UACE 2024: Church leader’s academic success inspires aspiration for law degree
Jonathan Muwumuza at his home in Njeru Municipality. PHOTO/ABUBAKER KIRUNDA.
What you need to know:
- Looking ahead, Muwumuza hopes to find a partner and continue his work in both education and ministry.
After an eight-year hiatus, Jonathan Muwumuza, a lay reader at St. Paul UEB Church of Uganda in Njeru Municipality, resumed his studies at Lords Meade Vocational College in Buikwe District.
The 25-year-old’s perseverance bore fruit when he sat for the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams last year. Muwumuza achieved 12 points, with grades including a C in History, an E in Entrepreneurship, a C in Divinity, a 3 in General Paper, and a 6 in ICT.
Now, Muwumuza is determined to pursue a Bachelor of Laws degree, aspiring to defend church property from land grabbers.
His success is part of a broader initiative by Lords Meade Vocational College, in partnership with the Church of Uganda’s Mukono Diocese, to provide educational bursaries for religious leaders.
"I’m deeply grateful to the school administration, Bishop, and my parish leaders for this opportunity," said Muwumuza.
"I also thank God for His wisdom and providence," he told Monitor on Sunday,
Despite his impressive academic results, Muwumuza faces financial challenges. "I lack the means to fund my studies," he explained, appealing to his diocese for a bursary to continue his education, possibly at Uganda Christian University (UCU).
"I want to serve my diocese, and further studies will help me contribute more effectively," Muwumuza said.
When asked if his academic pursuits might distract from his church duties, Muwumuza responded, "Ministry has evolved. We must be innovative and empowered to give back to the church and the community."
Muwumuza’s dedication to education began long before he became a lay reader. In 2015, he walked over 20 kilometers daily from Wamulongo Village to Bunya SS to sit for his O-level exams. Financial constraints forced him to drop out after S.4, prompting him to turn to ministry.
Now, as a lay reader at St. Paul UEB Church in Njeru, Muwumuza is not only dedicated to his spiritual role but also passionate about expanding his knowledge.
"Education is vital for personal growth and service to the community," he emphasized.
Jane Nakijje, Deputy Head Teacher at Lords Meade Vocational College, praised Muwumuza’s commitment.
"Despite his busy schedule, he demonstrated exceptional dedication, which contributed to his success," she said.
Looking ahead, Muwumuza hopes to find a partner and continue his work in both education and ministry.
About UACE 2024
At least 92,273 candidates who sat for the 2024 UACE examinations qualify for university admission, compared to 80,816 in 2023, while 48,570 students will miss out on university admission after failing to obtain the required two principal passes, according to the results released on Friday by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
More stories on UACE 2024 results:
UACE 2024 results:Uneb urges government to strengthen STEM education
UACE 2024 results:Performance drops as candidate numbers surge
