From Barefoot Pupil to First-Class Graduate: Alan Mwesigwa’s Journey of Determination

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Alan John Mwesigwa, now Next Media’s Bunyoro bureau chief, has completed a first-class degree in Journalism and Multimedia Communication after a long path through interrupted schooling, financial hardship and years of working while studying. The feature traces his progress from childhood in Kasambya village, now in Kakumiro District, through primary school at Kicucuura and later secondary school in Hoima and Kagadi.

According to the article, Mwesigwa often walked long distances to class, first without shoes and later by bicycle when his family could not afford easier transport or boarding. His education was repeatedly paused because of fees, but he continued when relatives or his mother found ways to support him. After secondary school, he first pursued a journalism diploma before moving into reporting roles at Kings FM and later opportunities in television and teaching.

The report says Mwesigwa eventually enrolled at Africa Renewal University in 2022 while also studying Public Administration, sometimes sitting exams for both programmes on the same day. He used field allowances to help pay tuition and support his family, studying at night after work. He completed both programmes with first-class results. The article presents his story as an example of perseverance and of how adult learners can return to education after setbacks, while continuing professional work.