Growing Up in the Cliff Mountains of Bulambuli

 In their hearts, ambitious aspirations take root. Some envision themselves as future healers, aspiring to don the white coat of doctors, while others harbor dreams of imparting knowledge and shaping minds as great teachers and lawyers. Fueled by an unwavering drive, they are determined to pursue the finest education available, propelling them closer to … Read more

Unveiling the Enigma of Ssuubi’s Metallic Box

There is a secret behind the metallic box that Henry Ssuubi Kiyimba was carrying on the day social media mocked him. The famous box was serving generations after his mother’s National Teachers College (NTC) days. Hidden within the metallic box that drew social media mockery on the day Henry Ssuubi Kiyimba was ridiculed lies a … Read more

Collaborate with BSC to Protect and Support the Well-being of Boys.

As Ssuubi Henry Kiyimba triumphs against all odds to emerge as a prominent figure in the country, it provides a glimpse into the life of the boychild. Henry Ssuubi Kiyimba has successfully become a qualified engineer, contributing to a reputable regional company, Uganda Baati. Ssuubi’s journey began at Makerere University, where he faced social media … Read more

Muwanguzi Stands at a Crossroads, Yearning for a Father Figure

In the aftermath of his father’s unexpected passing, Acleo Muwanguzi grapples with a profound sense of loss. The burden of navigating life without his father, compounded by emotional rejection from his immediate family, weighs heavily on the 13-year-old.  The late Aloysious Bangula, aged 83 (RIP), was laid to rest in Zirobwe, Luwero district on … Read more

Young Dreamer Turns Vision into Reality: Achieving Dreams at a Tender Age

Nicholas Tukwasibwe the 6-year-old world’s youngest tour guide antennas picked the right signal. In a world where dreams often take years to materialize, there are remarkable individuals who defy the norm and turn their aspirations into reality at a remarkably tender age.

Popularly known as Nicholas, the gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park was fueled by ambition, determination, and unwavering passion, embark on journeys that inspire us all.

The 6-year-old prodigy could always stand at the strategic cliff of view near Park View Safari Lodge Kyambura where the signpost was posted.

In this story, we delve into the extraordinary achievements of a young visionary Tukwasibwe who has defied age-related barriers to reach for the stars and touch the realms of success that most can only dream of.

His story is a testament to the boundless potential that lies within the hearts and minds of many people.

“I am feeling much better and OK…” this is the new slogan from Nicholas and is experienced by those in the tourism circles, especially a couple of tourists frequenting Western Uganda in Rubirizi district to catch Nicholas the gem while performing his services unusual tour guiding services.

It is not that Nicholas was born with a silver spoon, his aggressiveness and vigor paid him, he is well aware of the task ahead of him despite being just 6 years old. He is surviving with a single mother and two other siblings.

It’s through this job that he can feed his siblings and his ailing 46-year-old mother of 3, Peninah Kyomuhendo, who is sleeping in the old dilapidated single room near the Rubirizi-Kasese main road.

Despite his limited knowledge about the inner workings of the country’s largest national game park, he never hesitated to seize any chance near his home to educate tourists. He mimicked and diligently memorized the introductory gestures and information typically delivered by professional tour guides.

From this background, Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation (BSC) picked the young lad to further his dream and also help him acquire is a decent formal education thanks to Yesigye Brian Bravo for identifying Nicholas.

Golden Boy from Rubirizi

In Rubirizi district, nature is boundless with succulent architectural realities, it had to be Nicholas to led a team of tourists to traverse through Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel, and salt panels at Lake Bunyampaka, Kasenyi.

On his first experience thanks to Home to Africa Tour and Travel agency for giving Nicholas his first real experience where he impressed a lot and left many tourists mesmerized.

It is no coincidence the 6-year-old was born here in Rubirizi  – born to be a guide in the nestled region that embraces rolling hills. This idyllic place is a true haven for nature enthusiasts. Towering, ancient rocks create a verdant canopy overhead, providing a natural respite from the sun’s rays.

The landscape is a vibrant tapestry of colors, with wildflowers painting the meadows in shades of purple, yellow, and red protected by several crater lakes including the African shape with so many aliases like Lake Butoto, Nkugute which has become a popular destination for tourists, though the local community has had limited benefits from the tourism industry.

Home to Africa, led by Nicholas Tukwasibwe the guidance of one of the most experienced tour guides in Uganda Zedius Dedya guided the boy into the gentle, meandering river winds of Kazinga Channel and its way through this pristine setting with the Siamese connection between Lake George and Lake Albert, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the azure skies above and the silent giants like hippopotamus and crocodiles and a few isolated buffalos taking shower along the riverbanks.

At the water banks, Nickolas using his binoculars was able to find smooth, sun-warmed stones resting under the shades of trees that beckon you to sit and listen to the soothing sounds of nature.

