Dr Ruhweza provides missing link in our university education

Dr DANIEL RUHWEZA is best known as a political pundit and law don. Beyond that, he is also an author and in his latest book titled: We Don’t Teach That At The University, he suggests answers to questions about what is taught and missed in our university education.

This much-needed book is a must-read for those desirous of making a difference in the lives of young people, be they parents or lecturers, mentors. It is particularly a great read for current, former and soon-to-be university students, writes David Lumu.

How does one survive in this world which has been classified as VUCA [volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous]?

What survival skills are needed in this world? Is the university education still relevant to the needs of the world? Why would a young graduate ask for career advice a few days after graduation?

Why do parents have to look for jobs for their graduate children even after spending a lot of money educating them? Why do employers find it difficult to employ this generation termed as Millennials? How can those involved in policymaking and university education respond relevantly to the challenges faced today?

Those and more questions are answered in this 170-page book that challenges the reader’s mind to reason without bias or emotion in order to realise one’s ability. 

In his foreword, Supreme court judge Mike Chibita tellingly notes that many people go to university thinking they will learn everything they ever need to know about life.

“How wrong…the university is only a springboard, a launching pad, for even more learning and research. At the university, only so little is learnt; so much is left to be learnt after.”

It is this so much left to be learnt after that Dr Ruhweza addresses in his soon-to-be launched book. I feel privileged to read about many thought-proving chapters aimed at how to make the best of one’s potential. He particularly advises every person to first do an inner self-assessment and soul-searching to understand one’s purpose in life. 

Ruhweza cites the Hedgehog concept’s three intersections of what one is passionate about, what they are best at and what drives them. He refers to Alex Jakana, a former classmate at Busoga College Mwiri, who followed his passion of communication and made it a career in spite of the many temptations to do something else.   

In the second chapter, Ruhweza addresses how one’s attitude can make or break their fortunes. For instance, he recalls his school days when his negative attitude to mathematics contributed to his low grades.

“My attitude was greatly affected until I watched the series Numbers…for the first time, my attitude towards mathematics changed because I was able to relate to what it can do for human good,” he says.

At every opportunity, Ruhweza brings out the spiritual emphasis to living a positive life, such as the biblical story of Joseph, whose attitude to life elevated him to become the prime minister of Egypt.

The most compelling chapter for me surrounds networking and Ruhweza rightly points out that the university hardly teaches students to work together unless it is for expediency.

“No one can singlehandedly claim they are able to rely on themselves,” he notes, pointing out that had it not been his father to connect him with mentors, the burden to succeed would have been tough.

Ruhweza’s take on love, sex and the family is as provocative as it is compelling.

“There is no doubt that love and sexuality have a strong attraction but so does the requirement for soberness of thought and emotion….A wrong choice could easily mean unnecessary expenses in childcare, stressful living, domestic violence or even death,” he warns.

He further challenges the establishments to do more beyond talking the talk and walk the walk.

“The ministry of Education and Sports needs to encourage innovativeness amongst teaching institutions,” he says. “Students should not only be examined based on what they know but also what they can innovatively do.”

In fact, Ruhweza sums up the book with a letter to students in which he offers tips on examination success. All in all, Ruhweza challenges the reader’s mind to reason without bias or emotion in order to realise one’s capability. 

About the author

Daniel Ronald Ruhweza is on a mission to bring transformation to the nation of Uganda by raising a generation of young people to achieve their fullest potential while honouring God, their families and the nation.

He is patron of the Makerere University Christian Law Students Union, as well as Makerere Moots Society. He has also started student-focused initiatives such as The Manhood Vs. Maleness Conversation, Be The Change You Want to See, as well as a Book Club for university students.

Ruhweza is the current president of the Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity and member of several management boards and a pundit on political, social and constitutional issues.

Ruhweza is a Rotarian, blogger, lecturer at Makerere University and attorney at law. He is married to Clare and they are raising four children, Keije, Kemanzi, Kaine and Karuhanga. 

What others say

Daniel challenges young men and women to identify their purpose, gives a blueprint on how to pursue that purpose, and advises on how to remain authentic and true to self, in order to achieve a holistic and meaningful life. It is a great book that I recommend to everyone who seeks to achieve an outstanding, boundary less, protean career.

Dr Olive Sabiiti, deputy vice chancellor-Academic Affairs and dean, faculty of Law, Cavendish University

I hope that readers of Ruhweza’s book will get the original copy and encourage the author to write more books. The author uses personal experiences and tested knowledge to provide great mentorship.

Assoc. Prof Christopher Mbazira, acting principal School of Law, Makerere University

Daniel inadvertently reveals a gap in the mentoring of university students that could be filled with formally appointed tutor-student mentoring partnerships, an area the school of law and the university could look into.

While Daniel draws extensively from his Christian background and his time in the school of law as a student as well as a lecturer, these lessons can be applied to any other faculty within the university.

Andrew Ddembe, blogger and entrepreneur

An intriguing title that makes you pick up the book and excellent presentation of content that by far surpass the reader’s expectation. A MUST-READ for all students who aspire to “find” themselves, be successful and make a difference in the world.