Muni University wins mathematics contest

PIC: Enock Sserumaga (middle seated) and other Muni University officials. (Credit: Edna Piyic)

By Edna Piyic

ARUA- Muni University wins the Uganda mathematics contest for all universities which was crowned with a gala at Makerere University.

The two students, Enock Sserumagga, student of Bachelors of Science with education, majoring in physics and mathematics came first  and Edison Tumwine, a student of Bachelors in information technology came second, whereas Kyambogo University came third.

Other universities that participated were Gulu University, Mbarara School of Science and Technology and the host Makerere University.

Uganda mathematical society and the department of mathematics, Makerere University annually organises the competitions for primary and university students.

The university on Monday recognised the two students despite the absence of Edison Tumwine at the university campus.

Enock Sserumagga, of Muni University, who got an accolade for the first position, says despite the fact that the university offers mathematics just as a subject and not a course, he has had a background of mathematics while in O and A'level.

Sserumagga went to Green valley Nursery and Primary School before joining Kingston High School in Kawempe and then enrolled in Muni University.

He says despite his friends mocking his choice of university, he wanted to convince them that Muni University is capable of producing success, particularly in mathematics.

"After my name appeared on the Muni University list of government sponsored students, my friends mocked me that I would not perform if I went to West Nile," he says.

He says he convinced 27 students to take part in the competition and they paid the registration fee of sh5,000, however they feared that they would fail, but he kept on encouraging them.

"Many feared to take part, but I convinced them, some even said to hell with mathematics and some almost gave up," he said.

Apart from Tumwine, the rest sent their filled questionnaires after the deadline, therefore, they were eliminated, but the two students were resilient and ensured that they scooped the award and were given trophies and are to receive certificates.

The Uganda Mathematical Society  West Nile co-ordinator and a teacher at Muni Girls School, Isaac Latibo, says it was hard work that led to the success of Muni University students.

He says students should learn to calculate resilience in every task that they are assigned because success will definitely be achieved.

The vice chancellor of Muni University, Professor Christine Dranzoa,  hailed the two students for participating and winning the competition.

She says by accepting and continuing in the competition itself brought pride to one of the youngest universities in the country.

Dranzoa says Muni University is continuing to produce holistic students who are able to compete favorably countrywide.

"Everybody should look at the attributes of the university, therefore, stop minimising Muni University because they can compete favorably." She said.   

She adds that Muni University has introduced new courses that will offer more opportunities for the public to enhance their skills.

The courses are Bachelors in management and entrepreneurship, CISCO and French for beginners.

She says the new courses will offer versatility and continuous enhancement of skills in West Nile and the country.