Atukunda Joel, 20, grew up in Rwobuyenje, Mbarara District, as the eldest of six children. From a young age, he carried the weight of responsibility, guiding his younger siblings: Brenda, Lucy, Faith, Abigail, and Jethro.
Last year, Joel completed his O’level studies at Mbarara Army Boarding School with the hope of joining A’level. But when financial hardship struck, those dreams faded. His father, Julius Muhanguzi, a peasant farmer with a small banana plantation and an occasional boda boda rider, struggles to keep the family afloat. He is unemployed at the moment.
His mother, Rose Anembabazi, works as a tailor from home whenever she finds projects. But money from these projects is not enough to sustain the family.
Choosing sacrifice over self, Joel decided to stay home so his younger siblings could continue school. “Even when I wanted to study, I told my parents to pay for the younger children so that they could also study up to S.4,” he says.
But a spark of hope arrived. After speaking with his teachers, Joel learned about the power of technical education, which offers not just theory but also hands-on skills and real job prospects. Through the local council chairperson, he heard of a training opportunity with AIRD and applied for it.
For months, Joel immersed himself in learning automotive mechanics, auto electrical repair, motorcycle and small engine repair, and more. He also gained valuable lessons in teamwork, adaptation, and resilience. Among his most memorable moments was meeting Japanese technical engineers visiting Formula 21.
“I admired them and thought, one day, I want to become like them,” he recalls. Their professionalism inspired him to dream bigger.
Today, Joel is an intern at the Ministry of Works offices in Ibanda District. His days begin at 5:30 am, when he wakes up to prepare for the day. By 6:30 am, he embarks on the 30-minute journey to the office. His primary responsibilities include maintaining vehicles, providing technical recommendations, and managing stores.
“A friend suggested that I could have my internship at the Ibanda Ministry of Works office, and when I spoke to the center’s manager, he indeed got me a placement there.”Joel says, adding, “I am steady and quick in my work. I have zeal and love for this course”.
The program has transformed not just his skills, but also his confidence and vision for the future.
“I see a bigger picture for my life now. Every day, I add something new to my skills,” he shares.
His parents beam with pride, and his siblings look up to him for guidance.
“I tell them not to misuse the opportunities they get,” Joel says, knowing how rare such chances can be.
Looking ahead, Joel is determined to keep climbing. “I see myself becoming a mechanical engineer. I have received a strong foundation from AIRD’s training and this internship, and I appreciate this opportunity very much. Without AIRD, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Joel’s journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of opportunity, proof that with determination and support, young people can turn uncertainty into a future full of promise.
Written by
Yvonne Njuna