By Michael Ainomugisha
Long before he set foot at Uganda Christian University to pursue a Master of Nursing Science, Isaac Nuwamanya understood what it meant to depend on the kindness of others.
Growing up in Rugongo village in Bugyera parish, Buyanja sub-county, Rukungiri District, in western Uganda, Nuwamanya was raised in a family of seven children. His parents were primary school teachers. The family led a modest life, with opportunities often depending on sacrifice.
Looking back, Nuwamanya speaks about his journey with humility rather than triumph.
“I have always had people, merciful people, coming to support me to continue my studies; it is through their kindness that I have been able to achieve my professional goals,” he says.
Today, as he looks forward to graduating in October with a Master of Nursing Science from Uganda Christian University (UCU), Nuwamanya sees his story as evidence of what can happen when people invest in the lives of others.
Nuwamanya’s path began in village schools far from the graduation stage he expects to stand on in October. After attending Ruhika Qualitative Primary School, he joined Makobore High School for secondary education. He later completed A’level at Muntuyera High School, Kitunga in Ntungamo district, western Uganda. From Muntuyera, Nuwamanya enrolled at Kisiizi School of Nursing, where he earned both a certificate and a diploma in nursing before joining Uganda Christian University in 2017 for a Bachelor of Nursing Science.
“I really love people, and that is one of the reasons I chose nursing, to extend this compassionate love of God to the people who need it,” he says.
As a committed Christian, Nuwamanya viewed healthcare as a calling. Caring for patients became one way of demonstrating God’s love and compassion.
That conviction also influenced his decision to study at Uganda Christian University.
“I became born again before joining UCU. I felt I would fit well in that environment. I wanted a place where I could exercise my Christianity and also become a good nurse,” Nuwamanya explains.
Yet the journey through higher education was not without challenges. Financial limitations remained a constant reality.
One memory still stands out.
“When I reported for my undergraduate studies, I only came with sh500,000 (about $137),” he recalls.
“The custodian of the hostel told me they had never seen someone report with such an amount.”
The statement captured the uncertainty he often faced as he pursued his education. Years later, another unexpected opportunity arrived.
His then head of department, Elizabeth Nagudi, informed him about a scholarship opportunity through Uganda Partners. He applied and was selected to pursue his master’s degree.
“I was lost for words when I learned I was going to be sponsored,” he says.
The scholarship removed a major financial burden and allowed him to focus on his studies.
“It has taught me that if I have something small and I can contribute to someone else, then I should do that,” he says.
As his studies progressed, Nuwamanya discovered a new passion within nursing.
While many nurses focus solely on clinical practice, he found himself drawn toward education because of its multiplier effect.
“As an individual, I can touch the lives of many nursing students. They will go out and touch the lives of many patients. So it becomes a multiplier effect,” he explains.
The master’s programme strengthened that vision by equipping him with the knowledge and practical skills needed to train future nurses.
“This course has prepared me as a nurse educator. It has given me the skills I need to create professional nurses who can serve our communities,” he says.
Among those who inspired him during the programme was Dr. Faith Sebuliba, a Senior Lecturer and the Head of the Department of Nursing and Midwifery within the Faculty of Public Health, Nursing, and Midwifery.
“You would see a teacher with passion. Every statement is calculated. I want to be like that,” Nuwamanya says.
When he reflects on the road from a village in southwestern Uganda to a master’s degree at UCU, he struggles to find adequate words.
“I am really overwhelmed by the love that I have received from people. I just pray that God blesses them on my behalf.”
For students facing obstacles that seem impossible to overcome, Nuwamanya offers advice based on his experience.
He recalls a saying shared by a cousin years ago.
“Where determination is, failure cannot dismantle the flag of success.”
It is a message that reflects his own journey. As Nuwamanya looks forward to stepping into the next chapter of his profession, he carries forward the same belief that has guided him throughout his life.
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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.
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