A 48-year-old businessman and pastor is among the candidates preparing to sit this year’s Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, hoping to fulfil his dream of becoming the Minister of Works and Transport. Abel Kanyankole, the director of Wendi Driving School and national chairman of Motorist Professional Drivers Training Association Uganda, joined secondary school after completing Primary Seven in 2022 at the age of 44.
Kanyankole, who also serves as a senior pastor at Kahunge Christian Fellowship Church in Kamwenge district, joined King of Kings College in Fort Portal City in 2023 and has spent four years pursuing his secondary education. He was among the candidates who attended the briefing at the school on Thursday ahead of the examinations next week.
Kanyankole says his decision to return to school was driven by his desire to advance his career and fulfil his political ambitions despite already running a successful business. He says that he realized that his achievements alone could not take him to the next level without the necessary academic qualifications.
He revealed that he struggled to continue with his education after losing his mother while in primary one, but after years of pursuing business and other responsibilities, he decided to return to the classroom. He says his dream is to become the Minister of Works and Transport.
Beyond his personal ambitions, Kanyankole hopes his return to school will inspire other people who abandoned their education to reconsider their decisions.
Kanyankole credited his teachers and fellow students for supporting him throughout his studies, saying they helped him adjust to classroom life despite the age difference.
Frank Nkwasibwe, the head teacher of King of Kings College, described Kanyankole as an exceptional candidate whose determination to pursue his education has set him apart from other students.
Nkwasibwe said Kanyankole returned to school with a clear goal and has managed to interact and study alongside younger candidates despite the difference in age.
He encouraged adults who abandoned their education or feel embarrassed about returning to school to draw inspiration from Kanyankole’s journey.
Rogers Kanakanyonyi, a teacher at the school, said Kanyankole had attended classes and maintained respect for his teachers throughout his time at the institution.
He described Kanyankole as social and cooperative, adding that his commitment to learning should encourage other adults who did not complete school to return to the classroom.
Racheal Ampumza, another teacher, said Kanyankole remained humble and respected his teachers despite his age, leadership responsibilities, and business engagements.
She said his willingness to attend lessons and work with younger students demonstrated his determination to achieve the goals that brought him back to school.
Apollo Turyasingura Senigo, a classmate, said Kanyankole’s determination encouraged younger candidates to take their education seriously.
He said seeing an older student working towards further qualifications reminded them not to take their opportunity to study for granted. Jibril Malik described Kanyankole as a committed classmate who participates in group discussions and other school activities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