Wildlife abounds in this sanctuary, with birds of every feather filling the air with their melodious songs. Deer and other graceful creatures roam freely, adding to the enchantment of the place.

Trails wind through the landscape, inviting explorers to lose themselves in the beauty of the wilderness in the calm waters of the Kazinga channel. Each twist and turn reveals new wonders, from hidden waterfalls cascading into emerald pools to breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.

This place is a true testament to the majesty of the natural world, a sanctuary where physical features harmonize with the beauty of nature to create an oasis of serenity and wonder.

The future Jewel

Nicholas’ expression and knowledge about the tourism subject left the public and social media world guessing which breed of tourist guide he has become and how best can he maintain his God-given talent and skill.

He is an interesting boy, and at the age of 6, one would not believe that he has a passion for what he does.

After the success of Game Drive, Zedius described Nicholas as the biggest asset to the tourism industry and promised to improve him and make him a big asset in the industry.

 

“He managed to spot most of the animals despite this being his first experience. He needs to regularly visit the park. To me, he is a great guide and in case he improves on the language, he will be among the best tour guides we have in the country,” he described Nicholas.

Mbonye Mark Levis, the Rubirizi District Community Development Officer (DCDO), applauded Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation’s visit to the district as a blessing and timely.

He said that despite having Universal Primary Education (UPE), one of the Government of Uganda’s policy tools for achieving poverty reduction and human development, some of the children have not yet benefited from it due to different factors.

“We end up having a big number of dropouts after P.7, and most boys join boda bodas, and girls turn out as housemaids and barmaids, and this is a big challenge because this number is increasing day by day. A few go for skilling in Mbarara, and the intervention by the government is minimal,” Mbonye added.

According to Mbonye, parents struggle to take care of their children due to constrained incomes, and casual labor is paid sh5,000 to work from morning to afternoon.

He called out NGOs and Civil Society organizations (CSOs) to intervene because cases of juvenile cases at Police are improving day in and day out.

Rubirizi district’s key economic activities include semi-intensive agriculture, fishing, trade and commerce, transport, stone quarrying, sand mining, mineral mining, construction industry, tourism, and lumbering, which is mainly dominated by men.

Baker Akampulira the district Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) commended Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation and its partners for taking on Nicholas and highlighted that the gesture will add value to the tourism industry in Rubirizi district.

“We are trying to market our district; tourism is not generation much to the district but generating to individuals. We want to engage all the stakeholders so that the district can help in building the infrastructure,” he said after signing a memorandum of understanding with Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation.

Nicholas is Now a Brand Ambassador

As Uganda’s youngest tour guide, this remarkable individual has not only garnered widespread admiration but has also won the hearts of many through his profound passion for tourism and community involvement.

Recognizing his exceptional talents and dedication, the young prodigy has earned a coveted, long-term endorsement from one of the country’s top tour and travel agencies, Home to Africa.

The company has experts in tailored safaris in East Africa and has unmatched knowledge of the major destinations in the region with a passion, and understanding of the region which makes it unique.

Nicholas will be the brand ambassador at Home to Africa Tour and Travel, and he is expected to set foot across the East African region in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda among other countries that have made a commitment to take charge of Nicholas’s welfare, education, and mentorship, aiming to nurture his talent and bring him closer to his dream.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the agency’s ethos of responsible tourism and giving back to the communities that enrich travelers’ experiences.

Aryanyijuka Elias, Managing Director of Home to Africa Tours, emphasized the agency’s dedication to responsible tourism and community engagement, stating, “We believe that travel should not only be about exploring new destinations but also about giving back to the communities that make our journeys memorable. Our partnership with Bravo Shoes is rooted in this spirit of responsibility and community enrichment.”

He further added, “Our collaboration with Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation is geared towards making a meaningful difference in the lives of the tourism communities we engage with. Our shared commitment to social responsibility is the cornerstone of this partnership, and we envision a collaboration that enhances the well-being of local residents while contributing to the sustainable development of these regions.”

The collaboration between Home to Africa Tours and Bravo Shoes Community Organization represents a convergence of common values and objectives, with a shared commitment to elevate communities, empower the youth, and forge a brighter collective future.

Nicholas Tukwasibwe’s Inspiring Tale of Guiding Tourists Before Losing His Baby Teeth

More than the cute, inspiring, and astonishing story of the baby tour guide popularly known as ‘Nicholas’ from Mirambi, Kichamba Subcounty Rubirizi District, Western Uganda.   Nicholas is the gateway to the famous Queen Elizabeth National Game Park.  These are part of the generous services Nicholas serves his clients to entice them about the beauty that … Read more

Kaberamaido Twins Meet Mother at School

It was an ecstatic moment with a smiling sun at a glance, they could barely conceal their happiness, joy, and relief welled up inside of them.

