing and taking care of elderly people. The biological, psychological, physiological and cognitive process of ageing.
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The nurses and all medical team were really cooperative and also willing to learn, they give you time and chance to practice all the medical and bedside procedures under their supervision and corrected where need be. “By the time I left this place, I had learnt a lot of skills such as assessing pain, mental state of elderly people using several scales such as the social provision scale, CNS examination, and many more,” Abbey said. According to Abbey, this has been a great, educative, explorative and interesting phase of her academic journey. “I’m grateful for the study opportunity I got that made me love the Nursing profession more. Staying abroad is an enriching experience because it forced me to learn how adopt to new surroundings, become independent and open to new and exciting challenges that you had never encountered in your home country,” she elaborated.
Nasasira Shaharu
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My name is Nasasira Shaharu, a student at Clarke International University (CIU) pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and I’m currently in my third year. I am privileged to be one of the students chosen from my class to take part in the Finish-exchange program at HAMK University of Applied Science in Finland for a period of 3 months. While in Finland, I participated in a variety of clinical placements which included surgical, medical, palliative care and health promotion especially among teenagers. I appreciated the management of different health conditions by the health care team. At HAMK, I took part in a simulation class whereby we were presented with a patient scenario and students had to react while being watched on camera by fellow students and lecturers. This was a good opportunity for discussion about what the students did well and where they could improve. Being away for 3 months and living alone in a completely different World from what I was used to taught me a lot of things like breaking barriers, socializing skills and how to live independently. This will forever be the best time of my life because I was exposed to a new world and it was totally a life changing experience.
Musiimenta Angella I am Musiimenta Angella and I am a Nursing student in my 3rd year at CIU. This being my very first time to travel out of Africa, I was both scared and excited. I had my practice from Lehtimaen Opisto, a mental and physical disability institute that mainly deals with children. The Institute had two sections; the Opisto where the less serious cases of disabilities are and the ASVA where we find the more serious cases of disability like severe autism. I had to attend classes with the students and also help the teachers during the classes since some of the students needed extra help for example in knitting classes. I also practiced from Wilhemiina Finland which is public elderly home. I got the opportunity to learn how to care for people with diseases that are not that common in Uganda like dementia and alzheimer’s. I am so glad I was able to be part of this program. The knowledge and skills I gained through this experience have made me become a better nurse and love the profession even more.
Mutesi Natasha I am Mutesi Natasha, a Nursing student at CIU and I’m currently in 3rd year. Getting to meet students who were all part of this program from various countries like Spain, France, Scotland, Belgium among others was memorable especially during the cultural lessons.
For most of the weeks, I went for placements in the elderly hospital and I obtained knowledge about geriatrics for example feeding, administration of prescribed medicine, bed baths, applying compression socks, changing diapers and assistance in moving patients. I also worked with school nurses both from Elementary and High school and actively assisted them in most of the procedures that were being done like health checkups, vaccinations and doctor sessions. I also attended simulations where I practiced on dummies in the practical laboratory at HAMK university. This enabled me to learn practical skills like cannulation, health talks and laboratory skills like drawing blood for testing. Going to Finland for this exchange program will always be a major highlight in my life because it contributed a lot to my career development as a Nurse
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Carnegie Fellow
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Clarke International University is delighted to have hosted the first Carnegie Africa Diaspora Fellow, Professor Johnson W. Makoba, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology at the University of Nevada, Reno, USA. He was awarded a fellowship by the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program to travel to Uganda to work with Clarke International University (CIU) on Curriculum Co-development, training and mentoring and he arrived in May 2019. In collaboration with the deans and Faculty at CIU, Prof. Makoba undertook training and mentoring geared towards increasing the capacity and knowledge of faculty in co-curriculum development, training, and mentoring over a period of 13 weeks. The training was conducted at CIU premises and was an integral part of the Faculty Development Program (FDP) that the University initiated in August 2017 and will sustain over the next 3-5 years. The goal of CIU’s FDP is to develop faculty as leaders, curriculum developers (design and re-design), researchers, trainers, and as centers of excellence to strengthen the institution's commitment to quality education.Under curriculum development, the following topics were explored; • Fundamental steps in curriculum development and re design. • Mapping content of selected new and existing curricular to program and student outcome goals. • Exploring strategies for integration of competencybased education into curriculum design.
