Book Title: The Agony of a Rising Star

Author: Aggrey Wunyi

Year of Publication: 2019

Price: Sh20,000

Pages: 92

Where: Aristoc Bookshop

In his introductory notes, Prof Muhammed Ngoma, of Makerere University, observes that the story of Aggrey Wunyi offers hope to the reader out there experiencing hardships in their academic journeys. 

If they can only be as focused, disciplined, resilient and determined as Bogo, the main character Bogo. They will one day make it in life.

The Agony of a Rising Star is a 92-page-fascinating story of a village boy who defied all odds to rise to the top like the biblical Joseph. It is too short but presented in a simple, pleasant, honest and conversational style.

From the first page to the last page, the reader who has lived in Uganda or actually Africa can relate to the story, as it’s what is happening in most of our societies. His story highlights the role of mothers in shaping the character and destiny of their children. It shows how one case of luck, resilience and hard work can turn around the fortunes of a family.

The book has a central character Bogo, who grew up in 1970s from a family that was financially challenged. It was a result of struggle and resilience that Bongo who seemingly did not possess outright promise, was able to contrive a living and amidst all challenges, made it to the University on Government sponsorship and turned out a very useful person.

Growing up, Bogo sold bananas and made tadobas (kerosene lamps) to pay for his school fees after famine drove his father away from the family, leaving his mother a primary school teacher in a Catholic mission school as the sole breadwinner.

During the good old days, Bogo recalls, his father was a generous serviceman, taking care of his extended family. When the serviceman left home, his dependents were distraught, unleashing their frustration on Bogo and his siblings.

The in-laws even sold the family home, forcing Bogo’s mother, to rent a nearby abandoned structure with a tin roof and walls made from mud and wattle.

When the results of the Primary Leaving Exams were announced, Bogo emerged top of his class. However, he was unable to join his first choice secondary school in the city because his mother could not afford the fees or even buy uniforms and other requirements.

Bogo then began to sell sweet bananas to raise funds. He ended up joining a school far away from his home on half bursary. His school bag was made from palm leaves and he used a banana fibre to fasten his oversized trousers.

“During the school assembly, the banana fibre had dried up unknowingly to Bogo. As he stood up in his class, the trousers gave way exposing his underwear which was equally in a sorry state,”

It would have been difficult for Bogo’s mother to pay for her children’s education, but thanks to his brilliance, Bogo is able to occasionally earn annual bursaries, which relieve the pressure on his mother’s finances.

Bogo’s business picked up and he invested in paraffin lamps made from used electric bulbs. Bogo and his mother joined a savings and credit society that enabled him to access funds to join his dream urban school to complete his ‘O’ levels. Towards the end of his ‘A’ level education, his father appeared and apologised for his actions.

He eventually died as Bogo was completing university. After graduation, Bogo worked for a rural non-governmental organisation and later the local government.

The story also tells us about the dependency syndrome that is prone in many parts of Uganda. His estranged relatives began to flock to his home for assistance. He had hoped to enjoy his earnings like his colleagues but it seemed, he was chained to problems.

The book also captures properly the politics of the day where politicians are always trying to outshine each other by promising things that they know they have no capacity at all to deliver. Politicians are willing to go all the way to ensure that they are elected even if it means lying to people.

In The Agony of a Rising Star Wunyi is speaking to those who grew up in privilege, reminding them that there is another side to life and that it can be tough.

He is at the same time talking to those like him who grew up surrounded by poverty, but somehow managed to make something meaningful out of themselves. It is a story of hope and one that will certainly inspire those who are struggling to make something of themselves.

The book was evaluated by the National Curriculum Development Centre and deemed appropriate for use as a reader at the Lower Secondary Level.

Wunyi is currently the accounting officer Uganda Police Force. He went to Makerere University where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences and later a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.