I was raised from a humble family, where we struggled financially. I loved studying, but finding school fees was difficult because my parents could not afford.
I occasionally had to change schools due to financial challenges. But by the grace of God, in 2005 I completed my primary seven at Rutookye Primary School in Mitooma district.
I joined Mahungye Secondary School, Mitooma, in senior one, with high hopes that my dreams of making it in life would be accomplished.
But, unfortunately, while I was in senior three, my parents could no longer afford my school fees.
I always wanted to attain education and lead a better life than my parents. But that wish somehow felt mysterious because I did not have any alternative source of fees.
Trying other options was like jumping from the frying pan to the fire.
My uncle gave me a camera to take photos and earn a living out of it, but I failed miserably at photography.
I also tried to make local ‘waragi’ for sale and again the business collapsed within a blink of an eye.
As if failing was not enough, everyone I called for help turned a deaf ear. For a moment, I thought I was cursed. I looked like I was just a ‘man of sorrow’.
Coming to Kampala
In 2008, my uncle brought me to Kawempe in Kampala, where he got me a job as a shoe shiner on the street.
But with this, I was also not able to cater for all my needs.
I opted for bicycle riding, transporting people from Kawempe to Bwaise and Mpererwe. It was a series of misery that I almost lost hope for a better future.
When my bicycle was knocked, I contemplated giving up, but decided to give myself one more chance.
So, I used my savings to set up a diary shop, but life did not change for any better.
I struggled to pay rent because of low sales. After a while, I decided to sell all my belongings to clear the seven-month rent arrears. How I desired to die!
Getting to know God
One day as I staggered in the road, hoping to get knocked by a car and die, I met a street preacher who changed my life.
As we spoke, he invited me to Church the following Sunday. My plan, however, was to just go to Church, get born-again, then proceed to commit suicide.
My mum had told me once that if one dies without accepting Jesus Christ, they go to hell. I did not want to go there. I wanted to go to Heaven.
That Sunday, during Church service (at Bible Gospel Church Kawempe), the preacher of the day ministered a sermon that was exactly my life experience.
I was so inspired and when the altar call was made, I rushed to the front and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour.
I started learning how to pray and relate with God.
Returning to school
Since I was still jobless, one of the Church elders offered to take me to his farm to work as a shamba boy in Buikwe district.
I was determined to be very hard working and I ensured I did my job well. In my free time, I moved around the neighbouring schools envangelising.
One day while I was taking a rest, I felt like God was telling me to go back to school. It was unbelievable for me because at 25, I did not know how to start.
I consulted the head teacher at Kingston Secondary School, Buikwe. After a long chat, he agreed to admit me.
I had to start from senior three. The first time I entered class, all students stood up to welcome me, thinking I was a new teacher. I was embarrassed because of the age difference between the rest of my classmates and myself.
Due to the nature of my work, I could not attend school whole day. I negotiated with the administration and we agreed that I report to school at 11:00am and leave at 4:00pm because I had to tend to the farm.
This affected my performance at senior four when I sat for the first time.
But, determined as I was, I had to re-sit the O’ level Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) exams to get good grades.
Joining A’ level was challenging too, because I desired to attend the best school in the district. It was a mixed day and boarding school which fees I could not afford.
When I finally joined Buikwe Secondary School and requested to join boarding section hoping God would send a ‘good Samaritan’.
I had only shs 5,000, which I used to buy two books and a pen. Whever asked for fees, I would lie to the teachers that my fees was coming. I thank God they never sent me away.
Sponsorship
Towards the end of term, the school hosted visitors from the UK, under an organisation called International Needs Uganda (IN-Ug).
This was a blessing for me. One of them met me in the compound and approached me, mistaking me for a teacher.
While we chatted, I shared my experience with him. He also shared my story with his colleagues who, fortunately, picked interest in me.
Lateron, they invited me for a group chat. After hearing my full story, one of them offered to sponsor my education. I completed A’ Level in 2017 knowing God had answered my prayers.
In 2018 I joined Kyambogo University to pursue a degree in Social Work and Social Administration, under the sponsorship of IN-Ug.
I have been able to complete successfully. As I await my graduation in September 2022, I believe God will also provide the job. I believe that when we trust God, He is faithful and answers.
Brian Akampurira
0779793611/0758125837
akampurirabrian14@gmail.com
