Catholic nun defies odds to attain PhD

Rev Sr Stella-Maris Kamanzi. Photo | Micheal Agaba
What you need to know:
- The reverend sister shares her journey from a classroom teacher to a high school administrator and now a PhD
Rev Sr Dr Stella-Maris Kamanzi’s religious and academicjourney is one of unwavering determination, faith, and passion for empowering others through education.
The Catholic nun is set to attain a PhD in Educational Management at Makerere University’s 75th graduation starting Monday, January 13, 2025.
Born into a humble family in Nyakinama, Kisoro District, Sister Kamanzi's path to academic excellence was not without struggles, especially financial.
However, her parents, Costante Sendegeya (now deceased) and Cecilia Nyirabwiza, valued education and encouraged their children to pursue their dreams.
“I was born and raised in the humble village of Bupfumpfu in Nyakinama, Kisoro District, Uganda, in a hardworking family that valued education and relied on self-help projects to fund our education and meet family needs,” she shares.
“My parents were my biggest inspiration. They instilled in me the values of innovativeness, hard work, determination, patience and service to others,” she adds.
Sister Kamanzi’s passion for learning and desire to make a difference in her community drove her to excel.
She began her education at Soko Catholic Primary School in 1978 and completed secondary school at St Mary’s College-Rushoroza in 1982.
“Growing up, I learned that hard work and innovation were essential for both family and community development. This foundation laid the groundwork for my academic journey, providing me with a strong base in teaching, leadership, and administration,” she says.
“It also fueled my passion for fostering innovation and entrepreneurial skills in all aspects of my work, shaping my dedication to education and entrepreneurship from primary through to higher education,” she adds.
After completing her secondary education, Sister Kamanzi entered religious life in 1983, drawn to her dedication to education and community service.
“My motivation to become a nun is deeply rooted in my upbringing in a profoundly religious family, which instilled in me a strong desire to serve God and humanity with unwavering faith, love, and humility,” she says.
“This solid foundation sparked my calling, leading to a personal commitment to a life of prayer, selflessness, and spiritual growth, all guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the values of the Gospel,” she adds.
Sr Kamanzi began her professional career as a Grade III teacher in 1994 at St George’s Primary Teachers College. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to improve educational outcomes in her community saw her pursue further studies.
She earned a Diploma in Teacher Education from Kyambogo Institute of Teacher Education in 1999, a Bachelor’s in Education from Kyambogo University in 2004, a Master’s in Public Administration and Management from Makerere University in 2014, a Diploma in Administrative Science from Tampere University, Finland.
Despite all these achievements, Sr Kamanzi wanted more.
“I have a deep passion for adventure. This love for discovery fuels my curiosity and provides me with fresh perspectives, which I find invaluable for both my entrepreneurial ventures and personal growth. Every adventure offers new insights and opportunities, helping me approach challenges with a creative and open mind,” she says.
This saw her enroll for a Doctorate of Philosophy at Makerere University.
“Reading and research are my favourite escapes—they keep me constantly learning,” she says.
Her PhD focussed on entrepreneurship development.
“My inspiration came from a deep desire to see African universities evolve into dynamic hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship. Education should not only impart knowledge but also empower individuals to create solutions to societal challenges. This belief drove my research on applying the entrepreneurial university model to institutions like Makerere University,” she says.
The journey to her PhD was not without its challenges. Sister Kamanzi faced skepticism from some who doubted her ability to balance her religious vows with academic pursuits. Undeterred, she persevered, fueled by her conviction that education was key to empowering her community.
In her words, "My journey has shown me that with faith, determination, and hard work, anything is possible. I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem."
Alongside these, Sr Kamanzi has served in various leadership positions. She began as a teacher at St. Joseph’s Rubindi Girls Primary School (1994-1995), then served as a College Tutor at St. George’s Ibanda Core Primary Teachers’ College (1999-2002), and later became headmistress of St Cecilia Girls Vocational Secondary School in Bushenyi (2005-2012). She also lectured at the University of St Joseph’s (2019/2020).
She currently serves in the Institute of Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in Mbarara and is the National Program Coordinator for Catholic Care for Children in Uganda (CCCU) under the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) and is a member of the leadership team at the Institute of Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel. In addition, she is an active member of CODESRIA and the African Studies Association of Africa (ASAA) and is affiliated with the Collaboration of London Graduate School and Commonwealth University-UK.
“My motivation for active leadership and administration arises from my upbringing in a value-driven environment that emphasised responsibility, service, and integrity. My faith and educational background have further strengthened my commitment to servant leadership, fostering collaboration, accountability, and ethical decision-making in all my roles,” she says.
On balancing her religious and busy academic life, Sr Kamanzi says: “Faith plays a pivotal role in keeping me grounded and hopeful. I prioritize prayer, reflection, and meditation on God's goodness and mercy, which provide clarity and inner strength amidst a demanding schedule. Additionally, I surround myself with supportive individuals who inspire and uplift me, while practising gratitude as a constant reminder of the blessings in every step of my journey.”
She plans to use her PhD in Educational Management to promote entrepreneurship development in her community.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about business; it’s a mindset. By embedding it into education, we cultivate a generation that is not afraid to innovate, challenge norms, and lead transformation. This is the future I envision for Africa,” she says.
“I plan to expand my work in educational management and entrepreneurship by advocating for entrepreneurship policies and strategies that make universities engines of innovation. I’m also committed to mentoring young leaders to ensure they’re well-prepared to shape Africa’s future,” she adds.
Sister Kamanzi’s advises young people aspiring to become entrepreneurs to “dream big but stay grounded in action. Leverage the resources around you, embrace learning from failures, and build networks. Most importantly, find solutions to real-life problems – that’s where true entrepreneurial success lies.”
UTILITY
Rev Sr Dr Stella-Maris Kamanzi belongs to the Institute of Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Mbarara, Uganda. She hails from Bupfumpfu Village, Kisoro District. She holds Diploma in Teacher Education, a Bachelor’s in Education, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management, a Diploma in Administrative Science from Tampere University, Finland, and is set to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management.
Sr Kamanzi's PhD research study provides valuable insights into the applicability of the Entrepreneurial University Model at Makerere University. The data gathered from the University Council, management, academic and administrative staff, student leaders, and relevant documents underscore the university's commitment to entrepreneurial development. However, the study identifies critical challenges, including gaps in organizational capacity, understaffing, inadequate research infrastructure, and low staff participation in entrepreneurial activities. The study offers a thorough analysis of these constraints and provides actionable recommendations that can serve as a reference and guide for the university to enhance its entrepreneurial efforts and strengthen its model moving forward.