Onesmas Tumwekwatse, a dedicated youth educator from Bushenyi district, Uganda, has faced numerous challenges on his journey to become an academic. With a deep passion for teaching and inspiring young minds, Onesmas has navigated financial hardships and personal struggles, all while pursuing his dream of earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics by the age of 37.
Born to peasant parents, Banjunaki and Kemitarizo, Onesmas grew up in a family that faced significant financial difficulties. These hardships shaped his educational path, but they also fueled his determination to succeed. He began his secondary education at Ruyonza School in Bushenyi, but due to financial constraints, he had to transfer schools multiple times. He moved to St. Mary’s Simbya in Bundibugyo district for his second year, then returned to Bushenyi to attend Vine High School for his third and fourth years. After completing these years, he returned to Ruyonza School for his fifth year before finishing his final year of secondary education at Martin Luther King College in Kampala.
Throughout his education, financial struggles were a constant challenge. Onesmas often had to go without pocket money and relied solely on the provisions provided by the schools for his meals. He vividly remembers walking long distances to and from school to save on transportation costs.
After completing his secondary education, Onesmas enrolled at Kampala International University (KIU) to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in Mathematics and Economics. His time at university was marked by extreme frugality; he survived on a diet of fried cassava and tea for months and relied on friends for accommodation. Despite these challenges, he completed his degree and continued his education by earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from Kabale University.
Onesmas didn’t stop there. He then pursued a Master of Science in Mathematics at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). Achieving this milestone was particularly challenging, as he was earning only 200,000 Ugandan shillings per month, with half of his tuition covered by a benefactor. Balancing work and studies was difficult—he often skipped lunch and relied on tea and mandazi (a local doughnut) for breakfast.
Despite these hurdles, Onesmas has now set his sights on earning a PhD in Mathematics from MUST. He continues to work in private institutions, earning 300,000 shillings a month, and is determined to achieve his goal of becoming a Doctor of Philosophy by the age of 37.
Reflecting on his journey, Onesmas expresses deep gratitude to those who have supported him along the way. He thanks his parents for their sacrifices, his wife for her unwavering support, his siblings for their encouragement, and his friends for being a constant source of motivation. He also acknowledges the schools and universities that have shaped his academic and professional pursuits, including Kiyaga Primary School, Ruyonza School, St. Mary’s Simbya, Vine High School, Martin Luther King College, Kabale University, KIU, and MUST.
Onesmas is also appreciative of the efforts by the Ugandan government to promote education and create opportunities for its citizens. As he looks ahead, he is eager to explore new opportunities that will allow him to make a lasting impact in his community and beyond. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to education, even in the face of adversity.
