What do you stand for? What is your purpose?

On Thursday, an old friend, Peter Kirimunda, paid me a visit at office. He talked passionately about agriculture. Being a former Director Internal Audit at Uganda National Roads Authority, I probed him further for insights how he managed to transition into farming and private consultancy in the same field. Here is Peter’s brief story:

I come from the remotest place in Uganda called Ibuje village, Maruzi County, LangoDistrict present-day Apac District. At the age of six, I was forced into primary school education. Forced, because not going to school was the norm for many children in our village. The saving grace came through Mom, illiterate as she was, valued education. And the primary one teacher was my Aunt.  

After Primary seven, I went to Moroto High School. When I finished senior four, Mom could not afford to pay for Advanced level school fees. I fell out of school. I got a job as a Clerical Officer in the District Commissioners Office for a period of two years. I was lucky that there was a family friend who could host me during the time I was working as a Clerical Officer, so I was able to save my small salary for school fees.

After two years, I went to Kibuli Secondary School for Advanced Level. I passed and proceed to the College of Commerce. After graduation, I got a partner who entrusted me with capital to do trading of groceries imported from Kenya to Kikuubo. After trading for one year, I got a job as an Audit Assistant in the then Uganda Electricity Board (UEB).

Thereafter, I was attached to Scottish Power for practical experience. While I was in the UK, I decided to study for a University Degree. I applied for Universities in the UK and got admission from Herriot Watt University and Glasgow University. However, I could not get a sponsor. I lost the opportunity. I returned to Uganda. Managed to find a job. I saved half of my salary and after four years, I went to the United Kingdom for my master’s at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. When I got there, I discovered that the money I had was not enough. I did not give up. I did odd jobs and managed to complete my studies.

Some people find the road already cleared for them. Others like Peter, clear the road for themselves.

You can overcome any situation if you are determined. Persist until you succeed. Here are lessons for you from Peters story:

I wish you the very best of 2020. Persist until you succeed.

To read more of such stories, visit www.mustaphamugisa.com.