My KIU STORY: I Left KIU a Better Person, Ready to Take on the World


my-kiu-story-i-left-kiu-a-better-person-ready-to-take-on-the-world

By Kirabo Noelina Quarta 

KIU, Main Campus — I have always been captivated by how systems operate, starting with basic principles like the operation of a radio, a telephone, and a computer. This fascination with technology motivated me to pursue a career in engineering. 

Despite the daily struggles of being a student, including occasionally doubting my abilities, I persevered through my Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and learned to appreciate the value of self-determination and teamwork as important aspects of getting work done. At first, my engineering journey seemed impossible, but with God on my side, the four years at Kampala International University (KIU) Main Campus turned out to be the best time for self-discovery and personal growth. By the end of the course, I was a better person and ready to face the world and its challenges. 

Immediately after graduation and with support from my amazing mother, I was offered a six-month graduate placement in the IT Section of the Ministry of Works and Transport. Thereafter, I worked as an Assistant Ward Supervisor under the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. These volunteering and learning positions enabled me to gain work experience including soft skills like leadership, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.

When a job opportunity presented itself at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), I confidently applied and was successfully recruited as a Technical Officer. With the new role, I was tasked to handle the operation and maintenance of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance systems used for the provision of Air Navigation Services. 

I still remember the joy that filled my heart when I walked into the workplace and was shown several sophisticated systems that I had dreamt about in my childhood. It took me some time to comprehend the fact that my role would include design, installation and maintenance of the sophisticated CNS/ATM systems. I could see my dream becoming a reality here. 

These systems guide aircrafts to smoothly navigate through the airspace and ensure reliable communication between Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the pilots. Part of my responsibility involves planning and management of aviation engineering projects that have a direct impact on airspace users. 

In a male-dominated industry, I am proud to be making a humble contribution but my prayer is to see many women taking on roles such as piloting, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, engineering including management and leadership. Through hard work, female aviators can design, operate and maintain aircraft. There are a few prominent women who are already in the aviation space, like Olive Birungi Lumonya, the Deputy Director General (DDG) of UCAA and Jenifer Bamuturaki, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uganda Airlines. 

Working at UCAA has shown me that it is not only about the knowledge obtained from the technical course received at university but also about attaining soft skills and working alongside a mentor to help guide you professionally. This will in turn enable you to achieve much more as your career progresses. 

There are some challenges at the workplace but with prayer, perseverance, resilience, having supportive family and friends, hard work and the use of automation techniques offered by AI systems to help navigate through work life; all setbacks can be turned into great testimonies.

Eng. Dr. Dorothy Okello, the Dean, of the School of Engineering at Makerere University and Eng. Irene Nattabi, president of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Uganda Chapter have inspired us to address challenges through the use of various engineering skills. We should also strive to do the same.

Besides attaining great skill sets from the engineering course offered at the university, KIU also fosters students to a prospective future by;

  • Obtaining job placements since it has cultivated strong Industry connections with companies in Uganda. I was offered an opportunity during my third year at MTN Uganda, Sales and Marketing Department as a Data Ambassador. 
  • Having a well-equipped laboratory that enhances the students’ practical skills alongside the use of industry-standard tools and technologies thus enabling students to participate in real-world projects.
  • Enhancing global career prospects. Following the recently obtained five-year European Union-funded Erasmus Mundus Mobility grant, students from the selected academic disciplines of which Computer Engineering is inclusive will benefit immensely through gaining international exposure.

KIU, being ranked as the leading private university in Uganda, and 2nd ranked University overall in Uganda states for itself that it is a prestigious and top-tier institution that should be considered when deciding on higher education. This university has produced hundreds of professionals in different academic disciplines and I am honoured to have studied at KIU. 

Every dream is valued and can most certainly turn into a reality, and just like how projects deliver value through achieving their objectives within the agreed timescale and budget, you too can achieve all that you set out to do.

¨The greatest fulfilled careers are often those that align with your passions, take risks and embrace challenges¨.

Kirabo Noelina Quarta,
Certified Project Management Professional,
Technical Officer, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.