#KIU31STGRAD: COVID-19 pandemic lockdown tested my commitment to my dream, says Omara.

By Eunice Nangobi

After the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Uganda on March 21, 2020, a nationwide lockdown was declared on March 30, 2020, as a measure to curb the rapid spread of the virus in the country. This meant a standstill to the education sector, which was among the first institutions to be closed, from primary to university levels.

Omara Tonny, a first-year student at the time, of Bachelor of Pharmacy at Kampala International University (KIU), recalls the experience as one of the most trying moments that left him on the verge of dropping out of campus.

“I joined KIU in January 2020. After just one and a half months of study, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Uganda. We were sent back home due to the national lockdown, and I spent the entire year away from campus. This period tested my commitment to my dream to the point, I almost dropped out. But I stayed determined, driven by the strong support and motivation I received from the university community,” he said.

Being one of the students awaiting graduation at the forthcoming KIU’s 31st graduation ceremony at the Western Campus in Ishaka district, Omara is thrilled to have completed a journey that took longer than it should have. He goes ahead to appreciate the institution for grooming him into a professional. 

“KIU has been instrumental in my academic and professional development. The knowledge, practical skills, and exposure I have gained have shaped me into a pharmacist ready to contribute to clinical practice, drug research, and academia.” Omara said.

Omara has a strong vision of growing into a professional who meaningfully contributes to clinical pharmacy, pharmacology & therapeutics, research, drug development, and academia in his country.

Additionally, Omara’s participation in leadership beyond academics, offered him platforms that strengthened his passion for service, mentorship, and community impact, qualities that are crucial for a specialist in pharmacology, therapeutics, and drug development.

“I served in various leadership capacities that broadened my perspective on patient care and collaborative practice. I served as Pharmacy Coordinator for the AMR Club, advocating for rational medicine use and antimicrobial stewardship, an area closely linked to clinical pharmacy and therapeutics. I was President of the Lango Students Association for two consecutive regimes,” he said.

“A highlight of my time at KIU was winning a travel grant to Indonesia, where I proudly represented African pharmacy students on a global stage. This opportunity came after completing an intense online course with 50 other students, an experience that deepened my interest in global health research, drug development, and pharmacological innovation.” He narrated.

He concluded by appreciating his journey at KIU, the challenges, the leadership opportunities, the chance to serve his community, and the international exposure that have all prepared him to upgrade his career. Omara plans on advancing in clinical pharmacy, pharmacology & therapeutics, impactful research, innovative drug development, and academic teaching, so that he can contribute to better patient outcomes, new medical solutions, and the training of future pharmacists.