Journey to University: Sumaiyah

Sumaiyah Nakasujja, our first female Law student at Action in Africa joined our organization in 2016, and as of 2025 is a fourth-year student at Kampala International University through AIA’s University Scholarship Program. She is presently working as an intern at Mulindwa Co. Advocates and Associates in Kansanga. Sumaiyah attended Treasure Junior School in Kiruddu, Kampala, followed by St. Theresa Secondary School and Light Secondary and Vocational School before joining university. Sumaiyah’s journey with Action in Africa began at Light Secondary School, where she met AIA scholars who inspired her to join the programs.

She lost her father in 2013 at the age of 11, leaving behind emotional hardship and a heavy burden for her mother to carry. “At his burial I heard people saying his children are going to starve. I felt like I won’t even reach Primary Seven but Action in Africa filled the gap and became a father in his absence,” she recalled.

She once imagined dropping out of school in Primary Six and becoming a street kid until her mother stepped in with unwavering determination to raise her four children. Through her market vending business, Sumaiyah’s mother kept the children in school until AIA stepped in.

Her neighbor, who was an AIA scholar and classmate at Light Secondary School, used to share compelling stories about the program. “She had seen me sitting home without reporting to school for a full term, and I always asked for her books to copy work so that I could catch up with my fellows,” she said. “I got frustrated.”

Eventually, Sumaiyah was introduced to The Center to seek support where she became active, resilient, and deeply committed to participating in AIA programs, especially in drama, dance, and music. Though her mother was initially reluctant to see her in dance groups, everything changed when Sumaiyah was awarded a Secondary School Scholarship in 2016. “My first day at The Center I felt like a sailor who had finally found land after sailing on the sea for decades aimlessly,” she said.

She praised the morning lessons held with professional teachers from prominent schools. “Prompt writing with composition writing and imaginations greatly improved my essay writing in English at school. In addition, spelling bees equipped me with new words to always add in my essays and vocabulary at school. Debates improved my confidence and research skills. There was self discovery in terms of talent. In my life I had never imagined to be a good actress, or an expert in salsa dancing, and now when I dance salsa people are mesmerized,” said Sumaiyah.

Sumaiyah will never forget the moment she was awarded the Certificate of “Heart of Action in Africa.” But earning the University Scholarship was an even more thrilling milestone. “I thought I was dreaming, knowing the high number of students who needed that opportunity; who am I? Those moments are still vivid,” she said. “AIA’s impact in my life can never be comparable to another person. They have been so instrumental in my life.”

She shared that AIA has given her the best education she never dreamed of, shaping her into an empathetic, hopeful, loving, ambitious, and humanitarian person. She proudly stated that her good conduct, joy, love, and ambassadorship from the AIA family are now being transmitted to other prominent organizations like Rotary Uganda, where she aims to inspire the 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 either working with an NGO, government, or an international organization that promotes access to justice, especially for vulnerable communities,” said Sumaiyah.

She is deeply passionate about using her legal skills to advocate for social change, particularly in environmental justice and youth empowerment. She is also focused on continuing her professional growth by gaining practical experience to contribute meaningfully to the legal system.

“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 in transforming lives through education. I am inspired to follow in your footsteps and give back to my community in the future. Thank you so much my dear donors, your love for our community is unconditional. Your donations have not only impacted our lives, but our family’s lives 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 a law student with big dreams without limited resources to achieve my dreams and access education. Your love lifted a great burden off my shoulders. You have not only funded my education, you have inspired me to work harder, aim higher, and one day make a difference in someone else’s life just as you have held mine. Thank you so much Aunt Sarah, your love is unconditional.”