Blind but unbroken: Biryahwaho’s academic fight

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As the saying goes, everyone is a potential candidate for disability. Gilbert Biryahwaho, a dedicated mathematics teacher, was not born blind, but a devastating road crash altered the course of his life.

Instead of sinking into despair, he chose to persevere. With government sponsorship, Biryahwaho pursued further education, not only to improve his earning potential but also to inspire others with visual impairments that disability is not inability.

Gilbert Biryahwaho, a teacher at Hornby High School Junior addresses journalists after receiving in master’s degree in education at Aga Khan University on 7th February 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

“God has been faithful to me. It is not easy to cope with life after losing my sight. I was involved in a car accident in 2010. By then, I was pursuing a diploma in education. Since I had structural damage to the brain following the crash, I had to have an operation so that blood clots could be extracted,” disclosed Biryahwaho.

Determined to adapt to his new reality, Biryahwaho studied Braille basics at Hornby High School Junior in Kabale Municipality.

“Learning Braille was my only option to survive. When I excelled, I then enrolled for a diploma programme in special needs education at Kyambogo University, switching from mathematics because it was the only opportunity that fit my new circumstances,” explained Biryahwaho.

When his hard work paid off, Biryahwaho did not settle. He went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education in the hope of securing a promotion. However, after failing to obtain one, he applied for a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree.

Joyce Nandudu celebrates her success with Princess Zahra Aga Khan (left) and Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin (right), AKU Vice Chancellor after receiving a diploma in general nursing at Aga Khan University on 7th February 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

“I am grateful to the government through the Ministry of Education and Sports for sponsoring my discipline, which cost sh15m. Since I am the breadwinner, I still hope for better opportunities to support my four children,” said Biryahwaho.

Beyond Biryahwaho’s case, the government annually sponsors five students admitted to Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development of East Africa in Tanzania.

He made the remarks during the celebration of the first Convocation held at Aga Khan University in Kampala on February 7, 2026.

According to the university administration, convocation is a celebration of individual educational achievement. It is also a moment when learning meets responsibility, when preparation gives way to service.

The event was graced by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who was installed as AKU pro-chancellor on January 17, 2026.

During the awarding ceremony, a total of 108 graduates, including nurses, teachers, media professionals and physicians, received degrees and diplomas in various disciplines.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (left), Rashid, a graduand and Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin (right), AKU Vice Chancellor pose for a photo during the awarding of degrees at Aga Khan University on 7th February 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

Addressing the congregation, the vice chancellor of AKU, Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, hailed the government and President Yoweri Museveni for their role in the development of the campus, noting that such partnerships transform ripples of change into waves of progress.

“When I look at the Class of 2025, I see individuals who are ready to meet the challenges Uganda faces: ethically grounded and prepared to lead with humility and care. Uganda’s future will be shaped not only by policies and capital, but by professionals who serve with integrity and competence.” Shahabuddin advised graduates.

The university chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, emphasised the impact of the graduates’ achievement, noting that the University and its alumni carry an extraordinary responsibility to create, disseminate and apply knowledge in ways that improve the quality of human life.

Since education amplifies impact, Aga Khan told graduates that “this is an important milestone for each of you, and I am confident it will be followed by many outstanding achievements in your life. When we educate an individual, we do not merely confer personal assets that can never be taken away; we set in motion a powerful ripple effect that extends to families and communities.”

To underscore the power of education, Aga Khan urged graduates to seize the opportunity and use the knowledge they have acquired to tackle challenges facing their communities.

Graduands celebrate their success after receiving degrees in various disciplines at Aga Khan University on 7th February 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Sarah Naluyima, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, said graduating from AKU Uganda was a dream come true. She noted that the mentorship, practical experience and values acquired during their studies had prepared them to serve their communities with skill, compassion and integrity.

After receiving the academic excellence and leadership awards, Nicodemus Epaphras, a graduand with a Master’s in Education specialising in Tertiary Education, urged the government to equip persons with visual impairments with digital literacy skills, emphasising that inclusion benefits both the community and the country.