30/06/2026
MEET OUR ALUMNI ⭐ In our series ‘Meet Our Alumni’ we introduce one of our alumni to you. They tell us all about their time as a student in Groningen, their current job, and how they found a job as an alumnus of the University of Groningen! Today, we asked Francis Ssebiryo a few questions about his time at the UG and about his current jobs in sustainability.
📚 What study(s) did you pursue at the University of Groningen?
I pursued a Master of Science in Population Studies (Faculty of Spatial Sciences) at the
University of Groningen, all thanks to the Eric Bleumink Fellowship in 2010/11.
💭 What do you remember most about your time studying in Groningen?
I most value the intellectually stimulating environment and the diversity of perspectives within
and around the classroom. Beyond academics, Groningen’s calm and student-friendly setting, the unpredictable weather, and the serene city pond gardens, the indiscriminate biking lifestyle, and the numerous fun-packed hangouts made the whole experience thrilling. I can’t forget my lively student house at Plutolaan 329 and the EBF welcome dinner, where I had the opportunity to brush shoulders with the Rector Magnificus, Frans Zwarts.
💻 Where are you working now and what is your position?
I am currently based in Kampala, Uganda, working as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and
Learning (MEL) Specialist (Consultant).
🔍 How did you approach finding a job? Did the University of Groningen also help you with this?
After graduating, I transitioned into roles focused on research, data analysis, and
programme evaluation within Uganda’s Public Health and development sector. Over time, I
have served in MEL strategic positions, leading independent consultancies, shaped by
practical field experience, integrating data use into program design and policy influence.
💡 What would be your advice for recent graduates?
Graduates should remain adaptable and intentional in building both technical and soft skills. Seek opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world contexts, even if they seem modest.