Art is a powerful tool that can facilitate healing. It provides a voice for victims of traumatic experiences according to Julius Mwijuka a lecturer at Mountains of the Moon University in Fort Portal district.
For the last four years, Mwijuka has been pursuing doctoral studies in art and design.
His focus has been on utilising visual art as a therapeutic tool for victims of physical, sexual and emotional violence. The visual arts include; drawing, painting and modelling.
He conducted his research in selected secondary schools within Bundibugyo district and on October 26, 2024, he is going to be awarded PhD in Art and Design from Nkumba University.
Inspired by his passion for art, Mwijuka has been using visual art therapy especially therapeutic drawing, painting and modelling to help several students to heal from physical and emotional violence.
Mwijuka uses art to help students get healing. (Credit: Ritah Mukasa)
He says, this enabled them to externalise their pain, anxiety and emotional instability, leading to restored hope, reduced stress and improved wellbeing.
Meanwhile, he says, the journey has not been easy due to self-sponsorship dynamics coupled with COVID-19 lockdown interruptions but his determination to excel despite life’s challenges saw him through.
“I am a go-getter and I persist until I achieve my goals,” he says adding that; “I spent a lot and acquired loans to pay tuition, and school fees for my children as well as maintaining my family.”
On his future prospects, Mwijuka says he plans to participate in advancing research, and academic leadership, gain interdisciplinary influence and make an impact on the global arena.
Early life
Mwijuka is the second of five children born to Canon Jorry Buremu and the late Loice Kogire of Rwakanyonyi Kyeizooba Igara in Bushenyi district. He lives with his wife Wellborn Josephine and four children.
According to Mwijuka, art has the power to heal people. (Credit: Ritah Mukasa)
Mwijuka started off his education journey at Bweranyangi Primary School then moved to Mbarara High School for his O levels and Nganwa High School for his A levels.
He later pursued a diploma (Art and Design) from Kyambogo University and a bachelor of education (Art and Design) from Makerere University. He also holds a Master of Art and Industrial Design from Kyambogo University.
To those aspiring to pursue PhDs, Mwijuka advises to attend a university with a conducive environment.
He says at Nkumba University, he had good mentors and friendly academic staff who walked with him along the journey.
The university should also have a well-established directorate of postgraduate studies and research with knowledgeable, accessible and hospitable staff.
