EDITOR’S NOTE
Sandra Naluwugge
I am pleased to welcome you to his magazine. It has been designed to give you our dear reader an insight into the university’s journey over the past 10 years and bring you on board with the IHSU10 celebrations. We are glad to have you as part of our big family that always aims to make a difference to Healthcare. Inside, you will find feature stories about the journey so far, community engagements, milestones of the University and more information about the different activities that occasionally go on around the University.
To our students, we are highly honored by each one of you because you chose us to be your mentors and we believe we have not let you down in any way. Our alumni are some of the most firmly established health care workers in society. We must say we have not worked alone to bring the university this far and we therefore thank every individual who has tirelessly devoted his/her time to the development of IHSU. The support we have received from you is overwhelming and we are humbled by your endless hard work to make this institution even better.
As we walk into our second decade, we continue to call upon all our stakeholders in your different categories to continue working hand in hand with us for the betterment of our university. We shall not lose sight of our vision because without it IHSU seizes to be. We are now headed towards a time of expanding our course offering to include technology and business inorder to be more relevant to our students. Our focus has and will always been on equipping our students with relevant skills that they can ably apply in society and favorably compete in the job market.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “We must become the change we want to see.” IHSU is focused on being an exemplary institution in Uganda and across Africa by offering the best quality education in healthcare, business and applied technology. The change we want to see in our education an healthcare system is beginning with us.
Sandra Naluwugge
ICT MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Every once in a while I bump into a stranger, at the most unlikely of events, who tells me how much they’ve read about IHSU in a lot of literature. Whenever I’m quick to ask, “What literature?”, a glow in their eyes and a beaming smile replace the initial uneasiness of a first time encounter. “Your magazines, reports, online articles, your website and social media posts, academic publications, conference proceedings...” they say, “are outstanding!”
This has certainly inpired the entire ICT team here, which has spent the better part of a year working tirelessly to produce the 2018 [magazine] issue. The focus of this issue is the ten year journey that IHSU has moved. Its articles feature exciting, yet humbling stories from senior parties whose extraordinary determination and dedication have shaped the IHSU that we know today and whose strong values and beliefs have underscored the University’s every effort to make a difference in healthcare education and research. We hope you will enjoy the many exciting articles among which there is poem and community engagement stories told by our very enthusiastic students.
I’d like to call your attention to the article titled, Does University Education Improve Your Chances of Getting a Job? A piece written by a valued member of IHSU and Director of School of Business and Applied Technologies, Prof. Jamie MacAlister. The Professor’s school of thought coupled with increasing evidence that our education system is probably “aiding” unemployment could very well be the basis for Clarke International University’s intent to lead, innovate and transform the system. Keep reading -and expect more.
HARRY Barry ICT Manager
Welcome to International Health Sciences University (IHSU to CIU). Whether you are new, a transfer student, or returning student, I thank you for choosing IHSU. Am deeply grateful for the chance to remain part of the vibrant IHSU community in the role of substantive Vice Chancellor.
Every academic year, we welcome new and old students at IHSU and there are a few statements that are worth repeating. The main tenets of our achievements at IHSU are grounded in our mission: “To make a difference to healthcare by bridging the gap in healthcare education through research and training in line with: the highest academic, clinical standards and sharing knowledge to promote health development.” As I have said before, the outcome of this undertaking is about improving the lives of our people, their families and communities. At the heart of our mission, is an enduring purpose of “Making a Difference”. We believe that your journey to making a difference starts here with us.
During your tenure here, you will be challenged to identify, learn, and use your intellect, talent and professional skills to make a difference to (insert your dream here) in Uganda. We encourage you to jump right in and explore every opportunity to becoming an outstanding Scientist, Scholar, Clinician, Public Health Expert, Business Expert... we expect active participation in your learning and development journey. We need your help in achieving our agenda for excellence in Learning and Teaching, Research, and Community Service. This requires scholars who are willing to engage in challenging conversations about the world we live in, who show up, and on time, who strive for integrity & accountability, who constantly demonstrate ways in which their scholarship, talent, and skills have impact, and who care about finding solutions and making their communities livable.
You will encounter an amazing team of people here who are willing to help. At the core of IHSU’s success is a group of talented, diverse and exceptional staff who are committed to the vision and mission of the university. The mandate to make a difference and strive for academic excellence is not just for our students.
All our staff are tasked with displaying visible leadership, anticipating and responding to changes in practice, learning & teaching, and research. They strive to employ adaptive teaching methodology, engaging in professional development, and demonstrating for students the values that underpin the ethos of IHSU. But your faculty cannot participate in this process alone. You are responsible for doing the work in your own learning. You must therefore, utilize every opportunity available to you to foster lifelong learning. This process allows both faculty and students to work together, to discover together, and to excel together.
Finally, our quality improvement plan relies on regular feedback. Therefore, we request that you strive to evaluate what we do and how well we are doing it (including what we could do better). Faculty, Administrator, Student Experience Surveys (SES) and Course evaluations are important tools for program, process, systems, people and pedagogy improvement. Please prioritize these events at the end of every semester or whenever you are called upon to give feedback.
Once again, thank you for choosing us. You are in the right company of scholars.
Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga Vice Chancellor
OUR JOURNEY TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE
By Sandra Naluwugge
Over the past ten years of its existence, International Health Sciences University (IHSU) has continuously evolved from what was just a nursing school in 2005 with only 16 students to a fully licensed private university in 2008 with now over 700 students from more than 12 countries. Due to the desire to bridge the gap between health care education and practice, IHSU was founded on the solid ground of making a difference in health care and health service provision both locally and internationally. “I think that our vision for the university really emerged out of practice needs paired with a sheer lack of adequate number and quality of health care providers,” said Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga the current Vice Chancellor of IHSU.
Following the construction of International Hospital Kampala (IHK), Dr. Ian Clarke decided to focus on hiring majorly Ugandans so as to develop and invest in human resources for health that was available locally. However, for a private institution that was operating on international standards, an inefficiency among the health care providers was noticed. This fuelled the establishment of a school of nursing which was offering
a nursing program at diploma level but was later on licensed to operate as a university.
