By Muzafaluh Kabulwa
Growing up in Ssekanyonyi, Mityana District, my life was deeply rooted in the rhythms of a smallholder family. My father was a dedicated coffee grower, his hands always stained with the earth that nurtured our livelihood. My mother, on the other hand, was immersed in education and community engagement, seamlessly balancing her roles as a teacher and an events organiser. It was from these humble beginnings that I embarked on a journey shaped by the values of hard work, education, and community service.
Early education and leadership
My educational journey began at Feja Primary School in Mityana in 2007 and I completed primary schooling in 2013, where I first discovered the joy of learning and leadership. As I progressed to secondary education at The Academy of St Lawrence Schools and Colleges, Rines Secondary School, and later Brilliant High School, I embraced various leadership roles. I was in secondary from 2014 to 2020.
Muzafaluh with close friends at Makerere University
From speaker and information prefect to timekeeper and head prefect, these positions were more than titles; they were opportunities to serve and make a difference in my school community. Each role taught me the importance of collaboration, responsibility, and the power of a united team.
Joining Makerere University
The excitement of joining Makerere University in 2025 was unparalleled. I had read so much about this prestigious institution and was eager to immerse myself in its vibrant academic and social life. The opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication was a dream come true. I was passionate about this field and looked forward to the new horizons it would open.
While at Makerere, my journey was marked by notable leadership roles and the lessons they imparted. As projects coordinator for the Students' Leadership and Life Skills Centre (SLLC) and the 88th Guild Minister for Information, Research, and Computer Technology, I learned the intricacies of project management and the importance of reliable information dissemination.
My ambitions extended further as I aspired to become the 89th Guild President and the 88th Chairman for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). Although these aspirations remained unfulfilled, they taught me resilience and the crucial lesson that success is not about never falling but about rising every time we fall.
Muzafaluh during his Guild Presidency campaign
Founding Out of the Box
Recognising the declining civic engagement and intellectual discourse among the youth, I founded Out of the Box, a platform dedicated to fostering discussions on politics, social issues, and economics.
When we launched it on July 22, 2024, it quickly gained traction, attracting significant listenership and hosting numerous guild leaders from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Makerere Business School, and Gulu University.
We engaged with renowned figures like Prof. Sarah Ssali, David Lewis Rubongoya, Stella Nyanzi, Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, Isaac Ssemakadde, and Anna Adeke Ebaju, further enriching the platform and underscoring the importance of dialogue in societal development.
Copy of an e-flier for one of the Out of the Box X spaces
One of my proudest achievements was chairing the organising committee for the Mak@100 Guild Dialogue Series. We organized five impactful series that addressed the root causes of rampant strikes, repositioned the Students Guild in public affairs, and fostered discussions on student demands. This experience not only enhanced my skills in events organisation, marketing, and teamwork but also deepened my understanding of the power of collective student action and engagement.
My involvement in guild elections, particularly in electoral finance management and marketing, was another significant chapter in my journey. Together with my team, we built personal brands for various guild presidents, including Alionzi Lawrence, Lubega Vincent Nsamba, and Aswa Steven. This experience honed my skills in strategic communication and branding, fueling my aspiration to specialise in electoral finance and marketing in the future.
Throughout my academic journey, I embraced the principle of “always being present.” I prioritised social connections, attended events, and sought opportunities beyond the classroom. This approach enriched my university experience, allowing me to build a strong network and gain diverse insights.
Mr. Muzafaluh Kabulwa
One of the significant challenges I faced at university was the ever-increasing tuition fees amidst economic uncertainties. Many of my friends struggled to clear their tuition, and I witnessed several unable to sit for exams due to inadequate funds. Despite these challenges, I remained motivated, knowing that perseverance and support would eventually see me through.
Highlights at Makerere University
Two highlights stand out from my time at Makerere. First, witnessing the reconstruction of the iconic main building to its original design was a moment of pride and hope. Second, participating in the initial discussions to transform the Department of Journalism and Communication into a full-fledged school was inspiring. I sincerely hope this transformation gets approved, enhancing the educational landscape for future journalists.
To the continuing students, my advice is simple: do not limit yourselves to a routine of lectures and leisure. Engage with the world, build social capital, explore knowledge beyond your course, and discover your life's purpose. The university experience is a unique opportunity to grow holistically, and seizing it fully will pave the way for a fulfilling future.
Today, I serve as a communications officer at Prospect, a non-governmental organisation addressing the root causes of violent extremism and promoting livelihood and peacebuilding. This role allows me to apply my skills and experiences from Makerere in meaningful ways, contributing to societal development and peace.
When I reflect on my journey from Ssekanyonyi to Makerere and beyond, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, challenges and lessons that have shaped me. My story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of education and the impact of community engagement. As I continue to grow and serve, I remain committed to fostering innovation, dialogue, and development in all my endeavours.
Related News
Please join hands with the Makerere University Endowment Fund as it works towards attracting & retaining the best faculty, providing scholarships, and investing in cutting-edge research and technology.