Richard Ssebuganda stood tall among the 12,913 graduates at the ongoing Makerere 74th graduation, not just as a recipient of a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences but as a living testament to resilience and determination.
Ssebuganda’s academic journey took an unexpected turn in February 2022 during a protest against online lectures, led by former Guild President Shamim Nambassa. A confrontation with the police ensued, resulting in tear gas and live bullets being deployed in student halls. As a third-year Medicine and Surgery student, Ssebuganda lost several fingers on his right hand when a tear gas canister exploded in his room at Lumumba Hall.
Despite this life-altering incident, Ssebuganda persevered, acknowledging the unwavering support of his parents as his beacon of strength. With their encouragement, he redirected his academic focus to Biomedical Sciences, a field that allowed him to engage without constant reliance on his fingers.
While facing the physical challenges of pursuing Medicine with a disability, Ssebuganda didn’t let adversity define his path. Instead, he expressed hope in returning to Makerere one day to enroll again in Medicine.
In an extraordinary display of determination, Ssebuganda concurrently embarked on a parallel academic journey, enrolling in a Bachelor of Law program at Uganda Christian University. Motivated by a commitment to activism and a desire to advocate for others, he aspires to carve a niche as a medical lawyer.
Addressing the financial challenges of pursuing two courses, Ssebuganda shared that donors are funding his Bachelor of Law, expressing gratitude for the support that enables him to pursue dual careers.
Richard Ssebuganda’s journey is not just a personal triumph but also a beacon of inspiration for overcoming adversity, pursuing education despite challenges, and aspiring to make a significant impact in the fields of biomedical sciences and law. His story serves as a reminder that determination and resilience can turn obstacles into stepping stones towards a brighter future.
