Life in Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital is a tale of contrasts. It’s a city that showcases immense wealth and poverty side by side. Exotic cars glide down the streets, luxurious homes tower over the landscape, and people spend money with ease, as though it grows on trees. Yet, for every story of opulence, there are countless others of struggle. I know this firsthand because I’ve lived through it.
I came to Kampala in 2011, filled with hope, dreams, and the belief that I too would someday thrive in this bustling city. I had grown up in Kasese, a place far removed from the fast-paced life of Kampala, and arriving here felt like stepping into a world of limitless possibilities. The city was filled with stories of people who had made it big—youth like Hamis Kiggundu, a man who had become a millionaire with shopping malls and properties spread across Kampala. I thought to myself, “If they can do it, why can’t I?”
But the city, while full of promise, also held harsh realities. The cost of living was high, opportunities were scarce, and success seemed to slip through my fingers no matter how hard I tried. I had married young, not by choice, but by circumstance. A two-year illness had caused me to drop out of school, and in the midst of that hardship, I made a mistake—I got my girlfriend pregnant. In my culture, when a man impregnates a woman, marriage is almost inevitable, and so I found myself married at an early age to my first love.
I loved her deeply, but I wasn’t prepared for the weight of responsibility that came with marriage. She was once full of life and beauty, but as the years went by and my struggles in Kampala mounted, I watched her fade. She grew thinner and more weary with every passing day, and it broke my heart to see her suffer because of my inability to provide the life she deserved. For seven long years, she stayed with my parents in Kasese while I tried to make a way for us in Kampala, promising her that things would get better. But every year that passed, my promises rang hollow.
After years of trying, I decided to pursue my passion in drama and film. I enrolled at Makerere University and eventually completed a bachelor’s degree in Drama and Film, with hopes that this would be my big break. I poured my heart and soul into a theatrical production, believing it would change everything. For six months, we rehearsed and prepared, and I invested every shilling I had into making it a success. My plan was to run the show for a month, hoping it would generate enough income to start a new chapter for my wife and me.
The opening night came, and only five people showed up. The second night, three more arrived. By the third night, no one came at all. I was devastated. All the money, time, and hope I had invested vanished in an instant. I felt like a failure. I didn’t know how I could face my wife again. I had promised her so much, but once again, I had nothing to show for it. I began to consider letting her go so that she could pursue her own dreams. I felt like I was holding her back, like my failures were ruining her future.
At that point, I was at my lowest. I was ready to give up. But before making any final decisions, I decided to talk to a pastor who had been a friend of mine. When I shared my struggles with him, he told me something that changed the course of my life. He said,
“The Lord has a calling of evangelism on your life, and you’ve been running from it.”
He told me that if I continued down the path I was on, things would only get worse. But if I surrendered to God’s will and accepted His calling, I would find peace.
On February 16, 2020, I gave my life to Christ. That moment didn’t erase the hardships I was facing, but it gave me a new perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. I realized that my plans and ambitions, while important, were not the ultimate path God had for me. I had been chasing my dreams of success in drama and film, but God was calling me to something greater—to spread His word and share the gospel.
My journey has continued to be filled with challenges. I’ve faced hunger, financial struggles, and moments of deep doubt. But through it all, I’ve held onto my faith. I know that God sees me, even in the midst of my struggles, and that He knows my name. He has a plan for my life, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.
The city of Kampala can be a tough place, especially for those of us who come with dreams but lack the resources to turn them into reality. But my story is not just one of hardship—it’s a story of perseverance, faith, and hope. I may not yet have the wealth or success that I once dreamed of, but I have something far more valuable: peace in knowing that I am walking in God’s purpose for my life.
To anyone reading this who feels like they’re on the verge of giving up, I want to encourage you. Don’t give up. You may be facing struggles that seem insurmountable, but God knows exactly where you are and what you’re going through. He has not forgotten you. Just as He was with Joseph in the pit and in prison, He is with you in your current situation.
We live in a world where success is often measured by material possessions and wealth, but true success is found in walking the path God has set before you. Your circumstances may not change overnight, but if you remain faithful, God will reward you in His own time and in His own way.
Kampala may be a city of contrasts, but I believe that through faith, perseverance, and trust in God, we can rise above the challenges we face. My name is Mumbere Necton, and though I have struggled, I know that my story is not over. God is still writing it, and I have faith that the best is yet to come.
Praise God that you gave your life to Christ, Mumbere. May you continue in His path and discover His purpose and calling on you!
Dear Bro. Necton, thank you for sharing your story- so deeply, so clearly, so honestly and so full of realities of life. I can relate with almost all you said. Life is / can be tough and brutal! I have been going through similar struggles myself over the last 33 years! I have made countless mistakes, given up on life severally, contemplated suicide many times, especially between 2018 to 2020, felt the raw oppression of the devil in many folds and in many areas of my life- finances, career, marriage, children, extended family relationships, everywhere in fact.
And like you too some people have told me God has a calling on my life, but no one seems to know what it is. So, I stumble on. But in all these, I have seen the powerful MERCIES of God in countless ways to this day- in his deliverances, provisions, friendship, revelations, and even in His humour. Yes our God has a great sense of humour. Like you too I have more peace now knowing that He walks with me and I know also that one day of His choosing, soon I hope – all will be made clearer.
Thanks a lot, and thanks to the admins of this site.
I give glory to God who enabled me to write this story. I now know why He convicted me so hard to write it. Be blessed dear. We shall overcome for the Bible says we are more than conquerors.
Amen!
Thank you bro.