By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
MBARARA
Kakama Innocent, born in 1991 to a humble family of ten children, has navigated a remarkable journey through education, overcoming numerous hurdles to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Statistics.
Kakama’s academic path started in 2004 after completing primary school. However, life took a detour, leading him to various jobs, including motor vehicle mechanic which did not go well, he later became a shamba boy when he got a cattle keeping job in Entebbe earning only 30,000 ugx per month and working as a houseboy until 2014.
In 2015, while working as a cook at Mbarara High School, Kakama nurtured a dream of furthering his education.
By 2017, he began participating in discussion groups with O’ Level candidates, leading him to request permission to sit for the Ankole Diocese promotional examinations. Ranking 364th out of 366 students in Senior 3 only fueled his determination. The school administration recognized his potential and allowed him to study without paying fees while continuing his work as a cook.
In 2018, after skipping Senior 1, 2, and 3, Kakama joined Senior 4, aiming for his Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). He scored Aggregate 47 in eight subjects, “Thanks to the opportunity provided by Mbarara High School” Kakama narrated.
Despite advice to pursue a course, Kakama’s dream of acquiring a university degree kept him focused. He returned to Mbarara High School in 2019, sought another chance to study A-Level after failing to secure tuition for vocational institutions. The school through the director of studies granted him a full bursary, allowing him to take on History, Entrepreneurship, Economics, and Sub Mathematics. His hard work and collaborative spirit yielded 8 points in S5 promotional examinations, and he successfully registered for the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), scoring 11 points with three principal passes in 2020.
Kakama’s success qualified him as a gallant Old Boy of Mbarara High School. However, financial barriers hindered his university aspirations until Rt. Rev. Associate Professor Fredrick Sheldon Mwesigwa shared his story in his circles of friends. The PALLE MOELLER FOUNDATION and other well-wishers from the Old Boys of Mbarara High School rallied to offer full educational sponsorship.
On October 25, 2024, Kakama graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Statistics, achieving a CGPA of 3.97 (Second Class Upper). His gratitude to Almighty God and his sponsors is immense as he continues to aspire towards a Master’s degree.
Kakama’s journey is a testament to perseverance, the power of community support, and unwavering faith. His story continues to inspire and uplift, a beacon of hope for many pursuing their educational dreams against all odds.
