Derrick Yiga Martin
Age 20-years-old
School Kyambogo University
Class Year 1 (Freshman)
City Lubaga neighborhood, Kampala
Family situation I stay with my Mother who is HIV -positive and my sister Hilda, who studies under L.E.A.D Uganda sponsorship.
I want to be a business man.
Ambition I would love to pioneer business ideas for the rural people to help them overcome poverty.
Hobbies I love playing soccer, listening to music, singing, studying the Bible and researching.
My story
“I come from a family of six children, two of whom are adopted. I am an AIDS orphan. My father, Kasozi Samuel, died when I was just 3-years-old.
I grew up with my mother Nabuuma Margaret. She faced a lot of difficulties trying to fend for the family alone. She could only afford to give us one meal a day. Sometimes we went to school on empty stomachs. My mother faced difficulties paying my school fees. I spent my school time ‘on and off’ due to school fees debts. At times I missed exams, but I thank God that Mom managed to push me up to 7th grade.
In 2003 I joined L.E.A.D Uganda through my mother’s efforts. She introduced me to Stephen Shames and explained to him my need for education and how she was struggling. L.E.A.D Uganda agreed to pay part of my school fees at first. Then, when I reached 11th grade, because I did so well, they paid my full tuition.
My family and the L.E.A.D Uganda family have great expectations for me. I work hard to maintain the hopes of them all. Their faith in me and hope for my future inspires me. I am so grateful to L.E.A.D Uganda and Stephen Shames for paying my school fees. I do not miss classes any more and because I am no longer a burden to my mother, she gathers enough for the rest of the family.
I start university this fall at Mukono Christian University. I graduated from Kisubi Minor Seminary (high school). Kisubi trains responsible, God fearing leaders. I want to be a Priest. I would like also like to become a lawyer.”
