Lubega Richard sat for his senior six examinations last year at Marryland High School, Entebbe.
When results returned last month (21st February 2017), he was among the Country’s top students with 20 points. The 20-year-old was doing Physics, Chemisty and Mathematics with subsidiaries ICT and General Paper – (PCM/ICT)
“I made it, I really thank God.” He said, during an interview with UG Christian News.
Last year saw 104,234 candidates register for the final exams, which was more than the 101, 268 who expressed interest in 2015. In essence, it means that total candidature rose by 2.9%.
Lubega told UG Christian News that his parents were unable to pay his tuition, something that drove him to working hard so as to attain a bursary at all schools he attended.
“Paying my tuition was really hard and my parents couldn’t afford the money. I had to put in some extra effort. The school I was studying from gave me a bursary for all the 6 years, after being admitted with excellent grades from Primary. Thank God I was able to maintain the grades. At form 4 I excelled and they gave me a bursary to form 6. I thank God I have not failed them.” Lubega said.
“In form 4, it was quite easy to score aggregate 8. In A-level, UNEB kind of changed the grading system. It was really hard to score 20 points. Where, if you have 3 paper in a subject and fail one, you are really down. But I prayed hard. I thank God I was able to pass these papers with distinctions.” He said.
“The greatest thing is to believe in God and exercise faith in Him. The other thing is to read hard – that is exercising faith. After preps I used to make extensions like for 2-3 hours. Engage in discussions for the more you read the more the work sticks in your head.” He said.
Lubega mentioned that there are spiritual leaders who stood with him during this journey.
“I have had one gentleman called Mr Lwasa. He is a parent and much more a spiritual father to me. In holidays I used to pray with him. My other Pastor Edith Kamese anointed me and prayed for me – encouraging me that I would make it. He prophesied upon my life that I would get the 20 points. Honestly, I had the hope , but I was scared of the grading system.I thank God I never made any silly mistakes – I wrote what I was supposed to write and it payed off.” He said.
Lubega wants to go to Makerere University.
“I applied for civil engineering. And good enough I have scored maximum points. I’m very sure I will be admitted. God is great. I wanted to go on government sponsorship – He has given it to me. I don’t have to go and count my weight – am sure I have maximum weights.” He said.
Lubega advises fellow students to have a dream, a driving spirit that they will make it. He says one must set out for what you have set out for.
“Hard work and commitment, they all help you. Trust God, believe in your self and know that you will make it at the end of the day.” He said.
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
