The Seeds Of Destiny: Illuminating the potentials within our humble backgrounds

By Cadre Akansasira Junior Victor.

In life, it is easy to get discouraged by our humble backgrounds, but it is crucial to remember that our past does not define our future. 

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis. I wish to inspire those vulnerable youth from humble families who are striving to make it in life.

Take a moment to reflect on the most prominent people in Uganda. Many of them had weeping backgrounds, but through their determination and hard work, they have become something remarkable today. They serve as living proof that “your brain is your net worth” Think big, set your sights on the future, and never look back.

Let’s delve into the stories of a few exceptional individuals who refused to let their backgrounds hold them back. HE. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in his book “Sowing the Mustard Seed,” recounts his childhood upbringing that was shaped by his humble background and the values instilled in him by parents. When Museveni was growing up, he experienced a rural lifestyle in Ntungamo, Uganda Protectorate. He attended Kyamate Elementary School, Mbarara High School, and Ntare School for his education.

Captain Mike Mukula once dreamed of becoming a renowned professional pilot. Mr. Mukula was born in Soroti, Teso sub-region in the Eastern Region of Uganda on 27 August 1956. He attended local schools before he was admitted to the Kenya School of Flying at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. He completed his pilot’s training in the United States.

In 2005, he was awarded a Master of Business Administration by Nkumba University. In 2009, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the Latin University of Theology, based in Torrance, California, USA. If you read about his Untold story…you will realize people went through several hells to be what they are today.

While Gen. Salim Saleh (Caleb Akandwanaho) harboured a young military dream, in 1976, aged 16, he left Kako Secondary School in Masaka to join the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), a Tanzania-based rebel group formed and led by his brother Yoweri Museveni to fight against the regime of Idi Amin. Together with his friend Fred Rwigyema and his brother Museveni, he trained in Mozambique with Samora Machel’s FRELIMO rebels. It was there that he adopted Salim Saleh[1] as his nom de guerre.

The late Al Haji Nasser Ntegge Sebagala born and raised in a grass-tharched house and tilled land in Kisaasi, embarked on a young entrepreneurial journey, to politics that led him to become a Ugandan tycoon. 

These individuals did not dwell on their backgrounds; instead, they focused on their dreams and worked tirelessly to make them a reality. If you find yourself walking to school barefooted, remember that it doesn’t mean you will not soar high. Many of us have experienced being chased away from UPE and USE schools due to lack of school fees and scholastic materials, preventing us from reaching our potential.

Countless others have failed interviews because of the absence of godfathers or a mere brick on their application letters. We have often been promised opportunities only to be replaced by another rich man’s son because our families are considered insignificant. But does this mean we are failures? Absolutely not!

Your family background should never determine your destination. Remember, success knows no boundaries. I have witnessed friends who, despite their humble beginnings, had their school fees paid by their single mothers. These incredible women sold yellow bananas, “kikomando,” and pancakes in school compounds during break time. They hawked “ekikadde” in communal markets every Friday and even sold local “bushera or malwa” on the streets. Their determination to provide a better future for their children is awe-inspiring.

To conclude,  as we navigate through life, let us not be defined by our past but by our dreams and aspirations. It is crucial to maintain a positive mindset, focus on our goals, and work diligently to achieve them. Let the stories of those who have risen above their humble beginnings inspire you to do the same.

As the famous inspirer once said, “The only limits in life are the ones you make.” So dream big, aim high, and let nothing hold you back from becoming the best version of yourself. “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”- Christian D. Larson

NOTE: This is our time. The 21st century generation requires us to be multifaceted, multi-purpose and talented. The future is for the organised. It doesn’t know who you are and where you came from.Just be Smart.