VALLEY UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY

By Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante
In Bushenyi

It was all excitement among residents of Rwentuha and Kizinda town councils as Valley University patriotism students cleaned the two areas on 18th of February, 2023.

The exercise started from Rwentuha where all the streets were swept and picked clean.

According to the Mayor, Mr. Naboth Nabaasa, the town council has a garbage collection mechanism though it is at times overwhelmed. He noted that the University came in at the right time and called upon other institutions to learn from VUST.

From Rwentuha, the patriots headed to Kizinda Town Council where they also cleaned all the corners of the town council. Kizinda is the most popular happening place in Western Uganda.

According to Akansasira Annah the chairperson of VUST Patriotism club, the major aim of the exercise was to extend love to the community. “As patriots, we must love ourselves and the country at large by creating a safe and clean environment for all of us.” Annah noted.

Mr. Tumusiime Boaz who is the Dean of students thanked the two town councils’ leadership for accepting the University’s request of coming in to offer a helping hand.

He added that as an institution they are obliged to participate in various community engagement activities and this was one of the many they are carrying out.

The community engagement week ended with a visit to Uganda Prisons Nyamushekyera on 19th February 2023 where the University carried out a number of activities which included donating basic items to the inmates, leading prayers, offering counseling services and legal advice by the University lawyer, Csl. Stella Ayebazibwe.

The District Prisons Commander, Henry Kidega commended the University for the good work they are doing around. He thanked them for the donation and noted that VUST is one of the most organized and friendly institutions of higher learning in Uganda.

Though young, it should be noted that Valley University of Science and Technology has a unique way of doing things the reason why some stakeholders think its attracting very many students from all over the country and abroad.

Mr. Agaba Andrew who was the organizer of the community engagement week noted that sharing is not all about how much one has, but how willing.

He concluded that agriculture being the niche of the University, they have embarked on a program of offering free training to farmers in tea, coffee and banana plantation management.