Studying while funding one’s own education is a challenge that forces many students to abandon school. For 28-year-old Andrew Okumu, a student at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Nakawa, Kampala, determination has kept his dream alive.
Okumu, who is pursuing a Diploma in Business Administration, sells tea from his old bicycle to support himself, a journey that began in primary six.
The death of his father left his mother caring for seven children, relying on selling maize to sustain the family.
Okumu learned the trade to help contribute to school fees and personal expenses.
“I asked my mother to teach me how to sell maize so I could contribute to my education. She was hesitant at first but later agreed,” he said.
The idea to sell tea emerged from customers who suggested he expand from selling mineral water, which was unreliable during the cold season.
Over time, he acquired a bicycle to ease his work and employed three youths to assist him as the business grew.
Okumu sells tea mainly in the early mornings and late evenings at bars, entertainment events, along busy streets, and around MUBS. On good days, he sells 25 to 30 flasks, earning between Shs50,000 and Shs100,000.
Despite slow periods in the business, Okumu says he once searched for other work but found none, prompting him to focus on tea vending to sustain his studies.
He has faced challenges balancing academics and business and enduring ridicule from some students.
“Some students used to laugh at me for selling tea at the same university where I study, but it motivates me to work harder,” Okumu said.
One of his proudest moments was graduating with his first academic certificate, an experience he describes as overwhelming and joyful.
However, tuition and other expenses continue to be a challenge, occasionally forcing him to borrow money to continue his studies.
Okumu, whose dream has always been to study business, hopes one day to own a large hotel that will provide opportunities for other young people facing difficult circumstances.