Last week, Dr. John Bolingo Ntahira was appointed as a professor at Apostolic Impact Christian University, an institution affiliated with International Kingdom University, USA.
Apostolic Impact Christian University, accredited in the Republic of Sierra Leone, has a global presence, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with diploma programs in various fields of study.
According to Professor Denis Ngwabi, the Vice Chancellor of Apostolic Impact Christian University, Dr. Bolingo has demonstrated exceptional leadership in mindset change and holistic human transformation. His passion for philanthropy, service, and innovation makes him a valuable addition to the university.
“His impressive work, coupled with his dedication to fostering an inclusive environment, marks the beginning of what promises to be a significant contribution to our institution. Dr. Bolingo’s groundbreaking research in mindset change and holistic human transformation has earned him international acclaim, and he has made a profound impact as a visionary leader,” Prof. Ngwabi stated.
Dr. Bolingo is widely recognized for his resilience, service, and commitment to marginalized and underserved communities, particularly refugees and victims of violence. His humanitarian efforts were highlighted during the 10th graduation ceremony in Kampala, where Professor Ngwabi described him as “a visionary and humanitarian professional who has made significant contributions both locally and internationally.”
Currently serving as the Executive Director of Hope for Children and Women Victims of Violence, Dr. Bolingo is himself a survivor of the atrocities of the Democratic Republic of Congo war. After escaping to Uganda, he dedicated himself to empowering individuals with spiritual, social, and economic tools to create positive change within their communities.
As the author of Unlock the Mind, Dr. Bolingo focuses on shifting the mindset of young Africans from job seekers to job creators. His work promotes self-reliance and personal empowerment as key drivers of economic development and societal transformation.
In Unlock the Mind, he explores the power of knowledge, personal growth, and mindset change, encouraging readers to embrace mental renewal as a pathway to freedom and success. His ultimate goal is to inspire a generation capable of creating opportunities for themselves and others, contributing to Africa’s economic growth.
“Our newly appointed professor, Dr. Bolingo, will play a crucial role in guiding our institution to new heights of excellence. We are confident that his leadership will shape the next generation of scholars, researchers, and professionals who will make meaningful contributions to society,” Prof. Ngwabi added.
A Journey of Resilience and Impact
Reflecting on his past, Dr. Bolingo recounted how, as a refugee, he arrived in Kisoro town and reported to the nearest police station, where his story was recorded in the registry.
With nowhere else to go, police officers advised him to spend the nights in the cells with prisoners for his safety. He would stay with them at night and leave in the morning, as it was too dangerous to remain outside.
Despite these hardships, he later founded the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), which served as a transit center for refugees. However, financial difficulties forced its closure. Over the years, he has used his experiences to inspire mindset change and empower others.
Speaking at the launch of his book, Dr. Bolingo emphasized that Africans have the capacity to succeed if they adopt the right mindset.
“When you look at our generation, I believe that the future of Africa is in the hands of the youth. Yet, every day, many are processing travel documents to go abroad, only to end up in modern slavery. We can still make this continent a place where everyone wants to stay,” he said.
With his appointment as Professor at Apostolic Impact Christian University, Dr. Bolingo’s vision for mindset transformation, empowerment, and economic independence is set to reach even greater heights.
