Reflections of an MKU Ugandan graduate
BY MUSIRA TOM
My names are Musira Tom. I am a Ugandan social and development Worker. I graduated with a Bachelors of development studies degree at the 15th MKU graduation held in December 2018.
The aspiration to proceed for further Education had been lingering in my mind for several years. I realized the need to undertake a course connected with my calling and nature of work environment. I also desired a learning condition that was convenient and which wouldn’t interrupt my daily work routine. My dream came true when I learnt about the existence and operations of Mount Kenya University in Uganda. It emerged when I watched a local TV programme sponsored by MKU way back in July 2015.I quickly jotted down the contacts and proceeded by contacting the MKU Kampala Centre, for inquiries and enrollment assistance.I soon visited the office and received detailed guidance on the aspects and technicalities involved in the virtual mode of learning, as well as the study programmes on offer.
I settled for a Bachelor’s degree course in development studies which would offer me desired knowledge and insight in view of my routine work engagements. I had earlier pursued a Diploma in Education and needed knowledge in social sciences . I had also abandoned school teaching and joined development practice as a career. I hence needed professional guidance through training in order to be effective in the performance of my roles at place of work. Within days, I was issued with the admission letter.
Visiting the MKU site at the beginning was amazing. I marveled at some of the site features which proved unique because of the richness and beauty of the graphic design and content quality. I marveled at the fact that a person could access the same information in multiple languages through the support of the language translation link. I was also encouraged by MKU’s emphasis towards promoting and enhancing its regional status through the support of alliances and networks with leading education institutions such as Makerere University.
Tom delivers a speech at a Post -graduation dinner organized for International graduates and students during MKU’s 15th Graduation ceremony. In the background is Prof.Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha the CUE Chairman and Prof T. Serem the MKU Council chairman.
Meanwhile, my academic Journey was made convenient because of the varsity’s trimester system and flexible study programme. I liked the fact that the lecturers were supportive and keen on addressing students’ concerns through the student portal and other mechanisms on the e-learning platform. I do credit the MKU office in Kampala for being supportive with regard to the provision of administrative guidance to students who met challenges associated with academic work.
I noted that virtual learning offers the same education quality, values and outcomes that a school based system provides. The conditions are even much better in view of the fact that studying is self-paced although it warrants discipline and proper planning.
The academic progress and graduation at MKU was a turning point. It enriched my base of knowledge besides influencing the reaping of fortunes that came my way. Through it ,I developed a 5 year strategic plan for the organization that I currently work with. I also developed a policy framework paper for a consortium of 13 development organizations operating in the Busoga Sub-region of Uganda. I have also been recently named as a board member in charge of policy and programme development for an organization that has just received a youth support grant amounting to $26,000 from the Ugandan Government. I now feel transformed and more passionate to encourage working professionals to embrace virtual learning with MKU because of the global recognition attributed to the quality of Education that Mount Kenya University offers. Above all, I am proud to be a beneficiary and Alumni of MKU.
