The Honors College is a constituent program of Uganda Christian University and its leadership development initiative. Conceived in May 2002, the initiative is a response to the urgent need for Christian leadership in the country, its purpose is to prepare a cadre of leaders with a high sense of integrity.
The Honours college takes seriously its duty and responsibility of providing the context in which students’ potential will be enhanced. Having accepted to become a member of the College, students commit themselves to an institution whose aim is simply to nurture them. Programs that are designed, opportunities and resources available aim at doing exactly this.
The Honours College envisions being the Heartbeat of the Centre of excellence in the heart of Africa
The ultimate mission of Honours College is to bring out the best in those who have distinguished themselves in their Christian character, academics and leadership roles.
The aim of the Honours College in Uganda Christian university is to enhance the development of leaders with excellence in academic, spiritual, social economic and community leadership abilities
I joined Uganda Christian University in September 2019, I literally had no idea about Honours college, I got to know about the college during our fresher’s orientation from the then-guild prime minister and guild representative for Social Work and social administration who briefly told us about the college and pointed to the office; to me, in his explanation, it seemed like it was another school for the intelligent kids who join the university on government sponsorship and in that case I did not give it much attention because I did not think of myself as that intelligent (lack of confidence).
On my very first day of school, I was looking for the timetable office and ended up in Honours College offices; I know this sounds funny but it was real. So, I entered the office and found a welcoming gentleman that is Mr Bernard Bwambale Molho on the other hand, the scholars were very unwelcoming and everyone minded their own business. At first, I thought it was arrogance then I remembered that those were the best students in school so why not? Anyways, there was Bernard who told me that was Honours College and I should work hard and be able to be admitted, I did not overly think about it because I knew I would not qualify anyway!
The second day I met Bwambale on the compound from community worship, guess what? He had completely forgotten about me so I had to re-introduce myself this was not funny anymore I felt like it was true I cannot handle Honours college.
One of the evenings after my lectures I decided to pass by the college office that was a Thursday, everyone was preparing for the workshop, I got an invitation to the workshop that evening because I was formerly smart in my office wear and closed shoes, I was qualifying but I did not have any CGPA that was before the end of my first semester. From this workshop experience, I noticed I was part of the Honours college.
It did not take too long we sat exams and my grades were impressive, on receipt of my results I went straight to the office picked the application forms and applied, I was shortlisted for interviews, did them well and was admitted to the prestigious Honours college of Uganda Christian University.
My college experience was an initial step to finding the better version of myself, having to embark on a challenging journey of juggling my main project of getting a degree in social work and social administration, leadership responsibilities both and being a class representative and serving in the 23rd guild government as the vice chairperson guild electoral commission.
My inspiration to join Honours college was the scholars I found during my first year, they moved with much confidence because they belonged in a place that shaped them academically, spiritually and in other aspects, I used to admire the activities that happen at Honours college namely; Thursday workshops which I happened to attend twice even before I joined college, Wednesday morning glory; this really brings us closer to God I have had several testimonies that came along with the Wednesday morning glory; one of them was when tuition account was indicating too much money that I had cleared when I had actually cleared but when I prayed through the morning glory session everything got sorted on that very day this I cannot take for granted, sports days and very many other events, so I joined literally so that I could as well have that sense of belonging,
My first experience was on a bad note to the extent that I even applied to withdraw from college, this was due to the anxiety majorly wondering if I would be able to maintain good grades and at the same time cope with college activities such as writing the advanced papers, presentations alongside leadership and other several activities. With this I had to seek guidance from the head of the department and I received the necessary help this helped me learn to cope and be able to manage all that I had to, I will not say it became easier, no it was not easy but it was simpler with a right mindset.
Secondly, was the USP experience which we had cross-cultural engagements with foreign students and it was great that I happened to make friends with some of them still being my close friends, we had a good time with them both educational where we shared about our cultures and how we basically thrive in our home countries and schools plus entertainment where we had a welcome party and other outdoor activities.
Also, the mentorship program at the college was one of the best experiences, having to meet and interact with a person who is more experienced and has vast knowledge, especially in the line of my profession plus leadership, appreciation goes to my mentor who made this whole mentorship program fruitful to me in all life aspects.
Academically, I was able to navigate through leadership, and college experiences and also work harder to obtain a good degree which I passed very well and was awarded a first-class Honours degree.
Unfortunately, in our years of study, we were interrupted by Covid-19 and we had most of our workshops and presentations online this was a setback because we missed out on a number of them such as a trip to Rwanda, external service projects, agape Wednesdays, sports days and many others.
In conclusion, I had one of the best experiences at Honours college, meeting focused friends who always pushed me to be the best version of myself every day and more experienced persons who guided me on most life aspects, it was a fruitful journey that will keep in my memories
Written by Owomugisha Ruth