Andrew Ssentale’s academic journey is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and determination. At just 28 years old, the Ugandan scholar has made history by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Management from Torrens University in Australia, becoming one of the youngest PhD holders in the country.
In a society where many attain their first doctorate in their late 40s, Ssentale’s achievement stands out, not only because of his age but also because of the challenges he overcame along the way. His success came against the backdrop of persistent financial hardship that nearly forced him to abandon his studies.
Ssentale self-funded his education, juggling full-time work with demanding academic commitments to raise tuition fees. He revealed that he was often behind on payments and regularly summoned by the university’s accounts and international students’ offices to clear arrears.
“Given that this was self-funded, there were challenges such as having to balance work and studies. I was always behind on my tuition fees, and I was constantly chased to clear my arrears,” he said.
On several occasions, his enrolment was at risk of cancellation. Still, he found ways to settle his dues before deadlines elapsed. Managing time became critical, as he worked long hours and studied late into the night, dedicating weekends to catching up on coursework and research.
“I knew what I wanted, and that became my driving force. The only option was to push through thick and thin while striking a balance between work and school,” Ssentale explained, adding that his job was essential to financing his education, even as academics remained his top priority.
Born into a large family and second among his siblings, Ssentale said his motivation was deeply personal. He wanted to set an example, make his parents proud, and inspire those coming after him.
Ssentale holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Makerere University and has been actively involved in youth leadership movements, experiences that helped shape his ambitions beyond academia. He dreams of one day becoming the Governor of the Bank of Uganda, a goal he believes is achievable through continued discipline and service.
His journey from the brink of dropping out to becoming a PhD graduate has inspired many, especially young people facing similar financial barriers. For Ssentale, the achievement is more than a personal milestone. It is proof that persistence, focus, and sacrifice can turn even the most uncertain paths into success stories.
