KIU, Western Campus – Diana Lotud’s most favourite quote is, “Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn”.

And true to this, the second year Civil Engineering student looks at the lockdown not as the doom that has been spelt or dreaded by many, but rather as an opportunity to better herself, both in knowledge, skill and personality attributes.

“The lockdown has given me an opportunity to do things I have not had the chance and ample time to do before,” Lotud, who is self-isolating at her home in Mbale, says.

“I have engaged in vegetable growing, mainly sukuma wiki. I have also learnt cooking and baking and I prepare special dishes and pastries like mahambri, banana cake and meatballs,” Lotud adds.

She reveals that in addition to learning the above skills, she has also got time to bond more with family through prayer and bible study, helping her younger siblings with their holiday work packages and spending quality time with them.

“It has helped me improve my mental health and also encouraged me to do challenges which I previously saw as improbable, such as jogging. Though I do it only in the compound, it still keeps me fit,” Lotud reveals.

When she is not baking, gardening or jogging, Lotud says she is engrossed in her academic work.

“We are lucky we were provided with notes on our e-learning platform, so, the ball is in our court. Personally, I am continuing with revision, research and consultation,” she says.

In regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lotud prefers to look on the brighter side, and she draws inspiration from her religious beliefs.

First, she says, we should surrender everything to God in prayer so that he forgives the world and restores the land.

She quotes 2nd Chronicles 7:14 which says, “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

“This whole pandemic will soon end and we must resume our studies,” Lotud concludes.