By Ayen Moris Okucu

I graduated with a Second Class Upper (CGPA 3.81) at Kampala International University (KIU) in 2013, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Applied Statistics. Today, I am a Monitoring and Evaluation expert, having worked with numerous local and international organizations. While my achievements today tell a story of success, the path to this point has been anything but straightforward.

As a child, I dreamed of becoming one of the greatest medical doctors in Uganda. This was a vision inspired by my desire to serve and heal. My primary school teacher encouraged me to focus on science subjects to achieve this goal.

Coming from a humble background and a polygamous family of 13 siblings, education was a luxury. Nevertheless, my hardworking and resilient parents took on whatever work they could find, including laboring on people’s farms. The little income they earned was carefully stretched to cover both the family’s basic needs and our school fees.

Despite their immense efforts, there were constant challenges in balancing these priorities. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring I stayed in school, even under such difficult circumstances, remains one of the greatest sources of inspiration in my life.

My educational journey began at Anamwany Primary School in Amolatar District. From there, I progressed to Alemere Comprehensive SS and St. John’s SS Wakitaka in Jinja City. I pursued a rigorous combination of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics (PCB/M), and General Paper at A-level. I fell short of the points needed for a government scholarship, and private sponsorship was far beyond reach.

In 2010, an unexpected opportunity emerged: a district scholarship to KIU. Encouraged by a friend who noticed my strength in mathematics, I applied for a degree in Statistics. At first, I was hesitant. Economics was a core subject for the course, and I had not studied it before. More importantly, I felt like my dream of becoming a doctor was slipping further and further away.

My first year at KIU was tough. I struggled with my studies, feeling out of place and disheartened. But one conversation changed everything. A lecturer, Martin Kawiso, with whom I shared my distress offered me invaluable counselling.

He reminded me that life often unfolds in ways we do not expect and that God might be guiding me toward a different, yet equally impactful, purpose. His words sparked a change in my mindset. With renewed determination, I threw myself into my studies.  I graduated in December 2013, with a Second Class Upper degree. The skills I gained during my time at KIU proved to be transformative.

Today, I am a Monitoring and Evaluation expert, having worked with numerous local and international organizations. My career has been a testament to the practical knowledge and foundation I received at KIU. I have since added to my academic achievements with a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation.

Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the unexpected turn in my life and the opportunities that followed. KIU lit the path for my success, equipping me with the tools to excel and make an impact. While I may not have become a doctor, I have found fulfillment in empowering communities and driving meaningful change through my work as a Monitoring and Evaluation expert.

To every student facing challenges, I say this: trust the process, embrace the journey, and never underestimate the power of resilience and a positive mindset.

Ayen Moris Okucu

Monitoring and Evaluation Expert