Alumni Highlight From Boda boda rider to Nursing Graduate

I was born in Lumanyo, Maddu, Gomba district, in central Uganda. I was raised by my grandmother until I was 9 years old, when my parents took over my education. I attended Omega Education Center in Gomba for primary school.

High school was a challenge because of the rising cost of tuition. I shared the responsibility of paying for my education with my parents. I paid for my school requirements and uniforms, while my parents paid my tuition. I earned money during the holidays by making bricks and burning charcoal. I could only do this in the evenings, because I had to help my parents cultivate food in the mornings.

At the Advanced level, I was forced to start making my own bricks and charcoal to meet the high demand for income. I was able to do this because I was determined and motivated by my parents. After graduating from high school, I applied to CIU. I chose CIU because it had a broad admission window, which allowed me to first collect money during my vacation. I was able to sell my bricks and then apply to CIU.

For the first one and a half years at CIU, I earned money from charcoal burning and brick making to pay for my accommodation, facilitation, and tuition. Then, COVID-19 hit and we were put under lockdown. We were not allowed to use public transportation, so I decided to buy a motorcycle for personal transportation. I realized that it was a more efficient way to make money than brick making, so I switched to motorcycle riding to earn a living and pay for my education.

Balancing education with work was a challenge, especially because I was also under pressure from home to provide for my family. However, I thank God that I was able to overcome these challenges and successfully complete my studies. I have been riding a bodaboda since 2020, and I am so happy that I have completed my course.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the CIU community, staff, my research supervisor Mrs. Alioru Margaret, the finance department, my faculty administrator Mrs. Basemera Doreen, the Dean, Mrs. Jackie, my lecturers, fellow classmates, and security officers for keeping my motorcycle. I am grateful for your support and kindness, which helped me to complete my studies.

I am excited to start the next chapter of my life and use my education to make a positive impact on the world.

By Kayiira Peregirino Class of 2023 Bachelors of Nursing Student CIU