Journey to University: Musa

From an early age, Musa Damulira faced uncertainty in his educational and personal life. His father died when he was six-years-old, and his mother passed shortly after. His academic journey became stagnant, sabotaging his studies for over three years—until Action in Africa decided to support him in 2016 with a scholarship, allowing him to resume schooling.

He attended Batvalley Primary School in Kampala and later joined Cornerstone High School at Kasangati Nangabo for Senior One in 2012, but he was constantly sent home for school fees, forcing him to eventually drop out. In 2013, he began working on Nasser Road, a street in Kampala well-known for printing services, where he struggled to earn just 2,500 Ugandan Shillings (less than one US dollar) per day—covering breakfast, lunch, and transport.

Musa revealed how he missed a job opportunity simply because he didn’t have a Senior Four Certificate.

“I was a fast learner, I had good customer care, computer skills, and always completed my tasks on time,” Musa said.

This realization opened his eyes and motivated him to return to school. He remembered his brother mentioning Action in Africa, an organization that supports vulnerable children in Nakuwadde.

“I attended a music concert at Prime Gardens, which was organized to showcase the talents developed by Action in Africa, and I picked up an interest,” Musa said.

Early the following morning, Musa visited The Center with a scholarship application, hoping to sit for Senior Four and return to work. At that time, all his hopes were pinned on that certificate.

“When I came, I found Aunt Sarah, who welcomed me with open arms.”

From that day, he began participating in programs like debate, dance, art, music, and other activities. Due to his passion and commitment, he was awarded a Secondary Scholarship in 2016 and resumed his studies at Central College Secondary School. This marked the realization of a major goal. Surprisingly, the boy who had been out of school for so long became one of the best performers from Senior Three through Senior Six.

He noted, “I endured daily traveling from Makindye Kampala to Nakuwadde for programs, but in the end I harvested what I sowed.”

He appreciates AIA’s unwavering support throughout his university journey, which culminated in his recent graduation with a Diploma in Biomedical Engineering from Ernest Cook University. He would have completed his studies back in 2023, but faced personal challenges which made continuing a challenge. However, AIA continued to mentor and guide him. Now a graduate, he stands as a role model to the younger generation in his family and community.

He is now ready to serve his community by repairing and maintaining hospital machines, providing technical support to medical equipment, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of medical tools.

He extended his deepest gratitude to Founder and Executive Director Sarah Nininger, who has been at the forefront of his transformation, the many programs which supported his growth, and the staff, especially Mama Harriet, who has been his adviser and comforter from day one.

“I shall be with Action in Africa forever.”