By Tuhirirwe Karane 

In a moment filled with joy and inspiration, Makerere University witnessed a rare and heart-warming milestone during its 75th graduation ceremony when Dr. Safina Galenda and her daughter, Shamsa Masaba, stood side by side, each donning their academic regalia, celebrating a shared achievement that will be etched in their family’s history forever. 

For Dr. Galenda, the journey culminated in a PhD in Educational Management, while Eng. Masaba proudly earned her degree in Software Engineering. Dr. Galenda’s research offers critical insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), while Masaba’s passion for cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence represents the future of innovation. 

The dynamic duo 

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Galenda expressed deep gratitude for the support she received. “Balancing a PhD with family responsibilities was no easy feat, but with faith, resilience, and a supportive husband who financed both my education and my daughter’s, we made it through. Makerere University’s tuition policies also made it possible for me to pursue this dream.”

Following in her mother’s footsteps of excellence, Masaba completed her Software Engineering degree with a growing passion for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. She envisions a future in which she, too, pursues a PhD, inspired by her mother’s steadfast commitment to education.

Dr. Galenda Safina on graduation day

“It still feels surreal,” she said with excitement. “Graduating alongside my mother has been an honour. It has been an emotional journey, and witnessing her perseverance has inspired me to aim higher.” 

Who had greater joy between the two? Both agreed that their shared graduation was a moment they would cherish forever. Dr. Galenda said. “For my daughter to graduate alongside me, and at such a high academic level too, is something truly special. I have set the bar high for her, and being an excellent example for her has been my greatest opportunity.” 

Masaba echoed similar sentiments, “I had the most joy! Mummy’s achievement is a beacon of hope. I keep telling her it's really no mean feat, showing us that we can dream a little bigger, showing us as a family, or me as a person, that it's possible for me as well, that I too can.”

Why STEM?

Their story is not just one of personal success, it is a source of motivation for young girls to dream bigger. Dr. Galenda’s doctoral research focused on the experiences of women in STEM fields within research networks in Uganda’s public universities. Her findings revealed both challenges and opportunities for female scientists, highlighting the significance of mentorship, networking, and institutional support in uplifting women in STEM. Her study recommended the establishment of Research and Grants Offices dedicated to STEM fields to bolster female participation in academic research. Her research highlights the underrepresentation of women in these fields, and hopefully, her daughter’s graduation represents the next generation of women changing the narrative.

Eng. Masaba Shamsa on graduation day

“By pursuing careers in STEM, we increase diversity and inclusion in spaces traditionally dominated by men,” Dr. Galenda noted. “As women, we face unique challenges and obstacles, but we also have unique strengths and opportunities. Let us celebrate our differences, support one another, and lift each other up.” 

Masaba added, “Mummy has broken barriers. Her journey shows that perseverance pays off and that young girls can dream big.” 

Dr. Galenda and Masaba have a simple yet powerful message to the women aspiring to do big things: Believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and never stop dreaming. As Dr. Galenda puts it, “Lift each other up, celebrate each other’s successes,” and Masaba adds, “Your potential is limitless — keep striving, keep breaking barriers.” 

Dr. Galenda and Masaba’s joint graduation is more than a rare and heart-warming event; it is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through determination, support, and a commitment to breaking barriers.