GRACE IN THE SHADOWS: THE UNTOLD JOURNEY OF AMULO BEATRICE

"Though my journey began with 15 aggregates and a 5-kilometre walk to a distant exam centre, it taught me that resilience matters more than results—and that true success is forged in the fire of adversity."

Growing up in a small village called ‘Ocokican’- a cultural Kumam name that means collecting poverty—did not blur my success. It only ignited the power of resilience and determination in achieving beyond my boundaries.

Being a fourth daughter of 10 children (6 girls and 4 boys), of a farmer (mother) and a businessman and preacher of the Gospel (father), life seemed lovely while my dad could cater for us all, but I never saw his opportunity since I started understanding. It was only my mother taking care of us back at home the entire time; my dad only visited.

I completed my Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) at Ockican Primary School, achieving a score of 15 aggregates (Division 11). Although these grades were not what I had hoped for, I believe the challenging learning environment contributed to my performance. At the time of my exams, our school did not have a centre number. As a result, we had to walk approximately 5 kilometres each day to another district, Assuret Primary School, to write the exam.

Fortunately, most of the holidays were spent at my brother's home, who was living in Kampala at that time and was a member of the military and was part of the Uganda Children's Project, an organization that sponsors children. Sadly, he has since passed away; may his soul continue to rest in peace. He offered to support me through secondary school, but unfortunately, he passed away during my first term of senior three at Najeera High School.

This was a devastating blow to me, shattering my dreams and leaving me without vision. I felt as if everything had come to an end. He was a significant pillar in my life and the lives of our entire family. He played both a fatherly and motherly role for me; he loved me dearly and made every effort to bring a smile to my face. Sometimes, I wish he were still here to witness the boundaries I am breaking and to share in the pain and hustle. I also wish he could see what Beatrice has become and continues to grow into each day. I believe he is in heaven, smiling down on me and giving me a thumbs-up.

After the send-off for my dear brother, my other brothers seized the opportunity to arrange marriages for us girls, now that the major obstacle had been removed. Fortunately, many of my brother’s close friends, who greatly admired and cherished his work, could not accept this decision.

One of the key figures in the project was Peace Grace Kisakye, who served as the Director. She welcomed me, the son of the late, along with my two sisters. All of this was made possible under the leadership and vision of Jim Steele and his wife, Lisa Steele.

The journey began at St. Florence Senior Secondary School in Jinja, where I was later transferred under the leadership of Peace Grace Kisakye, who is commonly known as Tr. Grace. During this time, I was fortunate to acquire a sponsor (Leila Martin) from the U.S. through the vision bearer, Jim Steele, and his wife.

In 2010, I achieved a scoring aggregate of 29 in the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), which is classified as Division One. This accomplishment qualified me to be considered for the top schools in the country at that time. As a result, in 2011, I enrolled at Naalya Secondary School, Bweyogerere Campus. My dream was to become a lawyer because I wanted to defend the girls in our community, who are often seen merely as "bride price" items. Though I wasn’t able to pursue my dream course, I was able to do one that is almost related to my goals. Continue reading this article, we are almost there.

At Naalya, I initially pursued a science and arts combination (MEG), but later I switched to a Humanities and Fine Arts combination (HEG/Fine Arts) because I found the requirements to maintain my position in the science track to be quite challenging based on the points I had acquired, and the rules of the projects in regards to one remaining in the top school.

I am proud to say that in 2012, I sat for my Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). I excelled in my subjects, scoring an A in History, a C in Economics, a B in Geography, and a B in Fine Art, resulting in a total of 21 points out of 25 points then. I also received a credit in General Paper.

These grades made me of course, qualify to Makerere University, Kampala, as the first girl and daughter in the family, I would also probably say “in the entire clan” at that time. This was a milestone, an achievement, with lots of persistence, resilience and determination of a young girl deep from the shores of Lake Kyoga, in Ocokican village.

I applied to the University and enrolled to do a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communication for a period of four (4) years (2013 – 2017). I enrolled for an evening class because I had to work to be able to fund my transport and other required items as a grown-up woman.

I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Florence Lwanga, an incredible woman and a powerful leader who played a significant role in my life. In 2014, she hired me as an Assistant in the Kitchen at her school. Thanks to my hard work and enthusiasm, combined with my love for children, an administrator recognized my potential and helped me transition into the classroom to assist the class teacher, Ms. Moreen, who made my journey possible.

In summary, I graduated from Makerere University in January 2018. I got engaged in February of that same year, and later married my wonderful husband, Kasule David. My dream had been to experience life independently after school; however, God always has the best plans for each of us.

During these events, I had the opportunity to dive into my career path at Mediavision Academy, a Film and Television Training Institute. This was my first employer, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Director, Mr. Nkambo Robert, and the entire administration at that time for trusting and believing in me as their Communication Officer. 

Then, in March 2020, the lockdown caused businesses to close in Uganda and globally. 

During this period, I began working remotely with VINAS Technicians Ltd as their Communication and Media Officer. When the country partially reopened in 2021, I was fortunate to connect with a former colleague from Mediavision, Shalom Nabwegamu, who helped me secure a position at Bond Intelligent Technologies Ltd (CCTV sector) as a Sales Desk Assistant under the management of Emmanuel Mwase

In this role, my immediate supervisor, Emma, encouraged me to think about something I could market alongside my work, which led to the creation of ‘BEATONIA’ Foods and Services Ltd. In 2023, we were invited to exhibit during World Culture Day celebrations at the National Theatre and an event that was organised by the Cross-Cultural Sector Foundation of Uganda, CCFU.

In 2022, I was called back to Mediavision Academy, and it was from here that I secured another opportunity to join the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) under the Ministry of Education and Sports, working in the Public Relations Department. This position helped me secure funding for my ongoing Advanced Diploma in Public Relations, a professional course from the UK, through Uganda Management Institute (UMI). By the time the merger affected DIT, I was proud to share that I had grown in my career and established a significant network that not only connected me with various opportunities but also helped, mention my name in rooms full of possibilities.

I have acquired many skills and undergone various training, which I continue to pursue. A Recent one was from the Aga Khan Graduate School of Media and Communication, where I acquired a certificate as a Trainer of Trainees in Gender Responsive Reporting and Communication. 

I am forever grateful to everyone who has believed in me: my sponsors and guardians, including Tr. Grace, Jim and Lisa Steel and Leila Martin.

Uncle Robert Matovu and his wife, spiritual mentors Mutyaba Michael and his wife, Daniel Agape Kato and his wife from Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the entire family of EPC, family, and friends, and mummy Brenda (Mummy Boaz).

To my husband and Beautiful daughter Tendo Elizabeth Antonia, my parents-in-law, my sister-in-law, particularly Ruth Mirember, and the entire family, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. The list goes on.

Above all, my gratitude goes to God for the life, hope, and courage that continue to propel me forward amidst pain, doubt, and all the challenges in the world.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV):

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

THANK YOU! 

LOVE YOU ALL