My parents got loans to keep me in school

Jemima Mudondo,the top-performing candidate in Kamuli District under the new curriculum, has defied the odds to achieve academic excellence. Scoring 6As and 3Bs at Central College Kamuli, her journey to success is one of resilience, sacrifice, and determination.

Coming from a humble background, Jemima, the fourth-born and first girl in her family, carried the weight of expectation. In a community where defilement, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies are prevalent, she knew she had to be a role model.

Her parents, both primary school teachers—her father at Buwuda Primary School and her mother at Naluwoli Primary School—went to great lengths to keep her in school. They got salary loans to finance her education.
“It haunted me, it pushed me,it motivated me and left me guilty and indebted to my parents,” she says.

The situation worsened when the family’s focus shifted to supporting her brother’s university education, nearly forcing her to drop out.

“Central College are my second parents. They realised I was dropping due to school fees constrains and offered me an academic loan in S2, which loan was waived when I hit exceptional performance,” she narrates her way to success.

Another challenge arose because adapting to the practical and research-intensive new curriculum was costly. By fostering strong friendships and taking the lead in research activities, she ensured her contributions were intellectual while her peers collectively supported other needs.

She credits the school’s director, Mr George Byantuyo, for his unwavering support.
“He is not just a school director but a grandfather who truly wishes the best for every student. Without his tolerance for fee defaulters, some of us would have dropped out long ago,” she said.

Impressed by her dedication, Byantuyo describes Jemima as a focused, intelligent, and confident student who excels in life skills, stress management, and counselling.
Jemima is set to return to Central College Kamuli to pursue Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).