Determination earned Nakiwala First Class in Electrical Engineering
Nakiwawa says in her second semester, she endeavoured to join discussion groups, which helped her grasp the course better.
Engineer Cynthia Nakiwala (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)
Engineer Cynthia Nakiwala with her mother, Angela Nantembe Kisolo. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)
Cynthia Nakiwala is an electrical engineer with Nile Breweries, Jinja. Last year, on December 11, Nakiwala graduated from Kyambogo University with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, scoring a first-class.
She shared with Maureen Nakatudde how she almost missed a first class and had to pull up her socks after realising laxity would cost her.
Congratulations on getting a first-class degree and getting a job before graduation.
Thank you. I got a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.5 points.
Were you this bright in secondary school, too?
I was the best girl in Arlington Academy of Hope, Budduda district, with six aggregates. This took me to Trinity College Nabbingo, where I got 13 points from eight subjects, being among the best three girls. From there, I joined St. Mary’s College Namagunga, where I got 19 points in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. This earned me a spot at Kyambogo University on a government scholarship.
How were you able to maintain this excellent performance even at the University?
To be honest, I didn't start very well. When I got a government scholarship, I thought things would automatically work themselves out. I actually got a (CGPA) of 3.8 points at the end of the first semester. I then realised that I had to pull up my socks!
What did you do to get back on track?
In my second semester, I endeavoured to join discussion groups, which helped me to grasp the course better.
What motivated you to stay focused and finish your education?
I come from a humble background. Whenever I remembered how much my family invested in me, I’d stay on course, knowing I left home to study so someday I could make things better. At that time, I was not working, so I concentrated on my education.
Why do you think young women avoid doing science courses?
Some girls fear challenges; they want comfort zones. So, the young ladies miss out on landing jobs that can give them good remuneration. For science courses, you need to think and read a lot sometimes.
Did you ever find the course tough or a walkover for you?
Sometimes I would think to myself: ‘I now know why they say this course is for men. How did I get myself into this?’ I just thank my parents, Angela Nantembe Kisolo (Deputy Headteacher at Nakasero Primary School) and Thomas Kisolo Kitandwe (headteacher at Mother Majeri Nursery and Primary School), who stood by me in moments of doubt. They always had a positive mindset about the course I was doing. I would share with them my fears, and they would give me much encouragement.
Besides your parents, were there any people who encouraged you to perform better?
My brother, Dr. Stuart Kitandwe, is not only a medical doctor, but was also very good at science subjects. My sister Edith Sandra Lunkuse, who also studied sciences but chose to branch off into accounting, was very beneficial in the areas of mathematics.
The majority of your classmates were male-dominated: How did you shine through?
We were 12 ladies among 125 students. The rest were boys. Initially, it was a bit awkward because we were a few girls, but as time went on, we learnt to study together. The attitude that electrical engineering was a male-dominated field had to change because in the field, it was different. When people saw a lady, they wanted to empower her and give her support.
Currently, what does your work entail?
I work at a factory, where we do more of machine maintenance and configuration. The job is challenging because every day it puts you to the task of exploring and learn new things.