Born Without Arms but Topping His Class, Kakama Sits UACE at Kigezi High School

What the report says

John Kakama, a Senior Six candidate at Kigezi High School, is sitting the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education examinations despite being born without arms. According to Nile Post, he is among 205 students taking UACE at the school as more than 20,000 candidates across Uganda began their exams. The article says Kakama has consistently ranked among the top performers since joining Senior Five.

Nile Post reported that Kakama was seen in the school library preparing for his History paper before morning prayers and entry into the examination room. He offers History, Rukiga and Divinity/Computer Science, and said he felt ready for the exams after strong class and mock performance. He is part of the first cohort under Uganda’s competency-based curriculum, which he said has helped build his critical-thinking skills.

The report also notes the practical difficulties he has faced in A-Level, especially needing help to attend classes and taking notes with his feet. Kigezi High School head teacher Abraham Akampurira said the new curriculum has brought challenges, including delays in teacher training and shortages of learning materials, but described Kakama as a serious student with high potential.

Bishop Gad Akajuna of the Diocese of Kigezi, who has known Kakama since 2021, praised his character and urged parents of children with disabilities to support their education. The story highlights wider issues of inclusive education while focusing on Kakama’s exam sit-in and academic resilience.