“ A lot of the challenges were not particularly theoretical gaps in their nursing training but were very much related to soft skills, customer care, responsiveness to the patient’s needs and being able to actually navigate the patient-provider relationships to really improve customer satisfaction,” Dr. Nanyonga explained.
IHSU as an institution of higher learning has throughout these past ten years strived to maintain excellence coupled with high quality service delivery at the core of
IHSU Pioneer class
everything it does.
The human resources for health crisis in Uganda nevertheless still continues to exist despite the intensive professional teaching and training that the university offers. This is because it cannot single handedly provide adequate solutions to all health care burdens weighing on the country’s shoulders.
“I think the country has continued to bleed even though we train nurses every year, we still do not have enough nurses and health care providers in the country,” Dr. Nanyonga said, “So we knew that the university would be able to meet a critical gap in terms of robust numbers and quality of human resources for health for Uganda in general,” Dr. Nanyonga added.
As IHSU prepares to bid farewell to its first decade of existence and step into a new one, the Vice Chancellor puts it that renewal and re-imagining should be at the forefront of everything so as to evaluate and determine whether the university still has relevance and competitive advantage.
“Is our vision still strong? Are we still addressing the original intent?” Dr. Nanyonga rhetorically asked.
From the Vice Chancellor’s perspective, any university that has an element of laxity in its approach is at a disadvantage and that is why IHSU is focused on training students according to the timing and reality of challenges because with the emergence of newer technologies, information keeps changing and therefore quickly loses currency and relevance.
Dr. Nanyonga says, “As IHSU we really need to resharpen our approach to the way we teach, learn and the way we engage with our community so that we can
remain a university that is useful, a university that is making a difference.”
The 10 year journey of IHSU has been a combination of various challenges, success and achievements. The most pressing factor has so far been the inability of students to pay their tuition with ease and this has gravely affected their performance individually because they invest more of their time looking for money than studying and excelling. Amidst all these push and pull factors, the university has been able to keep up with its mission of making a difference in health care and proudly says that a great deal of its alumni are in leadership positions and have been able to secure really competitive jobs. When asked about how the university has managed to keep going, the Vice Chancellor had this to say,
It takes a great deal of creativity and innovation to remain a center of excellence and while the journey has been thrilling and fulfilling and we are honored by the graduates who walk out of IHSU.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
By Sandra Naluwugge
International Health Sciences University has a clear road map for the future and it has strategically laid out tools that are going to enable it achieve its set goals and eventually reach its destination. As an institution with a target of improving health care in Uganda, IHSU is already engaging in blended learning to deliver services through use of multiple methodologies.
To ensure improved service delivery in the future, IHSU is in the process of integrating existing technology into the academic environment to foster compatible learning among the students.
The Vice Chancellor is quoted to have said “The University is in the process of establishing a culture that allows the students to adopt lifelong learning techniques so that when they are here it is not just about the grade, it is about how they can develop as complete individuals.”
The end of the first decade is going to be marked by a sharp turn in the University’s programming from an all sciences university to a diverse environment which will include courses from other fields of study.
“We recognize that nurses and doctors also need to have skills in business, information and computer technology because these components support health care in general,” Dr. Nanyonga explained.
Currently, IHSU is gaining more popularity at a fast pace and the number of students is increasing every academic year, the university therefore plans on constructing a new home that will be able to accommodate all the
students conveniently.
Dr. Nanyonga gave us an insight on the building program and she said four acres of land were purchased about two and a half years ago and the architect has already produced the blue prints of what the new IHSU home is going to look like though funding is still greatly needed.
IHSU is turning 10 this year and you as our alumni are the greatest proof of the difference we have made in health care over the years.
We proudly invite you to be part of the 1000Alumni for 100million campaign which is aimed at collecting money for construction of the future home of IHSU in Bukasa.
The first 1000 contributers will get to make a mark on IHSU’s future home as their names will be engraved on IHSU’s wall in recognition of their kind contribution. MAKE YOUR MARK NOW BY CONTRIBUTING TO IHSU’S FUTURE HOME
visit
www.ten.ihsu.ac.ug
To make your contribution
Mobile Money Donations
0759 095386 (Bwire Richard - Accounts Assistant)
We would like to recognise and appreciate the following individual for their generous contributions to the campaign
• Nalumu Grace
• Mudiima Geofrey
• Taban Patrick
• Lamunu Sylvia Mary
• Segawa Patrick
• Tumwesigye Samuel
• Ogubi David
• Grace D Yangi
• Prof. Basaza Robert
• Rose Clarke Nanyonga
• Andrew Sekitooleko
LEADING HEALTH TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS IN UGANDA
With the support of partners like CM 2000, Youth with A Mission both entities from the United Kingdom and Microsoft under the Microsoft for Africa – Apps Factory program the International Health Sciences University has established and sustained a six months boot-camp like program that is purpose built. The program seeks to influence three core areas; Mindset – for self-leadership; Skill set – to enable one to do something and Tool set – to equip one with tools that will enhance capability to deliver. We do not teach, rather we facilitate learning, for we believe when one has detected what they are passionate about they will learn how to deliver. The program has no exams rather, we assess one’s progress with regards to their personal Career Development Plan. We believe in co-creation and as such admit students who are passionate about the use technology to solve problems. Do not limit yourself!! The purpose of this program is to help bridge the gap between the graduates and what the labor market requires for graduates’ employability.
On the 21st of September 2017, I was party to have an exclusive meeting with different players in the ICT industry and top software outsourcing companies in Uganda and the meeting left me with a great burden of the high demand of quality graduates in different industries for recruitment, yet higher institutions of learning continue to fail to deliver suitable candidates. Candidates with basic work ethics are still a rare commodity in Uganda today.
