I was born a girl child in Western Uganda in the early 1950s, a time when education was largely considered a privilege for boys. In those days, very few families believed in sending their daughters to school. I was fortunate to be among the first girls in Uganda who were given that opportunity.
I became the first girl from my district of Bushenyi to attend Gayaza High School, which was then regarded as the best girls’ school in the country. My time there shaped my aspirations and strengthened my determination to excel. I worked hard and graduated at the top of my class, which opened the door for me to pursue higher education.
I went on to join Makerere University, which at the time was the only university in Uganda. There, I made another first—I became the first girl from my district to study for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. My journey at Makerere was both challenging and inspiring, and I remained deeply committed to my studies. Eventually, I became the first woman in Uganda to graduate with a First Class Honours Degree, an achievement that was considered rare at the time.
My academic journey did not stop there. I went on to earn a Doctorate in Food Science and Nutrition, becoming the first woman in Uganda to achieve this distinction. Later, I also became Uganda’s first female Professor of Food Science and Technology.
At Makerere University, I had the privilege of founding the first Department of Food Science and Technology, which has since grown into what is now known as the School of Food Science, Nutrition and Bio-engineering. Building this department was one of the most fulfilling milestones of my career, as it created a platform for generations of students to pursue knowledge and innovation in this field.
My professional journey also gave me the opportunity to represent my country internationally. I became the first Ugandan to serve as a member of the Board of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, an experience that allowed me to contribute to global conversations on food security and agricultural development.
Alongside my academic and professional milestones, my personal life also had its own remarkable chapter. I became the first woman in Uganda to give birth to quadruplets, an experience that was both extraordinary and deeply meaningful.
Looking back, my journey has been defined by many “firsts.” Each of them came with its own challenges, but they also opened doors—not just for me, but for many women who would follow.
All these “Firsts” were captured in my Memoir “Triumph Over Adversity”, published in 2024.
Leave a Reply