Journey to University: Faisal

Faisal Mbabaali is among the university graduates Action in Africa celebrated in 2025. Ever since he received a Secondary Scholarship in 2016, he has stood out as one of the top academic achievers nurtured and supported by AIA. He graduated from Mbarara University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering and works tirelessly to promote AIA’s image and spread its message in the Nakuwadde community.

Faisal’s academic journey began at Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School, but due to financial constraints, he transferred to Light Primary School in Nakuwadde on a performance bursary. He later attended Light Secondary School and then Central College School, where he completed his studies before enrolling in university.

Although both of his parents were alive, support from his father was limited due to his support of two families. To help make ends meet, Faisal and his mother hawked clothes, especially during holidays, to supplement his father's income.

His journey with Action in Africa began in 2015 in search of a meal. “I first attended AIA’s party in 2015 while targeting food not realizing other impactful programs.”

Later, another student told him about AIA’s scholarship program, which caught his attention since things at home were difficult. He immediately began participating in AIA programs and quickly stood out for his commitment.

“I nearly dropped out of school in S2 because my father had lost a job and our mother could not support us all with his small business of hawking clothes, which means AIA’s scholarship came at the right time,” said Faisal.

In addition to receiving a scholarship, Faisal won school fees for one term, a bike, and several certificates due to his activeness and passion. He also credits AIA programs, especially debate and creative writing, with improving his English proficiency. On top of that, he was saved from negative influences in the community since most of his time was spent at The Center engaging in programs.

He aspires to use his university training to benefit his community through writing and testing code, manipulating data, optimizing software, system integration, application development, and system management.

Currently, Faisal is volunteering at Tricsoft, an IT firm in Mengo-Kampala, where he is enhancing his practical skills as he prepares for his career.

“In a special way I credit Aunt Sarah for having staged in Nakuwadde. If she had given this opportunity to another area we would be dropouts or fathers. Action in Africa has been my mother and father from day one.” Faisal said.