Michael Niyitegeka Course Consultant- Applied ICT & Leadership
This year, the program has received support from Microsoft through Microsoft 4 Afrika’s Microsoft Apps Factory. Microsoft Apps factory, in a six-month training program offers “a pre-work training” scholarship for graduates to do Microsoft certifications which add 40% employment chances, and recruitments opportunities for graduates.
Over the past 20 months, alumni of the program, working in small teams have developed ICT solutions which are increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare delivery in Uganda. Trained over 40 persons and partnering with five organizations. Three of these teams have received financial support of US $ 10,000 each to aid development of their products and services from CM 2000 and UNFPA through the Up Accelerate business accelerator namely;
DigiHealth Win UpAccelerate Incubator Demo Day
In this year alone, the program saw ten students participate in both Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)’s Smart Transport Hackathon and MTN’s Mobile App Challenge in which they excelled and exhibited incredible problem seeking and solving skills following human centered design approaches to building solutions. The experiences and knowledge gained by these students from industry engagements are invaluable to their studies and life after school.
Are you a graduate who is ready to bridge the digital divide within the different sectors such as; Agriculture, Health, Education, Military etc. in Uganda and the region at large? The big opportunity is here for you!
Are you a dreamer that dares to influence and be the change that society will look up to? Would you regard yourself as innovator? Do you have a passion of solving some of the challenges in our society using technology? Does technology fascinate you? Do you desire to acquire the right mindset, tool set and skill set to enable you navigate the stormy floods of the 21st Century? Do these question speak to you? If your answers to these questions is a resounding YES, you are reading the right article!
A platform that captures and enables multiple off-site specialists to view MWES scores, apache scores, lab results and performance trends of patients admitted to ICUs, in real time and guide general practitioners
A decision support system that enables health centers and drug distribution organizations capture data on drug supplies and consumption so as to better understand consumption trends through easy to understand visualization tools and support accurate decision making
The team developed a health data harvester, a low-cost open source digital tool focused on improving data collection especially in healthcare delivered outside the hospital, analysis and visualization to drive better decision making, thus enhancing service delivery among health actors
PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS
IHSU PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS
By Sandra Naluwugge
IHSU is a community that values connectivity among individuals and this has led to the birth of several partnerships between the university and other institutions. According to Mr. John Alege, dean Institute of Public health and Management, partnerships are critical because they help the university to benchmark with various institutions of learning.
Internationally, IHSU has alliance with Vincent Paul University in Poland and the government of Finland. Students and academic staff are engaged in an exchange program so they can appreciate the diversity of different academic environments and integrate what they feel will improve on their institutions back home. Concordia University in USA also sends students to IHSU during summer break. New York University in USA also just recently established partnership with the university and sent students last year to carry out research.
Locally, IHSU is partnering with Uganda Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation and Uganda Insurance society. From this partnership, IHSU has been able to develop a certificate course in Health Insurance and financing that is being funded by Health Partners. As the new decade kicks in, new partners are also coming on board to broaden the outreach of the university so it can carry out its work with more ease. The new partners include Mt.Saini hospital in New York and Yale University. Locally the university is exploring partnerships with Uganda Christian University and
Uganda Martyrs University.
Other institutions have also expressed interest in partnering with IHSU like Kampala Health Institute and Central University of Malawi which is currently preparing an MOU in order to start exchanging students and lecturers.
The University’s partnerships and collaborations have benefited students in a way that they have enabled them get hands on experience in community health work because in class they are mostly grounded in theory.
IHSU is continuing to set a trend among institutions of higher learning by putting emphasis on making a difference in health care provision so that the community at large can be transformed both internally and externally.
BUILDING A CAREER AT IHSU
“if you do not grow, you die.”
- Assoc. Professor Robert Basaza
By Sandra Naluwugge
Earlier on last year, the IHSU community had the privilege of welcoming a new Associate Professor, Assoc. Prof. Robert Basaza who was already working in the Institute of Public Health and Management (IPHM) as a Senior Lecturer. As the norm always is, Assoc. Basaza gave an inaugural lecture and it was centered around health insurance which happens to be both his area of interest and expertise. It is to be noted that he has had a passion for health insurance since early days during his student life at University of York in United Kingdom and Ghent University in Belgium According to Assoc. Prof. Basaza, health insurance can simply be explained as people paying for hospital before they fall sick so that they can in the end divorce the practice of paying from the time of sickness. This in turn gives them ability to afford health care and to negotiate for quality.
Over the years, Prof. Basaza’s work on health insurance has had quite an impact on Uganda majorly the education system. His many publications have paved way for people to have a better understanding of health economics as a whole and also gave rise to new research all in line with this subject.
“It has raised curiosity among young researchers, we have over five topics and ten dissertations in IHSU on
health insurance,” Assoc. Prof Basaza explained. At IHSU, Prof. Basaza majors in Public Health and Health Economics and since the year he joined this university he has so far published nine papers. This alone has taken the University to a higher level of rank in the country. He is also proud to say that he has worked with some students and together they have successfully published papers which are part of profound journals one of them being the British medical journal: Tobacco control. It is amazing that this prestigious article was from an undergraduate.
From his five year journey at IHSU, Prof. Professor Basaza highlights that it has so far been good because he has been able to market the university both locally and internationally through his various publications and his speeches at numerous conferences where he is asked to be the guest speaker. From the tone of his voice while conducting this interview, it was evident that he feels happy about these particular achievements and many more.
With an excited tone, Associate Professor Basaza quickly ran through the series of events and projects he has worked on, “this year I have chaired a session on health insurance for a project called SPEED for Makerere University School of Public Health and Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp and PRC.”
As a newly appointed Associate Professor of IPHM, he says the Institute is expanding in terms of courses offered to include others specifically in nutrition. Through his continuous efforts, Prof. Basaza has been able to attract USAID to partner with IHSU in health insurance training.
“We are going to be the first university in Uganda perhaps Africa to train health insurance, normally it is what new things you have that matter in academics” Prof. Basaza explained.
