Nakato's Journey from Masaka Village to Medical School

When Sarah Nalwoga, a banker in Kampala, first decided to sponsor a child through Kuza Africa in 2018, she never imagined she'd be attending the same girl's medical school graduation six years later.

A Childhood in Masaka

Nakato Kiboowa was born in Kijjabwemi village, Masaka district, where her parents struggled to farm their small plot of land. "Many days we ate only once," Nakato recalls. "School was a luxury - I would watch other children walk to St. Henry's College with my empty stomach aching."

The Turning Point

In 2018, Kuza Africa's sponsorship program identified Nakato through their partnership with Masaka Diocese. Sarah became her sponsor, covering:

• School fees at St. Agnes Primary School
• Uniforms and supplies
• Weekly discipleship classes
• Medical checkups

"At first I couldn't believe someone in Kampala cared about me," Nakato says, wiping tears. "Sarah's first letter said 'You are God's precious daughter' - words I still keep under my pillow."

Today's Reality

Now 19, Nakato is:

• Top of her class at Mityana Nursing School
• Volunteer at Masaka Regional Hospital
• Mentor to 3 younger sponsored girls

"Next year I begin clinical practice," Nakato beams. "I want to open a clinic in Kijjabwemi so no child dies from preventable diseases like my baby brother did."

Sarah reflects: "Nakato calls me 'Jajja' (grandmother) now. Through her, God has given me a Ugandan family."