Henry Ssuubi Kiyimba, who became a victim of cyberbullying for carrying a metallic suitcase to university, has secured a full scholarship for his dream course, mechanical engineering at Makerere University.
Ssuubi, who scored 17 points in physics, economics, mathematics and information and communications technology, was initially admitted at the university on a government scholarship for a bachelor of science degree in education and economics.
This was not his dream course. However, because he did not have the money to pay tuition fees for his desired program, Ssuubi took up the education course.
Two weeks into the programme, Ssuubi’s dream has come true, thanks to the social media attack that has seen Joadah Consult and Development Infrastructure, a local engineering firm, offer the fresher a full scholarship to pursue his dream course at Makerere, under a private arrangement.
“We would like to give our official offer of a full scholarship for Mr. Ssuubi Henry Kiyimba, for a course in mechanical engineering at Makerere University,” Joel Aita, the managing director of Joadah Consult, stated in a letter dated August 14, to the vice-chancellor of Makerere University.
In response, vice-chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, confirmed the offer and commended the engineering firm for the big heart. Nawangwe tweeted:
“I have received a letter from Mr. Aita Joel, the managing director of Joadah Consult, offering a full scholarship to Mr. Ssuubi Henry to study mechanical engineering at Makerere. I thank Joadah and the very many Ugandans for their outpouring messages of support to Ssuubi.”
The firm is a major infrastructure consultancy company, known for works, such as the Mulago Hospital expansion and rehabilitation project, the specialized maternal and neonatal hospital of Mulago and the expansion works of four universities in Malawi.
Before the scholarship, Ssuubi had last week intimated to New Vision that after completing his education degree, he would work for a short period and then enroll for mechanical engineering, to help develop Uganda’s mechanical industry.
With the offer of a full scholarship on the table, Ssuubi is only required to apply for changes in course, to enable him to pursue his dream course.
Dr. Mohammed Kiggundu, the manager of communication and international relations at Makerere University, said upon application for a change of program, Ssuubi will be allowed to drop the government sponsorship and take his dream course under private sponsorship.
“I have learned about the offer. I am very excited. My dream is almost becoming a reality,”
SSUUBI SAID.
Since the social media attack, he has received gifts, such as laptops, bedding, smartphones and cash from groups and individuals. Aged 20, Suubi comes from a family of eight.
We wish you all the best Ssuubi!