A JOURNEY WELL TRODDEN
Being a teacher, Uncle Henry (as we fondly
call him) knew so well that to introduce a hard topic to any student you begin
from the simple to the complex. He did this so well like any teacher
experienced in his trade. As the clock ticked by, my fiancé and I began to
exchange anxious glances. When would the subject matter of our visit be
discussed? As though reading our glances, Uncle Henry broke the sudden silence.
‘So young man, tell me about your academic
journey.’ Uncle Henry mentioned to Dickson looking straight in his eyes.
Having been a student under his care for
the six years of my high school education during his tenure as headmaster at
Kigezi High School, I knew so well his passion for academics. Before Dickson
could respond, I already felt empathetic for him. I loved this man beyond any
measure. Would he be accepted by my family? Countless questions paced in my
mind. Uncle Henry knew so well my academic prowess. I had been an A student all
my life. Would he use my excellent record as a yardstick? I said a silent
prayer that the love of my life would find favor before the man I held dear to
my heart. This was a time to reward him for playing the fatherly role to me. I
did not want break his heart.
‘I went to Nyamiko Primary School.
Thereafter I joined Nyakitoko Secondary School. From Nyakitoko…..’Dickson began
to narrate his academic journey.
‘Wait a minute, where is Nyakitoko S.S
found?’ Uncle Henry interjected.
How could Uncle Henry ask such a question?
He was a Commissioner in Ministry of Education for crying out loud. It then
dawned on me that Dickson’s school was not as famous as mine! No one ever asks
me where Kigezi High School is found! My OBs and OGs are a force to reckon
with. Think about Rt. Hon. Ndugu Rugunda (the Prime Minister of the Republic of
Ugand, the FDC icon Kiiza Besigye, the Go-Forward leader Amama Mbabazi, of
course myself; all of us plus so many more are products of the great Kigezi
High School.
‘Nyakitoko S.S is found in
Nyakitoko-Buhweju district.’ Dickson responded.
‘Ohh ……okay ….yes …..Buhweju district.’
Uncle Henry nodded knowingly.
It was evident that this young man should
have an intriguing story about his education.
‘From Nyakitoko I joined Valley College
Bushenyi, from where I joined Makerere University.’ Dickson continued his
story.
Uncle Henry’s face lit up! I could read his
mind. ‘How did a boy from Nyakitoko join University?’ he seemed to be
wondering.
‘What was your performance like at the
different levels? It’s painful to know how upcountry schools struggle with
performance, let alone schools in hard to reach areas.’ Uncle Henry said, the
empathy in his voice evident.
This was a golden opportunity for yours
truly to blow his trumpet.
‘I got a first grade at O’ Level. Actually
mine was the second grade my school was getting in 15 years. The first grade in
that school was scored by my eldest brother, Clever in 1984. I joined Valley
College and scored 20 points and was admitted to Makerere University on
government sponsorship.’ Dickson narrated, you could not miss the tinge of
pride in his voice.
I did not need anyone to predict for me the
verdict of this visit. Uncle Henry’s face glowed with satisfaction. I knew I
had not let him down. I did not care to listen to the rest of the conversation.
All I knew was that I had my parents’ blessing for marriage. They all already
knew Dickson’s commitment to Christ. What else could any parent ask for?
Today the boy from Nyakitoko graduates with
a Master of Arts in Development Studies. The same day is his 34th birthday.
This is the ideal model
of accelerated progress. I am so proud of you Tumuramye Dickson. Yours has truly been a journey
well-trodden.
Congratulations and happy birthday from the
Tumuramye Crew.
©Prim K. Tumuramye
1st July 2016
Prim is a Christian,
wife, mother and Communications Specialist at Compassion International. She is passionate
about reading, writing, youth mentorship and intentional parenting.
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