• Linking learning outcomes to instruction and
assessment. • Strategies for curriculum implementation While at CIU, Professor Makoba worked closely with the academic staff members to devise means of implementing the already existing curriculum better, and to improve it further by identifying areas for redesign and engaging in the development of new curricular. “We are more than grateful to Prof. Makoba for building capacity in us and demystifying curriculum development and implementation, this will certainly become part of our success story as CIU,” said Mrs. Miriam Ondia, who coordinated the Faculty Development Curriculum Design and Redesign project with the Carnegie fellow.
The multiple workshops held by Professor Makoba undoubtedly laid a foundation for all to lead, innovate and transform Clarke International University through a well thought out curriculum design and redesign. “Many thanks to the Carnegie Fellow, Professor Makoba for his incredible patience with our teams and his mentorship on this project,” said Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga the Vice-Chancellor of CIU. As an academic institution, we look forward to continued engagement with Faculty Development to ensure that we are designing relevant programs for our students, which will enable them to compete globally and favorably in the job market. We are truly grateful for the time and knowledge expertise Professor Makoba shared with us and our team.
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STAFF EXCHANGE
POLISH
EXCHANGE PROGRAM Clarke International University began a collaboration with Vincent Pol University (VPU) in Lublin, Poland. The collaboration began in 2016 and was commemorated with a visit of 3 members of staff from CIU to VPU in March 2017. During this visit, the members of staff held several meetings with officials from VPU and signed an Erasmus+ exchange agreement. It was agreed that CIU would send 5 students and 9 members of staff in the period June 2017-June 2018. The students would spend a semester at VPU while the members of staff would either teach or engage in training for a week at VPU.
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The Institute of Allied Health Sciences (IAHS) is the representative faculty for this exchange program. This is because the courses offered at VPU are best aligned with courses offered by the IAHS. Additionally, the CIU management found it imperative that the students benefit from the prestigious physiotherapy course offered at VPU. The skills obtained by the students therein would provide a unique experience for them, especially during their clinical practice.
A total of 12 members of staff visited VPU over a period of 5 months. The members of staff engaged in meetings, teaching, tours of the university facilities, engagement with and evaluation of students and administrative issues including the signing of relevant documentation. Members of staff were also able to tour various parts of Lublin and beyond. Members of staff from CIU were able to deliver lectures and to sit in some of them to learn from lecturers and experts from VPU. This was a fulfilling experience because it allowed those trained to learn about the teaching methods used at VPU. Students from VPU who attended the lecture were intuitive and participated in the question and answer sessions. Some members also learned about the administrative issues related to management, and were able to pick some lessons. During the meetings with staff, several proposals for further collaboration were highlighted. Below are the agreed on recommendations in terms of exploring the potential to expand the collaboration; • Co-publications of journal articles, books and other literature • Co-research supervision of students, • Joint applications for grants and implementation of research projects • Extend the collaboration to the School of Business • Potential to have interns from VPU who would benefit from the research environment at CIU.
STUDENT EXCHANGE
A total of 5 students went to Vincent Pol University in Lublin for 13 weeks. The students were all from the Diploma Clinical Medicine course and were all in their second year. At VPU, they took part in learning, clinical practice, and co-curricular activities. Members of staff from CIU visited the students during their stay at VPU; the students were able to share their experiences at the University as well as take part in an evaluation exercise. The students were able to obtain certificates in physiotherapy as a result of their attendance of the module.
CIU STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN POLAND truly appreciate the beauty of cultural diversity among people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Academically, I attended lectures. I also visited some Health centers and did some practical training. I passed my examinations quite well.
DANIEL ODEKE My name is Daniel Odeke, doing Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Community Health, second year
CIU is one of the best institutions I have attended so far. It’s very unique in the sense that their major concern is giving the very best to their students and bringing out the best in them. Through this exchange program, I learnt to cope with different situations, make meaningful relationships and above all enjoy my studies and achieve basic and practical skills in physiotherapy. The benefits I got from this trip are endless but these are some of the few; Spiritually, I got to know many Christians of like faith as we visited several churches and had opportunity to minister in most of them. Socially, I made friends and interacted with people of various ethnic, socio-cultural and economic backgrounds. I had a lot to learn and the positive lessons and experiences are impacting my life in a sense that I now
Studying Physiotherapy is definitely a bonus to my carrier, especially now that there’s a crisis with the use of drugs in the management of most conditions because doctors treat symptoms mostly. The link between the cause and disease (clinical manifestations) of most illnesses, which is no longer paid attention to, is better understood by physiotherapists; therefore, a better understanding of the normal physiology and biomechanics of different organ systems of the body is the basis of detecting and explaining various pathophysiology as well. Physiotherapy aims at restoring or improving body normal function by manipulating and stimulating factors that occur and work naturally for example use of exercises that improve normal range of motion of the movable parts of the muscular-skeletal system.
