KIU, Western Campus – The Guild President for KIU Western Campus, John Natumanya, has advised students to use the lockdown productively if they want to remain afloat in the academic sphere.

“I advise my fellow students and youths to use this holiday productively academically by reading their books, handouts and use the e-learning platform provided by the university,” Natumanya, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, said.

He says he tells this to the students who call him every day and also holds daily online discussions with the guild speaker Nasser Kinene and Dean of Students Maureen Asiimwe to consider how best to reply to student queries on various issues affecting them.

"Students sometimes call me seeking counsel on various issues ranging from academic to personal and I consult with the speaker and our patron before getting back to them,” said Natumanya, who is self-isolating at his parents’ home in Kyabitara village, Nyabubaare sub-county in Bushenyi district.

He says he does this in the afternoon after revising his handouts and online notes available on the KIU e-learning platform in the mornings. Since he majors in mathematics and physics, Natumanya says he has to do additional online exercises in addition to the assignments given by the lecturers.

Natumanya also says he has used the lockdown period to ease the burden of domestic chores on his parents.

“I always do domestic work like fetching water, cleaning around the house and weeding with my brother. Occasionally, when I have spare time on my hands, I help out with grazing the livestock,” he said.

Since he is a leader, he has to always keep in touch with students, lecturers, fellow guild union members and university administrators. He does this by discussing with them on WhatsApp and where necessary texting and calling them.

Being an aspiring leader in the public sphere, he keeps in touch with honourable members of parliament for advice and also to get firsthand information about the district’s COVID-19 plans, which he later shares with those who call him with various queries.

Photo credit: John Natumanya