Since IHSU emphasizes quality, Assoc. Prof. Basaza believes he is going to improve service delivery in IPHM through networking with different people and organizations so as to provide for the students a hands-on training that will give them relevance when they step out into the work world. This networking is already visible since 2016 when the Institute partnered with Rotary club and students conducted a health camp in Buikwe district. This year students had two other health outreaches in Mbarara District and Koboko District.
On this particular subject of improving service delivery in IPHM he is quoted to have said, “It is an innovative approach especially with stakeholder engagement when designing programs, we are also going to work with health partners.”
One of the remarkable things to remember from our conversation with Assoc Prof. Basaza is that he said “if you do not grow, you die.” This is a statement to ponder upon individually and evaluate our growth each day that passes by because without growth death sets in be it in academics, economics or social life. It is at this point therefore that we as IHSU welcome our new Associate Professor as a way of exhibiting our growth and progress over the years.
What the IHSU Family had to say 10 YEARS OF INCREDIBLE SERVICE
Dear IHSU Family, we dedicate two incredible people, Ms. Evelyn Grace Ayot (University Registrar) and Ms. Phiona Bitariho (Senior Assistant Registrar), for ten (10) years of service to and at IHSU. I have previously talked about the legacy of excellence at IHSU and how it serves as a strong foundation for our future work and continued relevancy in Uganda. I am pleased, therefore, to celebrate two people whose commitment and dedication serves as a vital link to this legacy. In the last 10 years, no single event has happened at IHSU without Evelyn and Phiona’s knowledge and often input. From marketing, admissions, curriculum development, establishing policies for learning, teaching, and research, graduations, tracking alumni, student affairs, organizational culture and governance, to fighting IHSU battles… the list is endless! Every aspect of our DNA at IHSU shares their strands of hard work, passion for the job and for the people, and a continued unwavering commitment to the spirit of excellence and to making a difference. We celebrate them for the countless ways in which their work has directly and indirectly touched ours and in ways in which their impact will continue to shape our future. Eve and Phi—as we endearingly refer to you—I join a throng of IHSU colleagues, students—past and present, the University Council and proprietors to honor you and thank you for inspiring so many and for giving to IHSU the best part of you unreservedly. It is with great pride and sincere gratitude to you both, that we celebrate, recognize and pay tribute to you for 10 years of service to the IHSU family.
Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga Vice Chancellor
“
IHSU is an institution which suffers from gender imbalance. At one point we had a female Chancellor, female Vice Chancellor, female Registrar and female Deputy Registrar and currently the only male in that team is the Chancellor. Evelyn and Phiona have been with the university since its inception and are a great example of why Ugandan women can rise to the top. Evelyn and Phi are diligent, good humoured, professional and pleasant, and above all, very committed to IHSU. I am very proud of you both.
- Dr. Ian Clarke, Proprietor
“
Dear Evelyn and Phiona, As we celebrate a decade of your dedicated service at IHSU, we would like thank GOD for the hard work and commitment that you have demonstrated through all these years. There is no doubt that your works have positively impacted on us in many ways. We congratulate you upon reaching this step and look forward to a continued cordial working relationship with you.
GOD Bless you!
-Pardon AKUGIZIBWE, Chairperson IHSU Academic Staff Association
“Evelyn has worked to make IHSU shine. She stood by me when I had tuition balance and was ready to deduct her salary so that I could sit my exams. I congratulate her for having reached 10 years of excellent leadership skills employed. God bless her work.
-SSemwanga Edward (BSPH-2013,MPH-2014)
It was until i enrolled at UMU that i appreciated the kind of brand Evelyn is made of! The sanity and listening ear that she wears together with the academic staff is truly reflected in the output manifested by the products! Viva Evelyn! I remember she always had an extra ear for the evening class( that for our intake we asked and promised her of how we could finish the 4 year course within 3 years! She agrees to this and we made it! What an efficient way we ushered into the university! For many people we probably shying away from enrolling for a 4year bachelors program! She is that open to ideas! I salute her!
Sonko Ronald, Bsc.PH, Dip. Clin.Med, MPH (Candidate)
Dear IHSU family, I really want to take this opportunity to congratulate the two pillars of this great university madam Evelyne and Phiona for not only acting as academic inspiration, but mothering everyone at IHSU irrespective of status. I came in 2010 applying for undergraduate BSC PH and had no hope. I did the interview, and God saw me through. I went through a lot including challenges of fees, and catching up in academics. Bearing in mind that I had not met some course units like Biostatistics .I greatly thank madam Evelyn for being there for me even amidst the challenges. I finally graduated in 2014 and now heading a USAID OVC programme in WAKISO district.
Bwengye Barnabas
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Bravo to you Registrar Evelyn G. Ayot for making 10 years old in IHSU! You are a mother to IHSU family and remembered by almost all Alumni for your Diligent, Hardwork, Empathy and Dedication to make IHSU shine and its products marketable in the job market. congratulation and Keep on with the same spirit and receive notable God Blessings.
Blate Moses David Class: BNS 2009, Graduated on 14 Feb., 2014
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I am Yahweh Michael currently doing DCM and this is my first year and first semester 2017 . It is my pleasure that i joined this institution and among those celebrating the decade anniversary and congratulations to the registrar and and assistant registrar. Am looking forward to graduating here with excellent.
MAY GOD BLESS IHSU DEUTERONOMY 28
Evelyn and Phiona have been the foundation and backbone of IHSU since inception. While we have seen the IHSU leadership change over the years, they have both been steadfast and committed throughout. Evelyn we thank you for your loyalty, dedication and maternal compassion. Phiona we thank you for your hard work, multitasking, and consistent cheerfulness!
Sean Clarke
I wish to extend congratulations to all in the registry department for making it up to the university for all that long, giving in your time to the important service, helping students move their milestone to their goals. The registrar is one person who cannot be forgotten at any time because of her professionalism and commitment to stand in for her students. Thank you a lot for the dedication. And we look forward for the ongoing contributions and a bright and a successful future of the university Patrick Kato 2015-DCM-FT
“
If was not madam Evelyn ,Registrar,mama who was our Dean of Nursing, hahaha I wouldn’t be Graduate nurse,Our mouth are quiet but our hearts are burning, if is not Evelyn madam Registrar hmmm,IHSU life ,,,I don’t know! But she will live longer to see her products ,because Psalms 91:14 stands for her in this world! Dickens Sunday
DOES UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING A JOB?
