Rising Above The Odds: Mperierwe’s Journey To Academic Excellence

By Swift Reporter 

The release of the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results brought excitement and anxiety to thousands of candidates across the country. But for 19-year-old Bernard Mperierwe, a student of Ndeija Peas High School in Rwampara District, the day began like any other.

Bernard was in his family garden in Kazo, Western Uganda, focused on weeding before the midday break. The results release was not at the forefront of his mind until 1:00 pm, when a classmate called urging him to check his performance.

Moments later, his life changed.

“With 4 As and 6 Bs, I was overjoyed to see that I had passed my Sciences very well,” Bernard said with excitement. “I am happy to join A-Level, although my family’s financial situation may hinder my progress.”

Born to Tumugeize Mildred and Balugumira Donozio, Bernard is the third of five children. His family survives on subsistence farming and loans from a village SACCO to meet daily needs and pay school fees.

As a day scholar, Bernard faced numerous challenges, including long distances to school and limited access to scholastic materials. To support his education, he often worked on local farms to earn money for transport and essential supplies a testament to his resilience and determination.

Despite the hardships, Bernard dreams big. He aspires to become a medical doctor and establish an affordable healthcare facility to serve his home community.

His school, Ndeija Peas High School, is one of 30 institutions operated by Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS) across Uganda. Bernard’s achievement reflects the broader mission of PEAS: providing quality secondary education to students from underserved communities.

Now in its 18th year of operation in Uganda, PEAS runs schools in some of the country’s most remote areas seven in Teso, six in Central Uganda, five in Busoga, and twelve in the Western region. This year, the 30-school network registered 3,328 candidates (1,595 boys and 1,733 girls), achieving an impressive 99.9 percent pass rate among students who sat for UCE examinations.

Even more remarkable, 92 percent of learners scored A–C grades in at least five out of nine subjects a significant improvement from previous years when the pass rate hovered around 76 percent.

According to Unia Nakityo, Head of the School Network at PEAS Uganda, the steady rise in performance stems from strong school leadership, continuous professional development for teachers, and structured learner support under the new curriculum.

Nakityo emphasized that most PEAS schools serve remote and marginalized communities, where access to quality education remains a challenge. The organization’s mission aligns with national development goals, contributing to improved literacy levels. According to 2024 statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda’s literacy rate has surpassed 70 percent.

“Our mission is to ensure that every child in the country can access better education, regardless of their background or community,” Nakityo said. “Through inclusivity, quality teaching, and effective implementation of the new curriculum, we are empowering communities from the grassroots.”

Bernard Mperierwe’s story is a powerful reminder that determination, opportunity, and community support can transform lives. His journey embodies the resilience of thousands of learners across Uganda who continue to rise above adversity in pursuit of their dreams.