Powerful Young Leaders for Uganda


ACT has a program called the Maverick Leadership Scholarship. It is awarded to those who the Committee feels can truly become a leader with further education. They apply, are interviewed, and when selected receive a full-ride scholarship for the program that they choose. 

Here is Isaac's story!

I am called Ainembabazi Isaac, born in Rwamurindwa Village in SW Uganda. I am 26 years old. I have a Bachelor of Environmental Science that was conferred to me on 28th May, 2021 at Kabale University. Since Nov 2021, I am an Environmental Officer of Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited. I am working on a water supply and sanitation project under the Ministry of Water and Environment with funding from World Bank.

I attribute my professional career and leadership achievements to ACT who granted me a Maverick Leadership Scholarship in 2017. This life-changing, fully funded leadership scholarship allowed me to join the University for three academic years - something seemingly impossible based on the financial status of our family. As said by Leslie Cornfeld, "Talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not."

 At University, I held several positions in Kabale University Rubanda Students Association (KABRUSA). I started several initiatives during this period. One was organizing a campaign to clean up Rubanda District Town Council with 2 aims: 1. to sensitize local people of the importance of living in a clean environment and 2. mobilize funs for the Association. Similarly, I held Vice-Chair and Chair positions in Kabale University Environment and Natural Resources Student Association (KABENSA) under Faculty of Science. Here, I fully utilized my capabilities by founding an Environmental Awareness Campaign to champion and advocate for environmental conservation for sustainability. I engaged all students, lecturers, NGOs, church leaders, police, politicians, radio stations and social media. We conducted plastic awareness campaigns both on campus and Kabale town streets. These efforts earned me the nickname - Mr. Plastic or Mr. Environment!


My zeal to transform Uganda did not stop at university. In 2020, I became the youth vice chairperson of Rwamurindwa Village in Uganda Electoral commissions' elections. Recently, I had the opportunity to present an online webinar - the topic: Adoption of Glasgow climate pact - Adaptable Technologies to Reduce Greenhouse gas Emissions in the African Context. I have had several other leadership position in the community.

It's never too late to do the right thing. I am highly optimistic that through income generating activities, mindset change and good leadership, I shall transform poor Ugandan communities. 

                                                                                            - Isaac

Donors here in the US donate $50 USD per month to support these scholarships. If you are interested in being a Maverick Supporter or you would like to see the other Scholars, please visit: Maverick

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Comments

  1. LynnOctober 28, 2022 at 9:52 AM

    Congratulations, Isaac, on all your successes, stemming from your dedication and hard work. You are a wonderful example of what the Maverick scholarships and ACT can help make possible. Thank-you for sharing your story.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DianeNovember 1, 2022 at 3:46 AM

    This is such an amazing story. Thank you Isaac for your determination to help make our world a better place!

    ReplyDelete

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