JAMIE MACALISTER, Director School of Business & Applied Technology (SoBAT)
Why would a new faculty at a university be asking such a question? After all, by asking the question, it assumes the possibility that the answer might be no, It does not improve your chances.
So by opening a new university program, are we just making the problem even worse? It is a good question, but it’s in answering this particular question that is the very reason we have invested in this new SoBAT
There is clearly evidence to suggest that university as it currently is, does not help you get a job. The Daily Monitor ran an article at the beginning of 2018 headlined: “Here is how our education is aiding unemployment.”
A brief quotation from the article says “In January, graduation month across several universities, 40,000 graduates have reportedly been released into the job market. There is every reason to celebrate the milestone, especially for parents, who trade everything to get their children through school. But they predict that a big chunk of the 40,000 are set to join the 83 per cent unemployed youth”. This statistic refers to some research reported by Monitor nearly a year ago. One view is that there are just not enough new jobs to go round. That might be part of it, but much evidence points to another reason which is the fact that graduates are not employable.
The article further explains that by the time a student completes the full education cycle, they will be between
23 and 25 years old, but often without work or life experience and worse than that – they have not been learning the right things because our education system emphasises memorisation of facts.
Some of the missing skills cited are: Critical thinking when it comes to solving problems, communicating which is as much about listening well, researching well, speaking and writing well, being IT literate not just on social media but in producing documents and spreadsheets, working well with colleagues, working well in teams and ultimately leadership.
Aside from skills, character is another important aspect. Employers not only need capability they need dependability in terms of being prepared to do the work required, employees doing what they say they will do, being honest, being on time, taking initiative, boldness to take up challenging tasks and creativity.
Coca Cola is one of the biggest employers in subSaharan Africa and it says that when they hire graduates, they have to re-train them because they don’t have employable skills. This issue is not unique to Uganda, or even Africa but its particularly acute here because the young population is growing fast, the provision of education is growing fast and there is a need for the economy to grow fast. There is a huge need and opportunity for Uganda to increase foreign income and export.
It currently imports about $5billion worth of goods and services, and exports only $2billion. Only 20% of those exports are value-adding (compared to a global average of 70%). This means we are selling raw materials/ agricultural produce at low prices instead of processing and branding it, which would ultimately create jobs for Ugandans and hence wealth accumulation in the long run. Probably the main reason we cannot implement this is lack of the right skills and character in the workforce.
There is regular research going on around the world on the proportion of graduates in employment compared to those without degrees and while unemployment in developed countries is not as high, the difference that a degree makes is getting smaller. Sadly, more graduates out of university in developed countries are doing jobs that they actually don’t need a degree for like serving fast food, packing shelves in supermarkets among others. The focus is not just on who has a job anymore but more importantly what kind of job it is. What is the real problem? Check out Ken Robinson on TED Talks as he explores the subject of whether education is killing creativity. According to him, the education in many countries around the world is not fitfor-purpose because it was designed for a former age – the age before the internet yet right now knowledge is freely and abundantly available. Our education system emphasises knowledge acquisition and the importance of being right. It doesn’t deal well with the real skills and character aspects of being creative, dealing with uncertainty and being able to fail well and move on. A recent article from Uganda’s Independent Magazine entitled “Unprepared graduates: Why we are at a unique moment where Africa’s university model requires a rethink” highlighted that:
“A growing number of employers are no longer looking for the most impressive degree certificates … trailblazers like Ernst & Young have removed degree classifications from their entry requirements because they do not believe that academic success is always a sign of professional success.. Employers are now looking for graduates who think for themselves, integrate into faced-paced work environments, learn new ways of working and develop creative solutions to real problems… we are at a unique moment in the history of education. Universities need to re-think their approach to learning if they are to produce people with the critical thinking, leadership, collaboration and problem solving skills for modern life.”
So employers are basically saying that we have to retrain our new and often graduate recruits to become fit for work. Which is fine, because, they know what work needs to be done, and how it needs to be done, so it’s practical.
Yes it’s practical, but it’s not efficient. Employers generally can only take small groups for training – so you don’t get economies of scale. They can’t justify hiring professional trainers and lecturers. The students too want more generally recognised qualifications than for example the Coca Cola Management Academy Certificate which is probably not too transferable for a switch say to the IT industry.
So we need a middle ground. What is that?
We need a university that encourages practical experience from the start. A university that has lecturers that are not just academic, but have practical experience of the jobs that students are supposedly being trained for. That are not just proposing a token internship, which might get you shut away in a room browsing the internet in some bank’s corporate headquarters for a couple of weeks so you don’t disturb the main business. We need a university that works with industry to give students more of an apprenticeship of real work, throughout the degree program. So that by the end, you are not just skilled to do the work, have the right character and attitude, but you are already productive – so they can justify paying you because you are delivering something practical and real. Wouldn’t that be wonderful if such a university existed? The good news is that it does. International Health Sciences University (IHSU) has been in operation for 10 years focusing on developing medical professionals. Our research shows us that over 90% of our graduates are in employment. The style of IHSU degrees is centred on practical application of learning throughout the degree program, which is what prepares students so well for working life. It is for this reason that IHSU is diversifying into other disciplines, notably those of business and technology.
The School of Business & Applied Technology (SoBAT)
SOBAT is partnering with business and industry to offer a range of degree and executive short courses. It starts its first programs on 9th April with the mission to develop students to be employable and productive from the word “Go”: a 3 year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a 6 month Certificate in Applied ICT.
