Cheers to Sumaiyah Nakasujja: The Center’s First Female Law Graduate!

We are thrilled to celebrate Sumaiyah Nakasujja, Action in Africa’s first female Law graduate. A member of our community since 2016, Sumaiyah earned her Bachelor of Laws from Kampala International University through our University Scholarship Program.

Currently serving as a Legal Trainee with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sumaiyah plays a vital role in the legal department’s daily operations. She is instrumental in drafting and revising foundational legal instruments. Beyond her drafting work, she provides essential support to the legal team through administrative management and the preparation of strategic correspondence.

A Journey of Resilience

Sumaiyah’s academic path began at Treasure Junior School in Kiruddu, Kampala, followed by St. Theresa Secondary School and Light Secondary and Vocational School, before she eventually joined one of the top private universities in Uganda. Her journey with Action in Africa began at Light Secondary School, where she met AIA scholars whose stories inspired her to join our programs.

Her path was not without its hurdles. The loss of her father in 2013, when she was just 11 years old, left her family in a state of emotional hardship and financial uncertainty. Sumaiyah recalls the stinging words whispered at his burial—predictions of a future defined by struggle. "I truly felt I wouldn't even complete primary school," she shares. However, Action in Africa stepped in, providing the stability and support of a "father figure" when she needed it most.

There was a time when Sumaiyah feared she would have to drop out in Primary Six, but her mother’s unwavering determination kept her moving forward. Through her business as a market vendor, Sumaiyah’s mother kept her four children in school until AIA was able to step in and provide further support.

Finding "Land" at The Center

A neighbor, who was both an AIA scholar and a classmate at Light Secondary School, first shared compelling stories about the programs. “She had seen me sitting at home, unable to report to school for a full term. I was always asking for her books to copy work so that I could catch up with my peers,” Sumaiyah recalls. It was a frustrating and uncertain time.

Eventually, Sumaiyah was introduced to The Center. She soon became a resilient and deeply committed participant in AIA programs—particularly in drama, dance, and music. While Sumaiyah’s mother was initially skeptical about her joining dance groups, her heart changed when Sumaiyah was awarded a Secondary School Scholarship in 2016. “On my first day at The Center, I felt like a sailor who had finally found land after sailing aimlessly at sea for decades,” she says.

Sumaiyah credits the morning lessons held with professional teachers from prominent schools for her academic growth. “Prompt writing, composition, and imaginative exercises greatly improved my English essays. Spelling bees equipped me with new vocabulary, and debates bolstered my confidence, public speaking, and research skills,” she explains. “There was also self-discovery. I never imagined I’d be a good actress or an expert in salsa dancing—and now when I dance salsa, people are mesmerized!”

Looking Toward the Future

While Sumaiyah will never forget receiving the “Heart of Action in Africa” certificate, earning a University Scholarship was an even more life-changing milestone. “I thought I was dreaming, knowing how many students needed that opportunity. I asked myself, ‘Who am I [to receive this]?’ Those moments are still vivid,” she says. “AIA’s impact on my life is incomparable. They have been so instrumental in everything I’ve achieved.”

Sumaiyah believes AIA has given her the education of her dreams, shaping her into an empathetic, hopeful, and humanitarian leader. She is now carrying that spirit of joy and ambassadorship into other organizations, such as Rotary Uganda, where she aims to inspire those who feel hopeless.

Five years from now, she aspires to be a licensed legal practitioner with a Master’s degree in Human Rights or International Trade Law. “I see myself working with an NGO, the government, or an international organization that promotes access to justice, especially for vulnerable communities,” she says. Sumaiyah is passionate about using her legal skills to advocate for social change, particularly in environmental justice and youth empowerment.

A Message of Gratitude

Sumaiyah shares this message with the AIA community:

“I am immensely grateful for the support you have extended to me; it has made a significant impact on my academic and personal growth. Your investment in students like me speaks volumes about your commitment to transforming lives through education. I am inspired to follow in your footsteps and give back to my community. Thank you so much to our dear donors—your love for our community is unconditional. Your donations have not only impacted our lives but the lives of our families at large.

Dear Aunt Sarah, you will always be remembered in the history of Uganda. I can’t fully express how much your support means to me. I was a small girl without dreams; now I am a law graduate with big dreams and the resources to achieve them. Your love lifted a great burden off my shoulders. You have not only funded my education but inspired me to work harder and aim higher. One day, I will make a difference in someone else’s life, just as you have held mine. Thank you so much, Aunt Sarah. Your love is unconditional.”