By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
In a quiet corner of Dar-es-Salaam, the story of a young Tanzanian boy is lighting up conversations across East Africa. Ayoub Hamad Lesso, a 15-year-old student from Ifakara Diocese in Tanzania, recently emerged as one of the shining stars in the prestigious Uganda Martyrs Essay Writing Competition, 3rd edition, taking home a $300 cash prize and a commemorative plaque for his remarkable entry. The awarding ceremony was held at Namugongo Catholic Shrine on June 3. Ayoub not only secured third place in the competition but also stood out as the only male participant, breaking both barriers and expectations.
“I was inspired by a short story I ready about the Ugandan Martyrs, they’re just normal Africans ready to accept christianity,” Ayoub stated.
Early Life and Education
Born in 2010, in a family of three children, Ayoub is the firstborn of Hamad Lesso and Deborah Kaaya. He spent his early years in Arusha, raised in a modern Muslim household. At the age of seven, Ayoub moved to Dar-es-Salaam, where his academic journey truly began. He completed his Primary Seven (P.7) in 2022 and joined Ifakara Morogoro, a missionary school in 2023, a decision that would unknowingly set him on the path to national recognition.
“I was taken to a missionary school for my secondary because my parents wanted me to pick the acceptable values of the missionaries,” Ayoub said.
The Spark That Ignited His Passion
It was in 2025, when Uganda Martyrs University sent out a call for entries to schools across the region. Ayoub’s school picked the top two essays from the student body. But inspiration struck when he saw a fellow student preparing their submission. Implored by this confidence, Ayoub began gathering information from friends, teachers, and hours of research in the school’s computer lab.
“I had no idea this would go this far. I just wrote from the heart,” Ayoub said during his interview with Parrots Media.
An Essay That Moved Judges
His essay, inspired by the bravery of the Uganda Martyrs and the transformation of “normal Africans” who embraced new paths with courage, resonated deeply with the judges. Without any prior awards or formal training in writing, Ayoub’s authentic voice and perspective made a lasting impact.
It was Sister Bindu Michael, Headmistress at Ayoub’s school who delivered the good news to him; his essay had placed third. “I couldn’t believe it at first,”Ayoub recalled. “By God’s grace, my essay was chosen.”
More Than Just a Win
Beyond the cash prize and recognition, Ayoub’s success represents something deeper, a powerful message about faith, education, and the power of diverse voices. Despite being a Muslim student writing about a Christian historical event, Ayoub saw the competition as a unique opportunity to share values, foster understanding, and contribute to the conversation on human dignity and resilience.
“It’s a very good reputation because it has made me popular in my school. It’s a good change and I intend to use this recognition to create more awareness, share information about the Uganda Martyrs,” Ayoub said. “Personally, I have never received any award.”
Inspiration, and Advice
Ayoub cites Richard Frank Satterthwaite popularly known as Richard Mabala, a writer and lecturer at the University of Dar-es-Salaam, as his biggest inspiration. While he hasn’t yet decided whether to pursue a writing or literature career, he does know where he’s headed: cargo ship navigation.
“My real goal is becoming a navigator, I love the idea of the sea, of traveling,” he said, adding that he continues to write and plans to publish more articles in the future.
To his peers, Ayoub offers grounded wisdom: “Take everything seriously. Never take anything easy. Do what you have been assigned to do with one heart regardless of who you are.”
Books, Lessons, and Legacy
Ayoub’s reading list includes “Hawa The Bus Driver” and “Mabala the Farmer”, both of which taught him about humility, hard work, frugality, and perseverance. He says these values, now shine brightly through his writing and ambition.
As he returns to his school community in Ifakara, Ayoub remains humble. “Uganda Martyrs University was fair,” he said. “I respect their decisions (judges), and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
A Story Worth Telling
Ayoub Hamad Lesso’s journey is a testament to the power of courage, cross-cultural understanding, and the written word. His achievement despite being a non-christian, added a new layer to a story centuries old, reminding us that the power of faith knows no borders. His story, is one of inspiration, hope, and boundless potential.