The business degrees will offer students an opportunity to major in industry specialisation, those which both build on the university heritage of health science, and focus on global competitiveness for Uganda: health technology, agribusiness & food processing, ICT services, tourism and energy. So it is with hand on heart for a young person considering applying for a qualification program at SoBAT:
“A Prosperous Life Starts Here”
“THE SILVER LINING”
Every day, a new war, a new challenge...burdens we assume they are, but there’s often a ray of opportunity that we blindly ignore; the silver lining. In a world of “making a difference”, one should be well aware of the challenges ahead and be armed to the teeth for battles unexpected.
I have often found beauty in challenging the process, an attribute everyone oughts to have; the undying love for bringing into existence a difference, other than dancing to the tunes of the usual. Well, most often it’s easier to simply go with the usual, and act like nothing can be done but the question is , “if all those before you acted like nothing can be done, what would be of today then?”.
Yes, we all feel awful when barriers to our goals arise, we all dread when the worst things happen unexpectedly, sometimes even worseexpectedly. But sometimes the struggles we face today subliminally provide the strength that we need for tomorrow. This is evident in how freshly mixed concrete grows solid by every passing hour until it is entirely one solid indomitable form.
Yes, we all find solace in the absence of misfortune, terror...or disappointment, and some give up, some simply consider it a mere set back, and a few see a glimmer of opportunity and it’s these few that I hope you be among. The eye of identifying a silver lining even in the darkest of clouds before us, that eye is worth a fortune, one of its ingredients being ‘self-belief’; a fire that burns within us, if you have the inner fire burning brighter than the outer fires, then ‘mon amie’ that’s the eye of opportunity. For life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all.
Today, in the most modest of ways...I urge you to admire challenges, enjoy the music that comes with everyday warfare and learn to no longer ignore the silver lining in every cloud you face. ‘Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” Martin Luther King Jr.
Hilary Okello GUILD PRESIDENT
INSTITUTE OF
PUBLIC HEALTH & MANAGEMENT
John Bosco Alege Dean IPHM
At IPHM, we study the frequency, distribution, and determinants of disease, a fundamental science of public health. We pursue groundbreaking research initiatives and educate and prepare future medical leaders and practitioners as part of our mission to ignite positive changes in the quality of health across the world.
AVAILABLE COURSES
DIPLOMA PUBLIC HEALTH
Modality: Full Time | Part Time
Fees: 993,000 Ugx | 321 USD
BSC. PUBLIC HEALTH
Modality: Full Time | Part Time Weekend
Fees: 1,816,000 Ugx | 640 USD
MSC. PUBLIC HEALTH
Modality: Full Time | Part Time | Online Weekend
Fees: 3,651,000 Ugx | 1353 USD
MSC. HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT
Modality: Full Time | Part Time | Online
Fees: 1,741,000 Ugx | 611 USD
INTERESTED IN PURSING A PUBLIC HEALTH DEGREE?
We have two academic intakes per year; August intake and January intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. We accept applications from June through January www.ciu.ac.ug/admissions
IHSU COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS
HIGHLIGTS FROM KOBOKO HEALTH CAMP
By Sandra Naluwugge
On the 28th of July 2017, Lugei foundation alongside her other partners commemorated world hepatitis day by holding a medical camp in koboko region at Boma grounds. The day was kicked off by what was termed a “solidarity walk” aimed at showing support towards those who are hepatitis B positive and to create more awareness about the disease. Dr. Rose Nanyonga, the current vice chancellor of International Health Sciences University (IHSU) doubled as the chief walker of the solidarity walk and the guest of honor for the medical camp. She officially opened the health camp urging people to view their risk of infection as a high priority item.
“If we don’t deal with risk we end up spending thousands of shillings we do not even have,” Dr. Nanyonga said, “It’s important that every member of the community, every family, every child understands what their risk is for a particular disease. For example what is your risk for Hepatitis? What is your risk for HIV? What is your risk for Malaria? If you are going to fight any disease, start with risk.” Dr. Nanyonga emphasized.
Immediately after the walk was over, guests and natives present were warmly welcomed through songs and poems all presented by students of Hilltop Learning Education Centre which happens to be offering adult education. Amidst this entertainment session emerged a gentleman whose presence attracted an appraising
and from the crowd’s cheer you could tell he is a music legend in this particular region.
Commonly known as “the opinion master,” Pitra Benjamin Akonyu is a journalist who dedicated his life to producing educational music since 2006 geared towards establishing a trend of positive change within West Nile. He says he was inspired to do this kind of music because Koboko region is battling with underdevelopment as a result of people lacking the necessary education to equip them with knowledge and information meant to help them progress.
“I chose myself to be an opinion master because there was a series of problems I noticed in the region as I evaluated it and therefore decided to become an educator,” Akonyu explained.
Over the years, Akonyu’s music has been able to bring about visible significant change throughout the entire West Nile and it is simply amazing how people heed to his messages. In 2006, Akonyu sang a song that was encouraging people to form associations and by that time they were not anywhere but after a short time SACCOs started springing up and now every town at least has an association binding its people financially. Akonyu’s goal is to sing songs that sensitize people so as to bring about overall behavioral change and though his music has done well so far, he still laments about the centralization of service delivery in koboko region.
According to the opinion master, “people in the municipality have more access to health services than
those in the remote areas, if only it could be balanced.”
Akonyu sadly said.
Throughout the day, community members tested for Hepatitis B, HIV, Diabetes, BMI and the IHSU ICT Department used Lime Survey powered tools to collect pre-test, posttest and client satisfaction data which will be used to conduct analysis and evaluation of the people’s health in koboko region after the three days.
Like a real patriot with the welfare of his region always at heart, Akonyu and many other individuals within Koboko region like Dr. Alege struggle every day to pass on the necessary information to the locals so that a change can be achieved. At IHSU we always emphasize making a difference in all we do, this is Akonyu’s way of bringing about a difference in his region, how about you?
