UCU to reopen in two weeks, rolls out take home examinations

Mukono based Uganda Christian University (UCU) has announced that it will reopen online for new and continuing students on September 15, 2020.

In a press conference held on Tuesday afternoon, UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi highlighted that the students will also sit for take-home examinations online on the same day.

The students who have been cleared to resume studies according to the executive director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) Prof. Mary Okwakol are those that are undertaking health-related courses and training.

In her later dated September 1, 2020, Prof Okwakol said that following consultations and the need to address the issue of medical items and services they provide, government decided to reopen institutions for final year students of health related courses so that there is no gap in the health sector.

The UCU vice chancellor told journalists that the NCHE cleared their School of Medicine and urged all medical students to prepare adequately for online examinations.

"We call upon all our medical students and dentists to please prepare themselves," Prof. Mushengyezi told journalists.

The deputy vice chancellor in charge of Academics Dr John Kitayimbwa said that UCU had partnered with MTN and returning students will only have to buy an MTN SIM card and connect to UCU academic servers to access the learning and exam materials.

He said that at least 92% of all UCU students have access to internet via smartphones and or laptops.

"Examination materials will be delivered to their homes but students should also take responsibility and get in touch with the university," Dr. Kitayimbwa said.

Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration David Mugawe noted that students will only pay functional fees and not full tuition fees.