By Nicolas Kasula
Poverty is a harsh reality, and for some, it is more severe than for others.
John Wasige’s story is a proof of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of God. My most vivid memory of Wasige dates back to when he was a 9-year-old boy in the village of Buwesa, Butaleja district. As we prepared to leave the village, I saw a frail, sickly, and hopeless child dressed in tattered rags, with no shoes, underwear, or pants. His mother had passed away when he was 13, and his father, a former UPDF militant, abandoned the family after receiving his reward. Wasige was left in the care of his frail grandfather, who had also lost his wife. Despite his young age, Wasige became the breadwinner, doing manual labor like digging (“ebipakasi”) to earn money for school fees, uniforms, and basic necessities.
Wasige’s daily routine was grueling. He would wake up early to work, fetch water, and then rush to school, often arriving hours late. His grandfather, a tailor, stitched together a school uniform for him from leftover fabric, though it was mismatched in color. Shoes were a luxury, and Wasige walked 30 miles to school and back daily. His life took a turn when a kind neighbor, whom he refers to as Edisa, (he regards her as his godmother), took him in after his aunties mistreated him. She provided him with stability and care, becoming a guardian angel to him.
Journey through school
Wasige’s educational journey was oppressed with challenges. He was first taken to school in 2005 but was rejected for being too young. He finally enrolled in 2006 at Malangha Primary School. However, his schooling was marked by constant transfers due to family circumstances. He attended multiple schools, often changing schools yearly or even termly. His mother’s illness and subsequent death in 2008 further disrupted his education. He moved between relatives, caring for his ailing grandfather and struggling to keep up with his studies. By the time he reached Primary 7, he had no notes or books from previous classes, making exam preparation nearly impossible. Despite these obstacles, he persevered, relying on his faith in God to sustain him.
Life in Kampala
In 2014, Wasige’s life took a dramatic turn when he moved to Kampala after the death of an aunt. This move fulfilled his long-held dream of leaving the village. A distant relative, ‘Uncle James’, supported his high school education, enrolling him at John Paul Memorial School in Kira, Wakiso district. Wasige was awestruck by the tall buildings, traffic, and bustling city life. He later attended Flowerland Secondary School in Jinja, where he sat for his senior four final exams in 2017, achieving a second-grade pass.
However, his journey was far from smooth. When ‘Uncle James’ could no longer afford to support his Advanced Level education, Wasige faced another setback. But God intervened through someone else, ‘Uncle Mike’, who stepped in and sponsored his A-Level education at St Kizito High School in Namugongo.
“When I was told that uncle James was not going to continue paying for my education, I became hopeless, but I was still grateful for what he had done. I prayed and asked God to help me out because I didn’t know what to do,” Wasige says.
He excelled, scoring 11 points in his final exams. Just as he prepared to join university, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, delaying his plans. In 2020, he finally enrolled at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, graduating with second-class upper honors.
“I could not believe I was the one studying at university. I dreamt of it when I was younger, but I did not see how it was going to be possible. But God made a way through people,” he says.
Life now
Today, Wasige’s story is one of triumph over adversity. From a hopeless village boy to a university graduate, his journey is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. He now works for a financial institution in Jinja and actively serves in his church. While he remains single and childless, his greatest achievement is his transformation from “zero to somebody.” His story inspires hope and serves as a reminder that with God, everything is possible.
In conclusion, Wasige’s life is a powerful testimony of resilience, faith, and divine intervention. His journey from poverty to success underscores the importance of perseverance and the belief that no matter how difficult the circumstances, God’s grace can turn any situation around. His story is a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity, proving that with faith, hard work, and determination, the sky is the limit.
