Hoima City: Inspector Ms Nyamahunge Shares Her journey to success

Hoima, Uganda: Ms. Caroline Nyamahunge, born in 1976 to the late Mr. Amarakukenga Dison and Mrs. Nyangoma Yozefina in Buniina village, Kitoba town council, Hoima District, is a mother of six and a professional teacher currently serving as the Inspector of Schools in Hoima City. She grew up in a nuclear family with a total of 17 siblings, coming from a modest religious background. Out of the eighteen children born to her parents, only eight remain today.

Nyamahunge reflects on her late parents, who were both devout Christians and humble farmers, emphasizing their commitment to raising their children in a God-fearing manner. She recalls that throughout her childhood, her parents provided abundant love, care, and support at every stage of their lives.

EDUCATION

She went to Kiseke Primary School in Kitoba sub-county, Bugahya County, Hoima District, where she completed her primary education and sat for the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) in 1989.

 Later enrolled to Bwikya Secondary School in Hoima City for her Ordinary Level studies, achieving her Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) in 1993.

 Despit being a bright student  due to financial constraints prevented her from joining advance level.

 She explains, "I never initially aspired to be a teacher   but due to the severe poverty at home, I had no choice but to follow my elder brother's advice to enroll for a teaching course. 

Although she was forced to join teaching, currently she said she is proud of her profession.

In 1994, she enrolled in the Duhaga Primary Teacher’s College, now known as Burela PTC, to pursue a Grade III teacher’s course. Upon completing her studies, she gained practical experience at Bulemwa Primary School, a government-aided institution located in the west division of Hoima City. 

In 1998, she transitioned to Iguru 1 Primary School in Bombo sub-county, Kigorobya constituency, where she taught English until 2000, accumulating two years of experience.

Nyamahunge then advanced her career by joining St. Aloysius Primary School in Bujumbura, Hoima City, where she taught English to Primary 7 students from November 2000 until 2008.

During her tenure at this school, she earned a diploma in Education, specializing in English, from Masindi National Teacher’s College between 2002 and 2004. 

From 2009 to 2019, she was appointed by the Ministry of Education and Sports as the Head Teacher of Kibanjwa Primary School in Hoima District.

With the love for her profession,  she pursued further education, obtaining a Degree in Primary Education with a focus on English and Religious Education from Uganda Martyrs University from 2012 to 2015. Additionally, in 2018, she completed a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration. 

In April 2019, after successfully passing the interviews, she was appointed as the Inspector of Schools for Hoima District Local Government.

 By April 2024, she was promoted to the position of City Inspector of Schools.

While serving as the District Inspector, Nyamahunge enrolled in a Master’s degree program in Education Management and Planning at Nkumba University, graduating in early 2024.

As a married woman, she expressed that she has achieved most of her academic qualifications while simultaneously managing her responsibilities as a mother and maintaining her professional commitments.

She acknowledges that this journey has not been easy, emphasizing the necessity of determination and focus to meet her goals. "One must find a balance," she states, "as both family and work require attention. If you focus solely on one aspect, the others may suffer; therefore, effective planning is essential."

Nyamahunge credits her husband, whom she refers to as a "Mentor," for his unwavering support throughout her educational pursuits. She notes that without his assistance, navigating her career as a single-handed individual would have been exceedingly challenging. He has provided support in various forms, including financial, spiritual, and social encouragement.

Additionally, she reveals that juggling motherhood with multiple responsibilities is a demanding task, particularly as the needs of her children and the household often exceed their financial resources. "My husband is incredibly encouraging and supportive," she remarks.

"He financed my education and actively encourages me to pursue job opportunities. He has taken full responsibility for our family, which is why I consider him a 'Mentor."

Nyamahunge has a deep passion for various activities, including prayer, fostering peace, reading the Bible, engaging in fellowship, and singing, particularly gospel music. She also enjoys dance and drama, but she has a strong aversion to permanent enmity and stress. In 1988, she participated in the school choir at Kiseeke Primary School, where she was involved in music, dance, and drama.

 Their efforts led them to compete at the regional level held at Masindi Kabalega Secondary School, although they did not advance further. From 2000 to 2008, while attending St. Aloysius Primary School, she served as a choir mistress, training students in music, dance, and drama. Under her guidance, they excelled in center-level competitions, achieving first place and advancing to the district level, though they did not progress beyond that. Currently, she is an active member of the All Saints Town Parish Church choir in Hoima City.

Regarding educational remuneration, Nyamahunge reflects on the 1980s when teachers earned approximately UGX 70,000, a sum that held significant value compared to the current salaries, which do not align with the high cost of living.

 She notes that teachers once found joy in their profession, as it was prioritized and instilled ethical values in many. She believes that the teaching profession is not inherently flawed; rather, the current circumstances have worsened the situation.

Nyamahunge has urged the government to address salary disparities within the education sector to enhance the industry, emphasizing that both arts and science teachers invest considerable resources in various educational institutions. 

Nyamahunge aspires to secure a position on the Education Commission within the next five years, having progressed through multiple stages of her career. She demonstrates a profound dedication to achieving this objective, contingent upon the availability of the opportunity.