It was right for CIU then to say they came to make a difference and they are still focused on leading, innovation and transformation. These are all words fitting to describe CIU’s outstanding potential which is reflected by its highly qualified graduates. Besides that, CIU is a home and a family to many of us. The teaching mode is good. I love the comprehensiveness of the content. The methodology used by most lecturers enhances learning; the problem based and solving approach sets up a challenge for the learner to search for more knowledge, innovate and hence develop and bring out the capacities that otherwise would have been untapped potential, hence the learners are facilitated to reach for the highest goals and dreams of their careers.
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CELEBRATING CULTURAL
DIVERSITY
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Over the years, CIU has continuously embraced and supported the advancement of cultural diversity within the community. We recognize that culture is an important aspect of society through which individuals are confidently able to identify their values, beliefs and norms. As a University, we recognize and respect the presence of different cultural groups within our environment and we encourage inclusivity through fostering the setup of student’s groups that enable them feel that they have a voice and they have where they belong within this big community. Currently, our students are coming from over 15 different countries like Uganda, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Nigeria, Cameroon, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Zambia, Sudan and Czech Republic. CIU continues to celebrate diversification and inclusivity because it helps us to build bridges of trust across different cultures and this ain turn facilitates meaningful collaboration.
I am a second year Public Health student at the Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague. I am currently studying for one semester at Clarke International University, taking classes with public health students as well as clinical medicine students and nurses. When I was in Uganda for the very first time, doing my internship in Galilee Community General Hospital in Masanafu, CIU was recommended to me as the best university to study Public Health from. The public health in Czech Republic is very different from the one in Uganda and I find it quite interesting to have the possibility to compare both of the systems. Getting to know things from different perspectives allows me to strengthen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. One of the things I noticed is the way the classes are not only theoretical, but also practical. The lecturers are always trying to show us how to use what we’ve learned in real life examples, which makes it easier to remember. As an international student, I’m happy that CIU has a wide range of student’s associations that you can join. This makes you feel like you have your own place in the university and you are a part of the whole community. CIU is a university that really cares about its students and ensures their wellbeing. If you have any issue, it’s very easy to figure it out with the Academic staff. There is also a lot of space to share your own ideas and suggestions.
Prauseova Jana- Czech Republic
am currently doing Diploma in Clinical Medicine (DCM) and I’m in my 2nd year. The reputation CIU has earned through the contributions of its alumni in my country, Somalia, inspired me to join. One of the most admirable aspects about CIU is that it values cultural diversity and encourages young talent from around the continent to participate in the exploration of issues that affect all humanity. As a DCM student, CIU has played a very huge role in my learning experience through the several placement (internship) opportunities we are given at the end of every semester. This has enabled us put into practice what we are taught in class
Abdihalim Abdulahi Mohammud – Somalia
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I’m pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science at CIU. One of the factors that motivated me to join this great university is its reputation in the field of nursing. Nursing classes at CIU are interesting and we are taught relevant things. I have been given opportunities to practice problem-based learning; allowing me to apply theories learnt in class in a real hospital setting. Through this kind of continuous exposure, I’ve learnt how to manage different health conditions. My lectures are great and I enjoy their mode of delivery. CIU is a highly welcoming place. I’ve been able to make new friends from various countries giving me an insight into their culture, food and language as well. My university experience so far has been amazing, I’m happy to be part of the CIU community and I have no regrets choosing coming to Uganda for studies.
Yorlue Grace Kialee - Nigeria
I come from Tanzania. I am a student at CIU currently in year one doing Diploma Clinical Medicine. CIU is equipped with material that fosters reading and learning like the wellstocked library, the computer labs and free access to the University Wi-Fi. From the way lectures are conducted and the hands on training that we receive, I am confident that I can favorably compete globally on the job market. I’m confident that I made the right choice when I decided to join CIU.
Kazingo Ezra
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I’m pursuing Bachelor of Public Health in year 1. I’m happy to be here because I’ve learnt how to use technology for my educational and professional needs. The CIU environment fosters networking among students and this has taught us how to appreciate and relate with people from different cultures. We are not only taught to promote health and medicine but to be transformational young leaders. We have wonderful clubs that teach us how to be innovative, creative and socially responsible like the CIU Rotaract club which organizes community outreach programs every year. One of the best days of my life was when my application to CIU was accepted. I knew I had chosen the right mentors to guide me on my career path. I’m eager to complete my degree and go back to my country so I can use the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to tremendously transform the healthcare system in my community.