INSTITUTE OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
Prof. John Charles Okiria
Dean ALLIED
Institute of Allied Health Sciences: Making a difference starts here. A diploma in Clinical Medicine or Degree in Laboratory Sciences can open up a world of opportunities. Explore the different ways you can get into our competitive programs
AVAILABLE COURSES
DIPLOMA CLINICAL MEDICINE
Modality: Full Time
Fees: 1,850,000 Ugx | 836 USD
DIPLOMA MEDICAL LAB SCIENCE
Modality: Full Time
Fees: 1,850,000 Ugx | 836 USD
BSC. MEDICAL LAB SCIENCE (TOP-UP)
Modality: Part Time
Fees: 1,915,000 Ugx | 572 USD
DIPLOMA PHARMACY
Modality: Full Time
Fees: 1,850,000 Ugx | 836 USD
BSC. MEDICAL LAB SCIENCE (DIRECT)
Modality: Full Time
Fees: 1,915,000 Ugx | 572 USD
FOUNDATION COURSE
Modality: Full Time
Fees: 1,915,000 Ugx | 572 USD
INTERESTED IN PURSING A ALLIED HEALTH DEGREE?
We have two academic intakes per year; August intake and January intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. We accept applications from June through January www.ciu.ac.ug/admissions
HEPATITIS B CAMPAIGN AROUND NAKAWA MARKET
By Alimah Komuhangi
International Health Sciences University in collaboration with Global Youth Health Project and GV Medical center conducted an awareness Campaign on Hepatitis B around Nakawa Market on the 25th of April 2017 Out of the 120 people reached only 5 had ever been screened, so we were able to screen all the 115 people (90 male and 25 female). It was found that 4.3% tested positive for Hepatitis B. We were able offer counseling services to the affected individuals and refereed them to GV medical center for further management. We also
distributed condoms to the youth.
IHSU students on the foundation program collected data from 120 participants. It was very interesting to observe our international students integrate in the community. Through Research and Health Education, we shall surely bridge the gap in healthcare
We thank IHSU management, Global Youth Health Project and GV Medical center for all the support. I must say our students on the foundation program are eager and ready to enroll for the Public Health course.
ROTARY CLUB COMMUNITY OUTREACH
By Prudence Asobola
The Rotaract club of IHSU in partnership with Touch Namuwongo, Rotary Family Health Days and Eco pads organized a medical camp in Namuwongo which was held at Kiwuliriza Primary school. The camp took place on 21st October, 2017 and it started with general cleaning of Namuwongo market and health educating food handlers about food hygiene. This cleaning exercise was implemented in partnership with KCCA.
The camp was aimed at providing health services like teaching girls about menstrual hygiene, cervical cancer screening, deworming, vitamin A supplementation, family planning, general medical care and HIV testing and counselling. Free re-usable pads were also given out to reinforce proper menstrual hygiene among girls.
In total, over 800 people were worked on 200 of them being children. The children mainly received deworming, vitamin A supplementation and ORS while the rest of the population got to engage with the available medical personnel to tackle various general health issues.
From the statistics derived from the turn up for services, majority of the people in Namuwongo are females and children and the common diseases registered that day were peptic ulcer diseases(PUDs), diarrhea among children, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and feminine diseases like candida among others.
The camp was successful because even though it lasted for one day, approximately 1000 people received medical care. People appreciated because they felt their lives had been touched in a special way.
SCHOOL OF NURSING
Agnes Agwang Dean SON
We offer evidence-based programs which are responsive to the needs of the community. We value life-long and self-directed learning. Our graduates are equipped to lead and make a difference to healthcare in their own communities and globally.
AVAILABLE COURSES
BSC. NURSING SCIENCE (DIRECT)
Modality: Full Time
Fees: 2,035,000 Ugx | 739 USD
BSC. MIDWIFERY
Modality: Full Time | Part Time
Fees: 2,035,000 Ugx | 861 USD
BSC. NURSING SCIENCE (TOP UP)
Modality: Part Time
Fees: 1,520,000 Ugx | 539 USD
INTERESTED IN PURSING A NURSING DEGREE?
We have two academic intakes per year; August intake and January intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. We accept applications from June through January www.ciu.ac.ug/admissions
MBARARA FIELD TRIP
By Alimah Komuhangi
IHSU was privileged to collaborate with Mbarara Municipal Council and Global Youth Health Project (GYHP) to carry out a Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) campaign in Mbarara District on Tuesday 18th July 2017. The IHSU team comprised of 3 faculty and 15 students.
We were able to conduct a study on sexual practices, knowledge and prevention of STIs among secondary school students in Mbarara District.
We collected data from 243 randomly selected students before the health talk. A vast majority (80.2%) were female, 65% of the respondents were in the age group of 14-17 years and 72.4% were in O’ Level. More than half (58.8%) of the respondents were sexually active and the mean age at first sexual intercourse was 16 years. trip Close to two thirds (65.7%) of the respondents reported to have indulged in unprotected sex during the last sexual encounter. Most of the respondents had inadequate knowledge regarding types, prevention and control of STIs. Further analysis of the data shall be done and the findings will be disseminated at a later date.
I am pleased to inform you that we were able to provide career guidance to over 1000 students in Mbarara Secondary School (mixed day and boarding Government school) and St. Bridget Girls School (private). We informed students about IHSU and the various courses offered.
IHSU team focused on life skills for behavioral change and adoption of healthy life style, risk factors for non communicable diseases, prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases.
4TH ANNUAL MEDICAL CAMP, BUBANGIZI HEALTH CENTRE 3
By Alimah Komuhangi
On 21st October 2017, International Health Sciences University (IHSU) was privileged to participate in the 4th annual Medical Camp at Bubangizi Health Center III in Kashenshero Sub County, Mitooma District. EL BUENO Technologies Ltd in partnership with IHSU, Glenmark pharmaceutical Ltd, Pace, Aids Information Centre –Uganda, Hospice Africa-Uganda, KIU, Mariestopes –Uganda and Acro-Engneering works Ltd contributed to the success of the Medical Camp that reached 219 patients.
IHSU offered medical care and treatment to a total of 126 patients of which majority (77%) were female, 50.8% were above the reproductive age group (45 years and above) and the highest level of education attained by most patients (48.4%) was primary level. The IHSU team was able to manage treatment for the vast majority (93.4%) of the patients at the camp; 6.6% had complications and were referred to the general hospital for further management.
