We bring you a graduation success story of Dr. Kakundwa Naome, whose academic journey at Ndejje University reflects resilience, mentorship, and faith in God’s timing.
Dr. Naome began her higher-education journey at Ndejje University with a Certificate in Business Administration. She describes her early experience as transformative, crediting her facilitators for nurturing her foundation in accounting and finance. “The facilitators were good; they mentored me well, and it was my first time learning accounting,” she recalls, expressing special gratitude to Dr. Buwule for his guidance and support.
Motivated to advance further, she pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree at Ndejje University, where she excelled with a Second Class Upper and was later retained to serve in the Faculty of Business Administration. Under the leadership of Dr. Milly Kwagara, she received continuous encouragement to further her studies. Through Dr. Kwagara’s mentorship and network, Naome earned a State House scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree at Uganda Christian University.
Her journey did not stop there. With the introduction of the PhD program at Ndejje University, designed by Dr. Milly Kwagara and Dr. Buwule, Naome became one of its pioneer students. Her research focused on Corporate Governance and Financial Performance of SACCOs in Bushenyi District, Uganda — a study that contributes significantly to understanding accountability and sustainability in local financial institutions.
Naome successfully defended both her proposal and PhD thesis, crediting Ndejje University’s supportive environment for her success. “I managed to finish the course due to the supportive environment, which showed me how Ndejje is the best university,” she affirms.
She extends heartfelt appreciation to the examiners and mentors who guided her through the process — Dr. Setekera, Prof. Nazarius, Prof. Martha, Dr. Buwule, Dr. Kasiime Grace, Dr. Primerose, Prof. Laura from Makerere University (her external examiner), and Dr. Yiga Lubega. She also acknowledges Ndejje University Management, NEMRA, colleagues from Nkumba University, Victoria University, and her church family for their unwavering support.
In her message to current students, Dr. Naome advises:
- Stay in touch with your supervisor.
- Appreciate every form of criticism.
- Read widely and attend seminars and workshops.
- Join research groups like NEMRA and SoWrite.
- Regularly update with UNCST.
- Above all, be humble and learn to interpret your work in a way that others can understand.
Her journey from a certificate student to a PhD graduate stands as a powerful testament to Ndejje University’s commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and holistic education.