Twijukye Provided Sports Gear and Educational Assistance

As Dr. Reuben Twijukye watched TV West online - a local Ugandan station in Huntsville, Alabama - a story thousands of miles away moved him so much that he took immediate action. On screen was 12-year-old Annitah Akankwatsa of Uganda, sprinting toward the finish line in a 1500-meter race after her shirt had fallen mid-race. Instead of slowing down, she took it off and kept going, crossing the finish line in second place.

“I saw more than just a young girl running,” said Twijukye, an assistant professor of management at Alabama A&M University. “I saw courage – the kind of bravery that comes from deep within, even when everything is working against you.”

The race took place on May 5 during the Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality Primary Kids Track and Field Championship in western Uganda and quickly made its way to YouTube. Twijukye, who was born and raised in Uganda, and moved to the U.S. at the age of 18, wanted to help – but first, he had to find her.

He immediately began making phone calls. A friend helped him connect with journalist Aloysius Byamukama, who had covered the event. That contact led him to Annitah Akankwatsa’s school, her coaches, and eventually to her family. What he learned moved him even more.

Akankwatsa comes from a struggling household. Her father left the family, and her mother, Annet Kenjobe, works as a casual laborer to raise five children. Akankwatsa, the fourth-born, had become the family’s brightest hope, but her future was uncertain.

“Her mother was struggling to pay school fees, and Annitah didn’t know if she’d be able to return to school,” said Twijukye. “Her bravery on that track told me she deserves a chance to succeed.”

Twijukye boarded a flight to Uganda just five days later. On May 10, he met Akankwatsa, her mother, her teachers, and school officials in Bushenyi. He provided her athletic apparel, undergarments, school supplies, and paid her school tuition.

“She was emotionally overwhelmed and incredibly happy,” said Twijukye. “She kept saying she would work hard, stay disciplined, and keep faith in God. Her mother cried. Her brother, Gerald Ahereza, was very appreciative.”

Twijukye stayed in Uganda until May 24 to ensure the support was in place and to build a direct relationship with the family. He plans to continue sponsoring Akankwatsa’s education and hopes to return to Uganda regularly to check on her progress.

“Helping her was one of the most emotional and fulfilling experiences of my life,” said Twijukye, who has taught at Alabama A&M University for two years. “Annitah’s bravery in the face of adversity has become a symbol of determination in her community. She’s even expressed interest in visiting AAMU one day.”

Twijukye, who has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Human Resource and Leadership Development from Louisiana State University, said the experience reaffirmed his purpose as an educator.

“What I love most about Alabama A&M is the family environment and our shared mission,” he said. “This journey reminded me that our impact as educators often stretches far beyond the classroom. Sometimes, it reaches across oceans.”

More on this story here.

(Photo L-R) Elias Yetegure, Ugandan friend, Dr. Reuben Twijukye, Annitah Akankwatsa, Annet Kenjobe, Annitahs’ mother, Gerald Ahereza, Annitahs’ brother