ESUGA Elderly Support Uganda has successfully hosted 11 university students at bachelor’s and master’s levels during its June to August 2026 internship programme, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to practical learning, professional mentorship, youth empowerment, and community service.
The interns were drawn from Makerere University, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Kyambogo University and were attached to ESUGA’s ICT and Social Work departments. The placements provided students with an opportunity to translate classroom knowledge into practical experience while contributing to ESUGA’s work with elderly persons and vulnerable communities.
Speaking about the programme, ESUGA Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Abubakar Shemaran Mayanja, highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities and non-governmental organizations in preparing emerging professionals for the workplace. He noted that internship placements enable students to develop practical skills while organizations benefit from their creativity, research, innovation, and fresh perspectives.
“At ESUGA, we believe that young people are an essential part of the future of community development, and hosting interns is an important investment in that future,” Mr. Mayanja noted.
The programme also received positive feedback from university supervisors. Dr. Mercy Amiyo of Makerere University emphasized the importance of connecting Information Systems education with professional practice and meaningful community impact. She noted that placements provide students with opportunities to apply technical and analytical skills while developing professional values such as integrity, confidentiality, accuracy, accountability, and social responsibility.
Similarly, Professor James Mugisha of Kyambogo University, who supervised a master’s student in Social Work at ESUGA, underscored the importance of field placement in helping students understand the lived experiences of elderly persons and vulnerable populations. He highlighted university-community partnerships as an important bridge between academic knowledge and practical, ethical, and evidence-informed professional practice.
Reflecting on the experience, intern Atukunda Patricia described the placement as more than an academic requirement. She noted that the interns were entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and supported to develop their confidence, professional skills, discipline, teamwork, communication, and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Through its internship programme, ESUGA continues to provide an enabling environment where emerging professionals can gain meaningful workplace experience while contributing their knowledge and skills to community service. The initiative also strengthens collaboration between academia and civil society in preparing socially responsible professionals capable of responding to real community needs.