Once living in disprovable life with their mentally ill mother, the 7-year-old twins hailed from the bushes of Ochero Sub County, Kagaa Parish at Acyekitoyo village in Kaberamaido district, northeastern Uganda.

Aaron Opio and Doreen Acen were a joy to watch on the Namuwaya Education Center visiting day which took place on Sunday, July 5. The twins had no idea that their lovely mum was coming.

The visibly ill mother Christine Asege with the help of Emmanuel Alega (her Neighbor back home) managed to travel a distance of 390 Km distance from Kaberamaido to Kampala and by 9:00 am, she was around Bweyogerere, Wakiso District.

On the way to the school, Bravo Shoes Community Support (BSCS) team dropped her at one of the local supermarkets around Kirinnya to grab a refreshment and also probably shop for snacks and beverages for her children.

Inside the supermarket, Asege opted for a few pick aways, a tomato source bottle, a few sodas, crisps, and ice cream. Yes, she is the mother of the 7-year-olds and probably by instinct she knew what will put a smile on Doreen and Aaron. (Note she was too naïve and ignorant about the supermarket culture in urban centers, thanks to Emmanuel for guidance).

On reaching Namuwaya, happiness is everything in life, the two warriors fully clad in the uniforms had fully adapted to the school culture and beamed with excitement and curiosity upon seeing the BSCS team. We didn’t reveal their mother first.

Bonding Moments with the Mother

Opio and Acen were smiling over the moon, you could easily tell how the school has transformed them in confidence and expression, they can speak some little English with communication gestures and they could bond well with other students at school.

“Sam, come…” Opio is heard speaking to one of his fellow students in the compound looking healthy and strong like other children.

Upon seeing her children nearly after two months, Asege hugged them and you easily read the electronic connection was loud. She pulled a rare smile to express her love and appreciation as she kept looking at her children and the BSCS team without saying a word.

Forget the crisps and sodas, the Kaberamaido mother had a surprise for Opio and Acen, she had packed the organic roasted maize and cassava back from home as she looked calm and contented while seated on the grass compound cheering with her children.

They seemingly exchanged a lot of stories back home as the little boy, Opio kept moving and coming back away from her mother while the Acen was still and kept munching on the roasted maize her mother has carried for her hundreds of miles from home.

The untold story after picking the twins from Kaberamaido

According to Emmanuel Alega the man who identified the twins in March and contacted the Daily Monitor journalist who put their plight in the limelight.

The twins hit the limelight after Daily Monitor discovered that the duo is not merely children but breadwinners.

“These children could gather rugs to find what to eat, their hygiene was not good and many times they survived like animals on green leaves and their home ignored by everyone because it could smell all the time because they had no toilet and could defecate everywhere,” he said

 

Alega said that when these kids were picked by the BSCS organization, their mother was not happy and started missing her children as she was always worried about what could happen to her children when she can’t reach them.

“When they were picked, the mother was not happy and she looked worried! But for us, we knew that these children lacked a lot and this was God’s calling and now I have seen our children looking healthy and happy. Their hygiene is fine and they can even speak good English!” he commended.

Alege commended all the parties who have played a big role in transforming the lives of the Kaberamaido twins and too appreciated Bravo Shoes Community Support for taking the responsibility to invite people from Kaberamaido to come and visit the twins at their school.

So far, Alega joins George Olyer the cousin of the twins, their mother to visit the twins and the district officials are also planning to visit them.

How they managed to cope with the school

After one month upon their arrival, the 7-year-old adorable twins from Kaberamaido had to endure a lot more as they tried to adapt to the environment and catch up with strange things they found in the classroom.

Despite their spirits expressing willingness to change from their past without looking back. The twins struggled to adapt to the new life in school.

It was understandable, leaving your home, family, friends and all that’s familiar to move to would be a big deal is sometimes costly.

The two children fell sick a few days after their successful report at school. The organization took care of them. It was homesickness, a feeling of stress or anxiety caused by separation from people and places that you know.

Anderson Natumanya, Coordinator BSCS at Namuwaya Education Center explained how he managed to deal with the unique situation of the two lovely children from Kaberamaido and other children taken care of by the organization.

“With Doreen and Opio, the challenge at first was unfamiliar diseases, they acquired several diseases like typhoid, and walking on pavers was a problem too. Bathing tap water also became a problem and they developed skin rashes,” he explained.

However, Natumanya says he managed to cluster their weaknesses and he squarely dealt with them. He has instilled discipline and leadership among all the c

“I make sure they are all together as a family, we make sure we do activities like homework as they help each other. The twins have started writing their names and am impressed. What makes me happy is that they live as a family and share the same history together,” he said,

Natumanya called upon organizations, corporate entities, and individuals to join Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation to transform lives.

Gallery – Visitation Day 09/07/2023