Rhinah Akankunda sat down with Yunus Lubega, whose decade-long journey through Makerere University proves that sometimes the longest roads build the strongest foundations.

Q: So who is Yunus Lubega?

A: I was born and raised in Kawempe. My academic journey began at Pichill Primary School. I later attended Caltec Academy Makerere for my O-Level studies and continued to Kawempe Muslim Secondary School for A-Level. I come from a family of 12, and I am the fifth born. Growing up in such a large family shaped my sense of responsibility and gave me a good understanding of sacrifice and perseverance from early on. I am a Muslim, and my faith has been a central pillar in my life, especially throughout the challenges I faced during my academic journey. I am a graduate architect and by the Grace of God, a proud testament that perseverance truly pays off.

Q:When did you enrol at Makerere University and what course were you pursuing?

A: I enrolled in 2016 for a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. 

Lubega on his graduation day

Q: When you first enrolled, what vision did you have for your future?

A: My vision was clear and straightforward; complete the five-year programme, graduate on time and immediately begin practicing as a professional architect. Like many young students, I had a structured plan for my future and believed everything would flow exactly as designed. However, life and God had other plans for me.

Q: At what point did you realise that your journey would take longer than the usual five years?

A: That was after my first semester, first year, when I got that design portfolio retake in 2016.

Q: What were the biggest challenges that contributed to the delay in completing your degree?

A: One of the biggest challenges was failing my design portfolio. In architecture, the design studio is the heart of the course and when you fall short, it impacts everything. Having to redo studio work was both academically and emotionally draining, but it also forced me to grow and refine my skills.

Financial struggles were another major hurdle. There were semesters I attended classes but was unable to raise enough tuition to sit for examinations. In such cases, I had no choice but to postpone to the following semester or even the next academic year. Watching your peers progress and leave you behind is not easy, and tests your confidence and patience.

At some point, I also faced difficult moments with the university administration and security, which added emotional distress to an already challenging journey. Being constantly uncertain about your academic standing can weigh heavily on a student.

Q: How did it feel watching your classmates graduate while you were still continuing with the program?

A: At first, it didn’t feel too bothersome. Architecture classes are often mixed with students from different cohorts, so having people from previous years in my class made it feel normal. Only seven of the classmates I started out with graduated in 2021, with the rest of us continuing with the journey. So, in those early stages, it didn’t feel like I was alone. The real weight came later. As the years went by, six, seven, eight, even nine years, almost everyone had finally completed the programme. Eventually, it was just me and one other classmate left behind. That is when it truly became difficult. Watching nearly your entire class move on with their lives and careers while you are still struggling to finish was emotionally exhausting.

Lubega after one of his classes at the College of Engineering, Design and Art.

It can be depressing if you are not mentally strong. You begin to question yourself, your abilities, and even your worth. But that season taught me to be courageous. I had to learn to silence comparison, focus on my own journey, and remind myself that delay is not denial. In the end, I realised that finishing, no matter how long it takes, is a victory in itself.

Q: Was there a specific moment when you seriously considered quitting? What stopped you?

A: In 2022, I had made a firm decision to focus on my studies and finish strong. I was mentally prepared to move forward until I discovered that I had to retake design portfolio yet again. What made it worse was that I realised this three weeks into attending Year Four classes. It felt like the ground gave way beneath me. That moment broke me. I cried for almost a week. It wasn’t just about the retake, it was the weight of the years, the delays, the pressure, and the fear of never finishing.

What stopped me from quitting was a conversation with my sister. We had always talked about pursuing further studies and building something bigger beyond the degree. That reminder of our shared dreams reignited something in me. I also reflected on the bigger picture and how earning this degree could change my family’s fortunes and break certain generational limitations. That thought gave me strength. At that moment, I realised that quitting would end the pain temporarily, but finishing would change my life permanently. So, I chose to endure.

Q: How did your circumstances change? Were you staying in a hall or hostel? And after five years, did you have to make any changes regarding your accommodation? Did you remain a full-time student or did that change too?

A: In my first year, I stayed in Kikoni at a friend’s place. By second year, I had moved back home and commuted daily, which was challenging but manageable for that period. In third year, I joined a hostel, and by fourth year, I realized that architecture demanded more than what living outside campus could offer. Through a friend, who was then the LC1 Chairman, I was able to secure a place in Mitchell Hall.

Residing in a hall gave me the stability and focus I needed to handle the intensity of the course. I remained a full-time student throughout because I knew that balancing part-time work with a demanding course would slow me down or even derail me. In Mitchell, I made it a point to support capable candidates in leadership, ensuring they secured positions that in return, helped me secure accommodation within the hall.

Q: How did studying Architecture for 10 years change your understanding of the profession itself?

A: Studying architecture has taught me that the profession is far more than design and construction, it is a discipline that shapes character. The course demands persistence, resilience, and patience. Long nights in studios, countless revisions, and the constant push to balance creativity with technical precision instill a deep sense of endurance.

