Wasswa Mubarak, The 1 Incredible Little Makerere Graduate

Who Is Wasswa Mubarak?

Wasswa Mubarak is a recent graduate of Makerere University Business School Jinja Campus, Uganda. He was thrust into the public eye after his graduation photos went viral on Twitter, with many people mistaking him for a young child in a graduation gown. The reason for the confusion is Wasswa’s condition, which causes him to remain small even as he grows.

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Where Was He Born?

Wasswa was born in Iganga District, Nakibugo sub-county, in a village called Nawanzu. He is the second-born in a family of seven, with four girls and three boys. Wasswa is a twin, making him the second-born of sorts, with his twin sister being the third-born. His parents are Mrs. Nakyanzi Nuubu and Isabirye Abdala. “How old is Wasswa Mubarak?”, you may ask! At the time (2023) of writing this article, Wasswa is 27 years old.

Education Background

Wasswa began his education in 2004 when he joined the primary school. He sat for his PLE exams in 2010, attending Bright Future School at a different exam center. He then went to Iganga Busagwa College for S1 up to S4. However, he had to sit at home for the entire year of 2014 due to financial issues. He then joined S5 at Iganga Progressive Academy, continuing through to S6. He sat for his UACE exam with a combination of MEG. After completing his A-levels, Wasswa joined Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Jinja to pursue a degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting.

What Was It Like When Wasswa Joined University?

When Wasswa joined the university, he was like any other student, although some people found him unique due to his height and childlike looks. In his first year, he was appointed as the king fresher, and the president of the freshers. His uniqueness earned him many leadership positions within the university, giving him the courage to opt for bigger roles on campus. With his resilience and persistence, people started to believe in him one by one, and he eventually became the guild president at MUBS Jinja, serving for two years until the pandemic hit.

What Challenges Did He Face?

Wasswa faced some challenges as people didn’t take him seriously due to his growth rate not being relative to theirs. He was bullied in school, especially in primary, where children would play around with him and disturb him a lot. The worst part was their insults, and they couldn’t take him as their friend, which challenged him and became a massive problem for him. But now he takes it as an advantage because it made him a leader on campus. That’s when he started believing in himself because he was recognized as a person.

What Has Wasswa Mubarak Achieved From Looking Little?

Wasswa also became an actor and was given roles as a stubborn boy in several movies and as a kid, not because he was a child but because he looked like one. He learned to use people’s insults to make them feel guilty instead of shouting back. Mubarak’s role model is Nigerian actor Iheme Osita, popularly known as Paw Paw from Aki And Paw Paw a classic Nigerian Movie.

Where does he get his resilience?

Wasswa attributes his resilience and positivity to his parents, who encouraged him and made him believe he could be great instead of asking himself questions and crying. The biggest weapon he has is his education, and he thanks his parents for not giving up on him. He also has his self-esteem and positivity, accepting who he is and living his story, not what others call him. He expressed gratitude to his friend Ssenyonga Badru, his boss Kawoya Aloysius, and the MUBS admin, particularly Doctor Mukyala Veronica, who was like a mother to him at some point. He mentioned that she used to call him to her office since he was the president, and they would share ideas. He also thanked Prof. Wassabalunywa, who had mentored him in leadership and entrepreneurship. He added that he is grateful for his dad, whom he loves very much.

Advice From Wasswa To Other Disadvantaged People

Wasswa advises everyone to believe in themselves, seek advice, and fight the negativity and stigma of being different. He believes that disability is not inability and that little people like himself can do big things that other people have done. He prays for a bright future and thanks his parents for never leaving him. Wasswa’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, he rose above them and became a leader in his community. His story serves as an inspiration to others to believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams