On Friday 12 May, 47 students representing nine different countries, from the Kampala International University visited the United Nations Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) for the first time, many of them hoping to work for the UN one day.

The  group of students, all pursuing their bachelor’s or master’s degrees in International Relations and Diplomacy were welcomed by Ms. Safia Boly, Chief of the RSCE , who gave an insight into the services offered by the centre and also the role of the UN from a more general perspective.

“The RSCE is not a peacekeeping mission, we are here to support 20 missions in Africa delivering human resources, finance, transport and training to field mission staff. So in that sense we have a much longer horizon. We are grateful to have been able to establish our operations here in Uganda, as it provides us with a secure work environment and access to a pool of qualified local staff,” said Ms. Boly. 

The professor accompanying the students, Adrian Laurentiu from Romania, explained that the course in international relations and diplomacy is only three years old. It was brought to life through a mixed demand from students and the university administration, which recognized the need for more qualified people in this field with many African countries facing challenges in international cooperation.  

“I came to Uganda to study because of the poor security situation in South Sudan. I want to become a diplomat and ambassador for my own country. I learnt a lot here today about what the UN means to us as individuals and to countries. I would like to work for the UN one day,” said student Harisha Jemilah, 24, from South Sudan.

The students had several opportunities to demonstrate that they were already quite knowledgeable about the UN system and asked several thought provoking questions, especially about the UN’s involvement in countries with conflict.

“The UN implements its mandate while ensuring that it respects the sovereign rights of countries. In places where we have not been ‘invited’ to intervene we try to engage in other ways, for example through advocacy.” Ms. Boly responded.

This was the first time that students from the Kampala International University visited RSCE in Entebbe and Mr. Laurentiu hopes that it can become an annual event. He said that many of his students dreamt of working for the UN or becoming diplomats when they finished their degrees. 

He said, “It is difficult for students to get work in this field. They are required to do an internship with an organization or company as part of their degree, however we are struggling to find placements for everyone. I am hoping that the UN and other international organization might be able to provide our students with more placement opportunities.”