Architecture trains you to think holistically: Every line drawn must serve both function and beauty, every concept must withstand critique, and every project requires collaboration. Over time, this process builds humility, because you learn that great ideas only thrive when tested, refined, and sometimes rebuilt from scratch.

It also cultivates discipline. Deadlines are unforgiving, and the workload is relentless, but through that rigour, you develop a mindset that refuses to quit. You begin to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to innovate.

Most importantly, architecture teaches persistence in the face of uncertainty. Projects often stretch beyond what you imagined, but the journey itself builds character, teaching you to endure, adapt, and grow. After 10 years, I understand that being an architect is not just about designing spaces; it is about becoming someone who can persist through complexity, lead with vision, and create with purpose.

In what ways did the extended journey shape you personally beyond academics?

It didn’t just shape my academic path, it reshaped me as a person. The journey was long, demanding, and at times overwhelming, but it taught me lessons that go far beyond the classroom.

Architecture constantly tests your limits with the endless drawings, revisions, critiques, and sleepless nights. Sticking with it for a decade showed me that real growth comes from refusing to quit, even when the process feels impossible. I became more resilient and adaptable. Moving from Kikoni, to commuting from home, then to hostels, and finally Mitchell Hall, each stage forced me to adjust and find strength in new circumstances. Those shifts taught me how to survive transitions and still stay focused.

Lubega at Mitchell Hall, where he was a resident

The journey also deepened my sense of community and leadership. At Mitchell Hall, I realised that success isn’t just individual, it’s collective. Supporting candidates and building networks gave me a sense of responsibility, and I learned how influence and collaboration can create opportunities not just for me, but for others too.

Most importantly, I grew in character. Architecture taught me discipline, patience, and humility. Depending on friends, family, and peers for support reminded me to stay grateful, while the intensity of the course taught me to value authenticity and small joys along the way.

So, beyond academics, this extended journey shaped me into someone who can endure challenges, build meaningful connections, and lead with vision and authenticity. It wasn’t just about becoming an architect; it was about becoming a stronger, more grounded version of myself.

How did financial, emotional or mental pressures affect your motivation over the years?

Those were always part of the journey, but I trained myself to be a happy person and not let challenges define me. Of course, there were moments when finances were tight. But instead of allowing those pressures to weigh me down, I chose to focus on gratitude and the opportunities I had.

Emotionally, I learned to lean on community. Friends, family and peers became my support system, and their encouragement reminded me that I wasn’t walking the path alone. Mentally, the workload was draining, but I discovered that persistence and a positive outlook were my best tools. I refused to let stress or financial strain dictate my motivation. In fact, those pressures bolstered my determination. They taught me discipline, resourcefulness, and the importance of staying grounded. By choosing happiness and resilience, I turned challenges into fuel, reminding myself that the journey was not just about surviving, but growing stronger and more authentic every step of the way.

Q: Tell us about the moment you finally wore your graduation gown and walked across the stage.

A: The feeling was pure relief. Relief that I was now done with university, that the long journey had finally reached its conclusion. More than anything, I felt satisfied that I had fulfilled the expectations of everyone who wanted to see me graduate, especially my parents.

Q: What message would you give students who fell behind or feel ashamed because their academic journey is taking longer than expected?

A: I want them to know this: Your timeline is not your worth. It’s easy to feel embarrassed when your classmates move ahead, post graduation photos, start their careers, and you’re still trying to clear retakes or raise tuition. The pressure can be overwhelming. But life is not a race; it is a personal journey. Some people bloom early, others later but both still bloom. Do not let comparison steal your confidence. The extra years do not make you less intelligent, less capable, or less deserving. Sometimes the delay is building resilience, character, humility, and strength that you will need in your future.

I was once the one left behind. I know the loneliness. I know the shame. But I also know the power of refusing to quit. If you can, stay. Fight for your dream. Adjust your strategy if you must. Ask for help. Cry if you need to. But don’t give up on yourself. Because the day you finally finish, the victory will be deeper, richer, and more meaningful than you ever imagined.

Q: What next?

A: What’s next? Professionally, I am open to growth and new opportunities. I would love to pursue a Master’s degree to deepen my understanding of architecture and expand my impact. At the same time, I am open to gaining experience through a meaningful administrative or professional role that allows me to grow, contribute, and refine my leadership skills.

But beyond plans and ambitions, I strongly live by the phrase, “Let go, let God.” My journey has taught me that while it’s important to plan, it’s even more important to trust. There was a time I thought I had everything figured out and life unfolded differently. Yet in the end, it unfolded beautifully.

So yes, I have goals. I have a vision. But I also have faith. And at this stage of my life, I’m choosing to walk forward prepared, prayerful, and open to whatever God has in store for me next.