Benedict Ocaka, a resilient individual from Uganda, embodies the spirit of Eliud Kipchoge’s mantra, ‘No Human is Limited.’ His recent accomplishment of earning a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Community Development from Bishop Stuart University is a testament to his determination and perseverance.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Benedict graduated with first-class honors, achieving a remarkable GPA of 4.42. His achievement marks him as the second student in the university’s history to attain such excellence in the Agriculture and Community Development department.
Benedict’s journey has been far from easy. Hailing from a family of eight in Uganda, where financial constraints made education a formidable challenge, he defied the odds. His parents struggled to make ends meet, with his father working as a cleaner and his mother engaging in the sale of local liquor. However, Benedict’s ambition drove him to pursue his A levels despite the family’s dire situation.
To support his education, Benedict and his elder brother, Geoffrey Komakech, initiated a bricklaying venture in their village, managing to lay 12,000 bricks and earning Ush3,000. He used this income to contribute to his school fees. During breaks, he engaged in various side hustles, such as selling roasted meat and charcoal, showcasing his resourcefulness.
As the demands of high school intensified, Benedict faced financial hardships, but his determination led the compassionate headmaster to allow him to study until the third term without clearing fees. Despite challenges, including borrowing school materials from friends and being temporarily barred from exams due to fee arrears, he persevered and completed his high school education.
Following the completion of A levels, Benedict faced the hurdle of university education’s financial burden. Undeterred, he joined the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), but a liver problem prevented his assimilation into the force. He then opted for employment at Securex Security Company in Kampala, saving diligently from his meager salary of Sh4700. His dedication enabled him to save KSh41,000, allowing him to apply for a regular degree course in Agriculture and Community Development at Bishop Stuart University.
Overcoming financial constraints, Benedict secured a student loan, relinquished his job, and dedicated himself to full-time academics. The outcome was nothing short of remarkable – a First Class Honors degree. However, for Benedict, this achievement is just the beginning. His sights are set on pursuing a Master’s degree, fueled by the ambition to become one of Uganda’s leading scientists, academicians, and researchers. Benedict Ocaka’s story exemplifies the triumph of determination, resilience, and the belief that, indeed, no human is limited.