The vast majority (81%) of the patients had ever utilized preventive services (regular dental checkups, HIV and Cancer screening). The main reason for those that didn’t utilize preventive services (19%) was that they felt that they did not need such services. The highest proportion (77.8%) of patients assessed had no history of chronic illness and slightly more than half (52.4%) were from families with no history of chronic illness. In terms of access to the health center, 80.2% resided less than 5km from the health center, 81% knew that preventive services were available with 76.6% reporting access to medical care at no cost. Out of the 23% that pay for health care, more than half (54.7%) reported that the cost was affordable. Most of the patients recommended the continuity of such outreach activities as those offered by the IHSU team.
In conclusion, this outreach saw a considerable proportion of patients above the 45 years. This could point to a need for health services within this group and indeed the urgency to tailor both health service provision and health education to older people who have perhaps been sidelined in the past. The availability of free and affordable medical care in Mitooma District and the high uptake of preventive services offer a platform to encourage sustainable use of public health services and improvement of health seeking behavior even among those that may currently be opting for private services.
IHSU received a certificate of appreciation for the support provided by our team during the medical camp. Special thanks go to Mr. Baine Anuerin the Coordinator and Mr. Derick Kwizera the Technical Director of EL BUENO Technologies Ltd, IHSU management, Dean John Bosco Alege, Alex Lwanga and students from IPHM, Allied health and School of nursing that participated in the medical camp.
REACHING OUT TO BUSABAGA HEALTH CENTER III
By Juliana Mandha
On Saturday, the 22rd of April 2017, International Health Sciences University, Institute of Public Health and Management was privileged to partner with Rotary Club of Kololo in the launch of the family health days at Busabaga health center III, Buikwe District. Our main niche was nutrition.
The team constituted of public health nutrition students (Veronica Gabula, Doreen Nagawa , Jane Draba), Nutritionists (Yiga Peter, Anato Martha, Juliana Mandha), and Public health Physician (Prof. Robert Basaza) and Davis.
The event was very successful. We screened 166 children 6 months to 9 years (80 males and 86 females) or their nutritional status. It was found out that 18.7% were malnourished and 7.8% were severely malnourished. All the mothers and care takers received individualized nutrition and health education and refereed to the health center for follow up
We thank the IHSU management and Rotary for the opportunity and support to reach out to communities as we make a difference in health care through education.
CIU CLAR KE
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
LEAD • INNOVATE • TRANSFORM
BECOMING
CLARKE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSTIY
More than a year ago, the University Council, after thoughtful consideration, decided to change the name of the university from International Health Sciences University (IHSU) to Clarke International University (CIU) to better reflect the scope of a diverse and innovative curriculum beyond health. We, therefore, embarked on this process which has culminated in effecting this change after all the appropriate approvals. The launch of CIU took place on Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 and was presided over by the Speaker of the House of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. A certificate for the change of name was secured from the Presidents’ office, signed February 26th, 2018.
WHY CIU
IHSU has a long-standing history of being a niche university offering only health-related training. IHSU’s early beginnings originated out of a Nursing School and over the years evolved to comprise other Schools including: the Institute of Public Health and Management (IPHM), Institute of Allied Health Sciences (IAHS), Family Medicine, ICT in Health and the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONM). Our curriculum has been innovative but limited in scope. The new brand of the university allows us to build on IHSU’s successful legacy but also diversify our program offerings. A name change will encourage continued program expansion and targeted student growth (which has seen a sharp decline in the last three years), and will more accurately reflect our values-based, interdisciplinary, researchengaged approach to educating students in areas of study including Health Sciences, Business, Applied
Technology, Education etc. The first of these schools is the recently launched School of Business and Applied Technology (SoBAT), which is currently admitting its first cohort of students for the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), PG Diploma Health Technology Innovation, and Certificate in Applied ICT & Leadership for the April intake.
WHY DOES THE NEW NAME INCLUDE CLARKE?
The new logo represents CIU’s distinctiveness and features five important elements:
CLARKE: The name Clarke is an occupational name meaning Scholar, derived from a Clarke in the Holy Orders (Clarke Coat of Arms, 2017). The name also honors Dr. Ian Thomas Clarke’s roots and dedicated citizenship and leadership in transforming critical sectors in Uganda. The vision of the Clarke family is to impact Uganda through sustainable development. Over the years they have provided thousands of jobs in their various enterprises, and recognise the need for a values-based practical education as a foundation for employment. The name ‘Clarke’ has been associated with community and sustainable development, not only in healthcare but also in business. It is, therefore, a fundamental expression of CIU’s identity/brand: a university committed to preparing responsible citizens and outstanding value-oriented scholars for leadership and transformation. The name will encompass current and future program and centers of excellence in disciplines dedicated to improving the quality of life for Ugandans.
THE SHIELD: The shield denotes CIU’s tripartite pillars of Teaching, Research, and Service. It is the motif of the university seal and signifies protection of knowledge generated, stored and disseminated.
THE BEACON/FLAME SYMBOL: torch/light has always been a symbol of learning and leadership. It signifies that education is a process of stimulating the mind. It sparks ingenuity, creativity, passion, leadership, and determination. Here, our students can explore, discover, grow and accomplish their goals. The symbol unites the academic identity of CIU with its mission.
THE CIU MOTTO: Lead. Innovate. Transform: reflects our vision: A values-based university that inspires leadership, critical thinking, innovation, and outstanding academic training that transforms communities.
Est 2008: We were founded and licensed in 2008. We continue to celebrate an established and growing legacy of excellence in education, research, and service.
Of special note: CIU HASHTAG: #MakeAdifference: Our hashtag symbolizes continuity and the primary outcome of our efforts. We hope that every student, faculty, alumni through their Leadership, Innovative action, and Transformational practices can make a difference.
IHSU to CIU REBRAND WAS LAUNCHED THE THE SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT ON THE 6TH MAR 2018