Alith Cyer Mayar – South Sudan
Lucia Phiri- Zambia I’m currently in year 1 doing Diploma Clinical Medicine. My experience at CIU has had a great effect on both my academic and social life. Being an International student, I feel that CIU has a way of ensuring that we feel connected to the community regardless of where we are coming from. I joined CIU in 2018 when I enrolled for the Foundation program and so far the only challenge I’ve had is the language barrier though I decided to look at it as an opportunity to learn a new language. After completing the Foundation program, I decided to stay and enroll for a Diploma in Clinical Medicine which I’m very excited about. One of my most favorite school events is the University day because all students from different backgrounds get to meet and share their cultures.
I’m pursuing a Diploma in Clinical Medicine & Community health and I’m currently in my 2nd year. I love CIU because of the unique approach it uses to cater for all students in general. The environment is a safe space for everyone and I’m happy that when scholarships are being offered, everyone has an equal opportunity to compete regardless of where you’re coming from. The student-exchange programs are wonderful because they give us a chance to learn how to cope with different situations in a new country and make meaningful relationships. I like the public lectures that the University organizes from time to time because it gives us a platform to share our experiences with experts from different industries across the country.
Ndayisaba Corneille – Rwanda
Fitsum Zekarias Titio – Ethiopia I am doing Bachelor of Public Health, 3rd year. I have had a remarkable experience at CIU because of the comfortable and friendly community that has always made me feel at home. The student-student and student-lecturer relationships are solid and healthy. CIU has helped me develop professionally and socially through the friends I have made. I like the fact that CIU has outstanding opportunities for leadership skills development. The space and opportunity created for students to get involved with student governance is exceptional. The respect for diversity, equal considerations for all students regardless of ethnic affiliation, sex, color, age and nationality provide every student the opportunity to serve.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT I am Frank Kiwanuka, a BSN graduate class of 2016. I chose CIU because I wanted smaller class sizes that could give me a chance to establish close relationships with other students and my teachers. During the course of my studies, I got a full scholarship from the Rose’s Journey Scholarship Fund which enabled me to perform better and complete the program. This was really outstanding.
FRANK KIWANUKA BSN, 2012-2016
In addition, CIU provided me with high quality lectures and amazing lecturers who were able to help me integrate into university life. The kind of teaching methods I was exposed to at CIU were really awesome; we used a mixture of research, presentations, problem-based learning and group discussions. The most amazing part of it all to me was the problem-based learning approach because it gave us an opportunity to learn how to research and organize data for presentation on specific topics of interest. The research component of my studies really helped me develop my research interests. I am currently contributing to knowledge generation and dissemination (ResearcherID: Y-1911-2018, Orcid: https://orcid. org/0000-0001-8178-3120, Number of publications 20). I am a practicing nurse and a reviewer for several refereed journals such as BMJ open and Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science. My current research scholarship is focused on critical care, patient and family-centered care and Artificial Intelligence in intensive care settings. CIU extended my career journey, I went on to undertake the mandatory internship required for licensure and obtained my practicing license. Afterwards, I pursued a postgraduate degree in MSc. Critical Care Nursing which I successfully completed. Currently, I am a PhD student at the University of Eastern Finland.
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To prospective and current students, if you’re looking for a good career, picking the right university with good course content and mentors is vital and I recommend to you CIU. To my fellow alumni and alumnae; the sky is the limit.
For me, CIU was a “fertile ground” to recognize what I could be and how to utilize it for social good through the mentorship of my good friend, Danny Devito Gotto. It’s where I got a chance to attend the Finnish Exchange Program in 2014 and support to undertake a novel research on the factors that influence the prevalence of dysmenorrhea at a time when it was an under researched in the East African region. This research led me to be invited in December 2014 thus becoming one of the directors of Irise Uganda which is located in Jinja and works to empower women and girls by addressing menstrual hygiene management.
ROSE MARY NAKAME BNS- 2011-2015 • Founder & Executive Director, REMI
East Africa (Increasing access to quality health care for the poorest) • CEO, AFRIwaste (Digitalizing waste management for healthier communities) • Member, Board of Directors, Irise Uganda: Branch of UK-based Charity Irise International • International Youth Committee Female Ambassador to Uganda.
