UCU Mbale’s best graduate narrates struggle to stardom

By Michael Ainomugisha

When Abdul Nasser Majid Matege was called to the front during the commissioning service at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mbale University College on November 28, 2025, he did not immediately understand why. He assumed, as many students do, that he was being recognized as one of the graduates who earned a First Class. 

However, as he took his seat at the front and noticed the special award placed in front of him on the table, the weight of the moment began to sink in.

Overcome with emotion, Abdul broke down in tears.

For two years, Abdul Nasser Majid Matege was out of school due to lack of tuition. He took a job as a salesperson in a telecommunications firm.

For a young man who had spent years balancing work, study, fatherhood and uncertainty, the recognition as the best male student, graduating with a Grade Point Average of 4.62 out of 5.0 was more than an academic honor.

“I cried because I knew the struggles I went through just to get this degree; I had not been that happy in a long time,” said Abdul, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration at the university college by that November day.

Abdul was born and raised in Soroti district, eastern Uganda. He was always a top performer at school. Like many bright students excelling in science, he dreamed of a career as a medical doctor. He pursued Physics, Chemistry and Biology at A’level. However, after completing A’level at Jeressar High School in Soroti, reality set in. His father, Majid Mohammed, could not afford tuition for medical training. Abdul’s uncle, Stanley Ssendegeya, who had often contributed significant amounts of money for tuition, was not in a position to help..

For two years, Abdul was out of school. He took a job as a salesperson in a telecommunications firm. What began as a necessity slowly became a revelation. 

“At first, I felt bad because I didn’t become a doctor, but working in sales opened my eyes,” he said, adding: “I realized there is a bigger world than what we imagine while at school.” 

He realized that business administration was a natural fit for his abilities and goals.

In 2019, he used his savings to return to school to study for a Bachelor of Business Administration. By then, work had taken him to Mbale, and that’s how he enrolled at UCU Mbale University College. 

“A UCU graduate is well-regarded in the workplace. You can see from their grooming, the character, and the ability to work with people,” he said, noting that he was also drawn to the institution because of its reputation for discipline, excellence and holistic formation. 

However, he said the Covid-19 pandemic brought financial strain on him. During the pandemic, Abdul also became a father, adding responsibility to an already demanding life. Work transfers took him from Mbale to Kampala, then eventually to South Sudan, forcing him to move between campuses and to study remotely, while traveling long distances to sit examinations.

“I’ve been traveling from Juba (South Sudan) to Uganda, back and forth, balancing work and studies, until I completed,” he said.

There were also moments of doubt. At times, he questioned the value of continuing his degree amid financial pressure and uncertainty about the future. But guidance from mentors kept him grounded. His uncle, a former government employee, encouraged him to persevere and supported him financially during the earlier semesters. 

He is also grateful to lecturers at UCU, particularly Godfrey Nambafu, who Abdul said played a pivotal role. “He sat me down and helped me see the value of my degree. That changed everything.” 

When graduation finally came, the recognition carried deep meaning beyond personal success. Abdul is the first university graduate in his family and, as the eldest son, he felt a responsibility to chart a new path.

“Most people had challenges completing school,” he said. “I wanted to give the rest a reason to strive hard and not give up,” he said. 

Seeing his parents’ pride on graduation day remains one of his most cherished memories. His father, who had once struggled with the disappointment of Abdul not becoming a doctor, celebrated openly.

“He danced. I had never seen him that happy,” Abdul said.

Today, Abdul continues to apply his classroom knowledge at the workplace, having already completed additional certifications, including a Certificate in Administrative Law. He plans to pursue a master’s degree through UCU’s flexible postgraduate programs.

“I still want to study; education has changed my life,” he says. 

To students facing discouragement, Abdul offers advice: Know your goal and guard it jealously. 

 “Life will have ups and downs,” he said.. “Methods may change, but the goal must remain constant.”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To support UCU programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.