Disabled Opi steals show at graduation

By Francis Emorut                                                    

Richard Onama Opi was the star of the day during the graduation ceremony of Michelangelo College of Creative Arts, Kisubi.

Opi, who was born without arms, graduated with a Diploma of art and design.

The 26- year-old gradaund can draw images of any sorts and make sculptures using his legs.

He was carried by his brother Bosco Hama drawing ululations from the guests. They dashed to congratulate him and give him money.

His name drew thunderous applause during the College's sixth graduation ceremony at Kisubi, Wakiso district.

Opi who hails from Adjumani, was sponsored by Efforts to Educate Needy Children of Uganda (EENU). (Credit: Francis Emorut)

As soon as Opi stepped forward the paparazzi swung into action taking the pictures of the graduand as family members carried him.

According to the administrator of the College, Sam Olinga, Opi has no match in his art work.

"He can draw anything using his legs and this has made us (the College) be proud of him," Olinga said.
 

Opi being congratulated by family members and two of his sponsors of Efforts to Educate Needy Children of Uganda, who include the director Joseph Ambayo (far-left). (Credit: Francis Emorut)

Opi, who hails from Adjumani is an orphan and the first born of four children to his parents  was sponsored by Efforts to Educate Needy Children of Uganda (EENU).

His mother, Carolina Dropia, was all smiles after her son's achievement.

"Opi was born without hands and I thought he would even die but here I am celebrating his achievements,"  Dropia told New Vision during the sidelines of the graduation ceremony.

Deaf graduands of Michelangelo College of Arts and Design. Photo/Francis Emorut

"This is to prove to the world that disability is not inability," Opi said.

He was among 250 graduands that were awarded certificates and Diplomas in arts and design.

Among the graduands were the deaf who followed the proceedings through a sign language interpreter.

Brother Frederick Musaazi, the principal of the College, asked government to popularize the arts and design course countrywide to enable youth to create jobs for sustainability.

Musaazi also appealed to government to channel some grants to the College as it mostly caters for students with special needs and to grant it university status to attract more students across the country and internationally.

The chairman of the college, Edward Ddamulira advised the graduands to avoid becoming conmen and be faithful in their work.

"Don't cheat people who come to you for services but be faithful to them," Ddamulira said.

Grace Mbabazi, the acting director of tourisms, wildlife and antiquities who was a chief guest implored the graduands to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS.

"You should be mindful of your health and be careful not to contracting the deadly disease which has no cure," Mbabazi said.