Hope Bageya overcomes albinism challenges to pursue sports glory

At 21, Hope Sarah Bageya is pursuing her sporting dreams despite the challenges of living with albinism and the financial difficulties she faces.

The first-year Bachelor of Human Resource Management student at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) says she once doubted her ability to compete in sport until the university’s disability centre encouraged her to take part.

“To join sports was part of my dreams, but because of my disability, I thought I could not be like other people. When I joined MUBS, I was inspired by the disability centre, which allowed and supported me to join sports,” Bageya said.

She participates in blind football, judo, showdown, shot put, discus, athletics and cricket, and is now learning wheelchair rugby.

“My dream was to become like the greatest sportsmen and women. This has always motivated and encouraged me to join different sports teams,” she added.

Bageya has competed in the blind football championship at Makerere University and participated in the Para Olympics National Games three times in Masaka, Kabale and the recently concluded edition in Soroti.

Discus is her favourite discipline because she finds it simple and says it requires concentration, while cricket remains challenging because of its rules and playing techniques. She also relies on her listening skills to compete and says her participation in sport has helped her meet people and build confidence.

However, training comes with challenges. Bageya says sunlight and heat affect her skin, while she sometimes struggles to afford protective oils and long sportswear to protect herself.

“Since I cannot afford the oils and long sportswear needed, I sometimes get affected by sunlight and heat. I end up getting bruises on my body. I face this often, but I comfort myself because even if I cry, I cannot change anything,” she said.

Despite these difficulties, she trains for at least five hours a day, starting with jogging after her lectures. She follows a timetable to balance sport and her studies.

Bageya hopes to represent people with disabilities at East African competitions, compete internationally for Uganda and win trophies. She also wants to inspire other people with disabilities to believe in their abilities.

“My dream is to represent my fellow people with disabilities through sport and encourage them that we can make it. My prayer is to get support to compete in East African sports, represent my country and win trophies,” she said.

She urged people with disabilities not to allow doubt to stop them from pursuing their ambitions.

“I know sport is my hope of becoming someone great. I want to encourage everyone with a disability that you can make it. Let us believe in ourselves. I am here because I loved myself,” she ended.