The Member of Parliament for Kimaanya–Kabonera, Dr. Abed Bwanika, has urged parents to work hard to educate their children, saying education remains the most reliable path for young people to achieve their life goals.
Bwanika made the remarks while touring his constituency meeting voters ahead of his bid for a second term in Parliament. He used his own life story to encourage parents and young people to remain focused, disciplined, and ambitious.
The legislator recounted that he was raised by a single mother, who later opened a bar at Kyabakuza Trading Centre to earn a living while also raising school fees for his education at Kimwanyi Primary School.
Growing up in a humble household, Bwanika said his education was entirely dependent on school fees being raised term by term. At one point, he failed to pay fees for two terms while studying at Masaka Secondary School, where he completed his Ordinary Level education.
He narrated that after his father failed to clear his Primary Five school fees, he sought help from his mother, who at the time was living in Kyabakuza. His mother later decided to operate a bar, where Bwanika would serve customers to support the family.
Bwanika described the work as exhausting, noting that balancing school, household responsibilities, and bar duties left him little time to study.
“It was very tiring. I could hardly find time to read while attending to customers,” he said.
He added that having sold alcohol for a long time, he was expected to taste different types before selling them to customers, a situation he said was inappropriate at such a young age.
Bwanika said he continued with this work until Senior Three at Masaka Secondary School. In addition to working at the bar, he took on casual jobs, including brick-making, to raise school fees.
Despite the hardships, Bwanika said he remained determined to complete his education. He later received support from a friend who took him to Kabale and paid his tuition until he graduated from university.
Drawing lessons from his experience, Bwanika said many young people today shy away from hard work, yet ambition and determination are key to success.
“I am not embarrassed to share this story because I believe it will help some young people,” Bwanika said.
He noted that while leaders and parents can support children’s education, teenagers must also understand that achieving their goals requires discipline, setting targets, and fulfilling assigned responsibilities.
Bwanika criticized the growing tendency of youths to spend time gambling in trading centres instead of engaging in productive activities that could secure their future.
He further cautioned young people to use their most active years wisely, warning against excessive involvement in political mobilization.
“You can support your preferred candidate and participate in politics, but it is unnecessary to escort candidates everywhere they go,” Bwanika said.
He encouraged youths to focus on education, skills development, and meaningful work that will prepare them for responsible adulthood and leadership.
