In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, mature students have returned to complete their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams after facing various challenges that kept them out of the education system for years. Among them, Enid Abampire Niwabiine and Tumushabe Alex Bruce, hailing from Rukiga District, have defied the odds and embarked on a journey to achieve their educational dreams.
Enid Abampire Niwabiine, a 33-year-old resident of Mukishenyi Village, Ibumba Parish, Rwamucucu SubCounty, Rukiga District, and a mother of four, sat for her UCE exams on Monday. What makes her story truly inspiring is her 14-year hiatus from formal education. Abampire dropped out of school in 2008 during her Senior three due to financial constraints, following the death of her father. She eventually got married as her mother struggled to provide her with school fees.
However, Abampire's ambition to seize missed opportunities and her passion for learning compelled her to return to school. Her journey has not been without its challenges, as she juggles her academic pursuits with household responsibilities, including caring for her children and husband, while also working to secure school fees for both her and her children. Studying alongside younger peers has presented its own set of difficulties, but Abampire remains undeterred.
She is not alone in this remarkable journey. Tumushabe Alex Bruce, a 32-year-old lay leader of Ibugwe Church of Uganda in Ibumba Parish, has also taken the UCE exams at Kihanga Secondary School in Rukiga District. He resumed his Senior four studies this year, having previously failed to complete them in 2011. Tumushabe's passion for studying theology drove him to return to school and complete his secondary education.
Onesmus Rukundo, the head teacher of Kihanga Secondary School and UCE Chief supervisor in Rukiga District, shared that out of the 150 students enrolled at the school, a remarkable 149 students attended the first paper, including the two married students, two divorced individuals, and one single mother who have decided to embrace the opportunity to complete their UCE exams. Their commitment and determination are commendable.
However, there was a small setback as the distribution of exam papers across the district faced delays due to heavy rainfall.
In a broader context, the indomitable spirit of Enid Abampire Niwabiine and Tumushabe Alex Bruce reflects the unwavering commitment of individuals determined to complete their education despite various life challenges. Today, their stories remind us of the power of resilience and the pursuit of dreams, no matter the circumstances.
Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that the UCE exams are not just about numbers and statistics; they are about individuals who demonstrate courage and dedication to achieve their goals. In a larger context, today's examinations saw over 345,945 students sitting for the UCE, showcasing the nation's collective pursuit of educational growth and development.
As Enid and Tumushabe take their exams alongside their younger peers, they stand as living testaments to the idea that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams and aspirations. Their stories inspire all of us to overcome life's obstacles and continue learning, growing, and achieving, regardless of our circumstances. In their own unique ways, they contribute to the broader narrative of education and resilience in Uganda.
