He recently initiated the now famous porridge nights at Kyambogo university, he didn’t want his people to be left in the dark and not enjoy the deliciousness that is porridge, Kakuru Abel needs no further introduction. Our writer, Jonah Kirabo caught up with him for a quick interview.
In a few lines, Who’s Kakuru Abel?
I’m a Kyambogo university student in my second year offering a Bachelor of Business Studies in Education (BSD) and ohh.. aspirant, Chairperson north hall.
So, was starting porridge night at Kyambogo a strategy to keep students rallying behind you?
(Laughs) Actually no, Porridge night is a good thing its like a culture now at Kyambogo. It’s cost effective and more so, its primary motive is to bring us closer together as family. Everyone can enjoy porridge and it attracts all social classes too.
Did you ever expect it to get as much hype as it does now?
Of course not (he reminisces), However I only wanted to carry out such to make each of us happy because on porridge nights, music is played, movies are displayed and people really enjoy themselves. Maybe that’s what attracts people to it, the fact that you can be yourself without judgement.
Who makes the porridge that you serve on porridge night?
Well, it is a combination of well wishers and students. Though, we some students are always taking double especially those that carry jugs.
And just like any kind of start up, I do expect you to have some challenges, what are yours?
Oh yes! We do get a lot of challenges here and there, the turn up is always above what we had estimated and these people who come with jugs to take porridge also create shortage to those waiting in line to get their share. Also, cooking porridge is done by the students and you know the kind of unwillingness that comes with it. So we have to keep pushing and encouraging them to make the porridge.
On a lighter note though, have you recorded any achievements yet?
Unity (he nods). With this we’ve brought the student fraternity as one, and also because of this other halls of residence have recognized the habit and started holding their own porridge theme nights, which to me is a very good thing.
Has the porridge night been beneficial to you as the initiator?
Oh yes, I have achieved more than I expected of course like popularity, unity among my peers and trust from students.
Any last words to those who want to follow your footsteps?
Always go for what you believe in and don’t let people stop you from making a name for yourself.
