TURNING DESPERATION INTO OPPORTUNITY: THE STORY OF PAULA KABAHIIRWA

While many crumble under the weight of job loss, Paula Kabahiirwa saw it as a call to purpose—a chance to breathe life into a childhood dream. With just Shs400,000, she transformed a humble garage in Mutungo into a nursery school. Today, she owns two thriving schools in Mutungo and Mukono, serving nearly 500 pupils with affordable, quality education.

Her journey began in 1987 after completing teacher training at Shimoni Teachers’ Training College. She took up teaching roles across various schools, starting with a brief stint at Rwanyondo Primary School in Rubabo, Rukungiri. Marriage soon brought her to Kampala, where she taught at Arya Primary School (formerly City Primary School). It was here that frustration began to set in.

Despite her dedication, Kabahiirwa often found herself sidelined by colleagues with higher qualifications. The financial strain of raising five children, three of her own on a meager salary, coupled with her husband’s limited income at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), pushed her to seek advancement.

A colleague encouraged her to pursue further studies. She took the advice seriously, enrolling for a Diploma in Primary Education at Kakoba Teachers’ Training College (TTC) in Mbarara, completing it in 1999. She later earned a Bachelor’s in Education from Makerere University in 2003.

Yet, even with these qualifications, nothing changed. But Kabahiirwa pressed on, driven not just by duty, but by passion. Then came a turning point. In 2005, she developed complications related to a past Caesarean section and was forced to take medical leave. Upon returning, she was abruptly dismissed for allegedly breaching sick-leave rules, despite providing documentation.

It was a painful moment. But instead of sinking, Kabahiirwa chose to soar.

Birth of Comfort Nursery School

With her career in limbo and only Shs400,000 in savings, Kabahiirwa decided to start her own school. Lacking land and facilities, she repurposed a small garage, gave it a fresh coat of paint, bought two pairs of classroom furniture, a chalkboard, and began canvassing the neighborhood.

At first, it was tough. Parents were skeptical, and her facilities were small. But two brave parents took a chance and entrusted their daughters to her care. Word spread quickly about her nurturing and effective teaching style. By the next term, she had 30 pupils—and from then on, she never looked back.

Growth and Achievements

Since that bold beginning in 2005, Kabahiirwa has expanded the Mutungo school to Primary Seven. The school now serves around 400 pupils and provides employment to 40 staff members.

In addition, she opened a second branch in Mukono, currently serving 50 pupils. With time, she expects it to flourish. Her schools generate a monthly profit of Shs30 million, which now comfortably sustains her family, especially after her husband’s retirement.

Her ventures don’t end with education. Kabahiirwa also owns a tree plantation in Rujoka village, Rubabo County, and has purchased land in Mukono, where she plans to retire and focus on farming in the next decade. In preparation for succession, she is mentoring her daughter, Kiconco Mercelina, a tourism graduate from MUBS, currently serving as the school bursar.

She also envisions starting a secondary school in the near future.

Challenges Along the Way

Despite her success, Kabahiirwa faces persistent challenges. Rising costs of basic commodities such as maize flour and sugar strain the school’s operational budget. Teacher retention is another issue, with growing pressure to raise salaries to prevent staff from leaving for better-paying opportunities.

While a school fees increment could resolve some of these pressures, Kabahiirwa hesitates. She is deeply committed to keeping education affordable, especially for underprivileged families.

“Denying children an education because of self-entitlement is the last thing on my mind,” she says.