After, my studies at CIU, I was placed in Hoima for my Nursing Internship at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and Hoima School of Nursing where I taught Medical Nursing and Foundations of Nursing. During my internship, I saw first hand, the challenges of accessing quality health care and later on, live healthy and productive lives only because of one’s low social economic status. This resonated with me and re-ignited a burning desire to address it thus founding REMI East Africa to increase access to quality health care for the poorest of the poor. I continue to appreciate CIU because some of the directors Advisors and staff of REMI East Africa are friends I met here for example: Dr. Rose Nanyonga Clarke, Mukasa Mujjabi Martin and Winfred Nakaweesi. It’s because of my past contributions and aspirations in bettering the health and lives of the poorest of the poor that I was awarded the U.S. Department of State, 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship in Public Management placed at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The YALI experience enabled me to strike meaningful and strategic partnerships who are and will be crucial in our strides to pave the road to health equity.
OTHER AWARDS:
• 2018 Equity and Merit scholar, Long-distance MPH, The University of Manchester, Uk • 2018 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur • 2016 Ashoka Innovation for Intrapreneurship in Health
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CELEBRATING CIU UNSUNG HEREOS:
ANTONIO KABEGA
From a humble background, Antonio Kabega is one of the strong pillars that has contributed to CIU’s success story. For the past 5 years, he’s been responsible for the transportation of both students and staff members to their respective destinations, a job he has done tirelessly and still continues to do with high esteem. Being the official University driver is not only limited to driving cars; it is a role that comes with a lot more responsibility than what meets the eye. His job puts the lives of students and staff members constantly in his hands and he takes on each day’s tasks with calmness and a wide smile. “I love my job and I’m truly grateful for the level of professionalism exhibited by all the staff members and students, it has made my work a lot easier over the years,” Antonio Kabega said.
Kabega says he relies on his calm personality to handle the work pressure and relate easily with everyone. Some of the challenges he highlights include overtime hours without appropriate compensation and travelling long distances with little financial aid to facilitate him especially for unforeseeable road challenges. Aside from that, Antonio says he works well with all members within the CIU Community and he likes the respect he receives from fellow co-workers. “I am really grateful to Dr. Rose, Ms. Evelyn Ayot, Mr. Ivan Nsubuga and the finance team for putting in place a good work environment for me,” Antonio said.
Despite not always being in the limelight, the work Antonio does for CIU is an inspiration to many because he gives his time and his heart every day to contribute to the achievement of the University’s mission and vision. 34
WE CAUGHT UP WITH SOME OF HIS COLLEAGUES, AND THIS IS WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY: “The first Ugandan to give us hugs when we arrived at the airport was Antonio. We love him” -Finish Exchange students “He is a friendly, selfless person who puts the welfare of others as a priority, he endures more than he can ever narrate” - Josephine Nabugeke, Registry Clerk. “Antonio is a kind hardworking man and I have enjoyed working with him over the years, as his immediate supervisor, I always work towards making sure he is appreciated for all the overtime he does,” said Richard Ivan Nsubuga, Datatbase Administrator. “I cannot begin to describe what he goes through every day because it is a lot, but I hope he is always listened to when he has any compliant so that he does not get overwhelmed,” Nsubuga added. “Antonio is a very time conscious person and every time you reach out to him for his services the first question, he asks is will you be able to keep time?” - Emily Naiwumbwe, Faculty.
“The first thing that people do when you mention the name Antonio is to smile or laugh because that is the vibe he gives off, he is down to earth and I love the fact that he takes his job very seriously and he is always ready to help when you need him,” - Fiona Atim, Research Office “I love Antonio because he is always jolly, he brightens up every room he walks into and he treats everyone with utmost respect,” said Nasha Hasifa, Registry Clerk “CIU is extremely lucky to have Antonio. He is a true bucket filler in that he adds value to every interaction and in everything he does. We don’t say thank you to him enough, and this space is not large enough for all the wonderful things people have to say about him. I hope he knows how deeply appreciated he is. Sometimes when we think about living the CIU mission, to transform our communities, we forget easily that the first community is CIU. For Antonio, that where he excels. Thank you, Antonio,” -Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga
The entire CIU community recognizes Antonio for being a hero in his area of work, the endless sacrifices he has made and the effort he puts in each day are what has made CIU a better place. Through his work, students have been able to travel around the country and they have received the training they need to graduate as professionals. For this very reason, CIU highly celebrates Antonio Kabega for his work and we are honored to have him as part of our community.
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