NANCY SAYUNI  GPA 4.73

I am the first born child in my family, so there was always pressure from not only my parents to set a good example, but also from my siblings, who looked up to me. The thought of disappointing these two parties made me read even harder.
In the first semester of my first year into the course, I was the best student in my class. And naturally, the whole class, friends and family got to know about it.
I was very happy, but I also knew that it had raised the bar even higher. I then made it a point that my GPA never went below 4.6. I studied with this at the back of my mind.
My classmates did not let me have a picnic either: Some of them used not to believe that I could fail to do or interpret a number. They always thought I knew all the answers.
If I told them I did not know the approach, they would think I was only feigning ignorance, which was never true. It pressured me to always stay ahead and at least know what to say when asked. Even when I did not know at the time, I would ask for time to research.
I am so grateful to my parents who always had school fees ready. Moreover, they always encouraged me and appreciated my performance whenever I did well in class. Most of all I thank God for seeing me through.
The one thing I will take from UCU is that many opportunities come our way but we must choose wisely.
The next thing from here is to get a job. I also want to go for further studies. I will study as long as the opportunity presents.

BARBARA SHALAH, GPA 4.77

I always quietly admired my colleagues who had both diplomas and degrees. They obviously were ahead of me academically and had better chances in the job market.
I wanted the same for myself. I dreamed of the day I would also join the university and get a degree on top of my diploma in nursing.
And when I finally did, I started in fear, uncertain whether I would make it in a purely arts course owing to my science background. The challenge was even greater as I had to work and study.
I am a nursing officer with The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) in Mbale. I had to be at work by 7.00am and would leave at 9.00pm, which left me with limited time to study and revise. It was hectic.
Therefore, what I did was wake earlier in the middle of the night to strike a balance, and there was no way I could abandon my job because I had to work in order to pay my tuition.
The good thing is I knew the financial implications right from the beginning so I saved painstakingly. Sometimes I did not manage to raise tuition on time so I sought the help of friends and family.
My classmates were supportive, especially when I missed classes due to my demanding job.
I borrowed their notes and asked them for explanations where I did not understand.
At times, I would be so tired from work that I wondered whether I would ever succeed but my colleagues at work would encourage me to go on.
It is by God’s grace and goodness that I celebrate being the top student. Some things were clearly beyond my control and he some how saw me through.

JENTY ROSE ATTO GPA,4.41

My success is a fulfillment of a longheld dream by my whole clan. Right from primary school, I did very well in class. I was the pride of the home. It was hoped that I would be the first girl to study to a degree level in the clan of Opalanyek.
One evening however, my father was killed by Karimojong cattle rustlers in a raid. His death left me devastated and disorganised academically. I was then in senior five.
After my senior six results were released I had only eight points. I could not join the university. It was a big blow on my academic journey. I then opted to join Uganda College of Commerce (UCC), Aduku, where I got a diploma in business studies. I graduated with exceptional results: That encouraged me to hope to one day get a degree.
Shortly afterwards I got married. My husband and I struggled financially. Even with my diploma, getting a job was not easy so I started a computer business .The business took off well.
I also got an opportunity to train for three months in the UK in computer design, which was a plus to my business. However, with more development in the area, many more computer centers began to open.
My business suffered from the competition. So I decided to take on a real job with an NGO. At my new work place I immediately started saving money.
At the age of 43, sixteen years after I had ever been inside a classroom, I walked into the community leadership class. It was intimidating studying with fresh students from high school.
I wondered if I stood a chance at performing well. I read with trembling. I wanted to erase the disappointment I had brought upon my clan.
First semester into my course, out of six, I had five courses above 80%. I then knew I would make it. I am forever grateful to God.
Today I can proudly say that I am the first girl from Opalanyek clan to ever get a first class degree.

 ROSELYN ILLEMUYAT,GPA 4.54

After my senior four, I dropped out of school for lack of fees. I later joined senior five but even then, I was sent away. I was devastated. My parents were peasants, so they could not help.
It hurt me to see fellow classmates with whom I discussed class work progress with their education. Every time I saw them, I wanted the same for my self. I knew it was close to impossible but I promised not to rest until I had attained a university degree.
Later, I managed to get money to finish high school. When results were released, I only had 16 points. It was not enough to get me government sponsorship, even under the quarter system.
I had to stay home but even then, I did not lose hope. I never believed for a second that my education life ended at senior six levels.
Then my fiancé suggested I start a chicken business in order to generate money for tuition.
We managed to come up with one hundred chicks. My business then took off. Three years later, I had managed to make enough money to start school. The business continued generating money as I studied. I was older than my classmates were which sometimes was uncomfortable, but I was glad to have joined the university. 
I managed to pay all fees for the first two years, but in my final year, the chicken business collapsed; my chicks died and the layers stopped laying eggs. I was not about to give up what until then, I was working so hard to achieve. I called friends to my aid and got some money from the guild.
I consider my journey a miracle. Every time I met my former classmates driving, I would wonder if it would ever happen for me. Now I will work hard and buy a car.
It is amazing how everything is falling into place. I am already working at UCU as a tutor, my traditional marriage and wedding will be in August. I am so happy. I intend to pursue a masters degree two years from now.
To those still in school, the Lord answers prayer.

SAMUEL WASIRWA, GPA 4.71
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Really, God’s guidance has seen me through.
At times, I was overwhelmed having to balance between work and study, but my discussion group always had my back.
We would help each other breakdown difficult numbers and seek explanation where there was no understanding.
With time, we became more than just group mates. We became friends.
In fact, most of my group mates got first class degrees. I am so proud of them.
The lecturers were also very helpful. They gave us everything we needed to excel in class.
My biggest challenge throughout education was self-sponsorship. And being a parent, I had to also provide tuition for my children.
God is great! I was humbled at being recognised in front of the big crowd at the graduation ceremony.
I still cannot believe that I have done so well at school. I intend to take a second degree.

ALEX ARINAITWE, GPA 4.55

A Reverend, who at one time was a lay reader, but studied hard and is now a lecturer, inspired me.
I had always admired the teaching profession but I did not have the qualifications. Therefore, when the opportunity to attain a degree presented itself, I knew my breakthrough had come.
I joined the university before I was ordained as a Priest so there was pressure from the diocese. There is always fear that young people of the calling might embarrass the church both academically and socially. To prove them wrong,  I purposed not to fall victim.Besides being the only educated child in the family, I did not want to disappoint my parents.
I come from a humble background. And that taught me that it is only by hard work that goals can be achieved. I set my eyes on academics and prayed to God to let me graduate with a first class degree.
I got financial challenges especially when it came to typing coursework. There reached a time I could not afford to pay someone to do it. I did not know how to use a computer but that soon changed. I was forced to learn how.

Staff Writer

Anybody that has interacted with Rev. Dr. Edison Muhindo Kalengyo will always notice one thing about him_the permanently beaming and smiling face behind his spectacles. On close interaction, the revelation of his depth of knowledge in the theological field will make one believe that this person never at any one time moved barefoot in villages that lie on the slopes of the mountains of the moon (Rwenzori).

Behind her smile, is a captivating story.
In the lake side town of Kisumu in Agakhan hospital, well known for the Luo speaking community in Western Kenya in the wee hours of March 16 1984, Lorraine Akinyi Otieno was born. Coming from a rich cultured community, she was named ‘Akinyi’, meaning morning.