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Dr Twijukye hands the athletics kit to Anitah Akankwatsa and her mother Annet Kenjobe
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By Our Reporter
Young athlete Annitah Akankwatsa from Bushenyi District is all smiles after her dream of attaining a quality education while developing her athletic talent finally came true. Akankwatsa will now be able to pursue both education and athletics, thanks to Dr. Reuben Twijukye, an Assistant Professor of Management at Alabama A&M University in the United States, who has pledged to fully support her academic and sports journey.
Dr Twijukye hands the athletics kit to Anitah Akankwatsa and her mother Annet Kenjobe
On Monday evening, Dr. Twijukye, who flew in from the US specifically to meet Akankwatsa and her family, finally met them in Mbarara. He delivered his message of hope in an emotional meeting attended by her mother, Annet Kenjobe.
“I had already communicated this through a phone call, but I decided to come in person and make it official,” Dr. Twijukye said. “I have taken on Akankwatsa, and she will join the many vulnerable children I support in Uganda. I saw myself in her and was compelled to help—just as someone once helped me. I have advised her to remain disciplined and to trust in God. She will study until the highest level and continue athletics under the guidance of people I will assign.”
After the meeting, Dr. Twijukye took Akankwatsa, her mother, and her brother Gerald Ahereza shopping for scholastic materials in Mbarara Town. Akankwatsa will now transfer from Nyamiko Primary School to Bushenyi Town School, where she will study in the boarding section starting Monday.
Her mother, Annet Kenjobe, who does casual work in Kampala to support her children, expressed deep gratitude. “I can’t fully express the joy in my heart. I’ve suffered as a single mother, with no land or stable source of food after their father abandoned us many years ago,” Kenjobe said. “But the living God has spoken through Dr. Twijukye so that one of my children now has a future. I am truly grateful, sir. May God bless you and answer all your prayers.”
How her story began
Akankwatsa’s story gained attention after she ran bare-chested during a children’s athletics competition in Bushenyi District. The incident, captured by a local TV station, caught Dr. Twijukye’s attention while he was watching from his residence in the US. 
Annitah Akankwatsa competes bare chested in the 1500m during the Bushenyi Municipality kids athletics last week
Then a Primary Five pupil at Nyamiko Primary School, Akankwatsa was representing Nyakabirizi Division in a 1500m race. Overcoming shyness and the lack of proper attire, she removed her top blouse mid-race and went on to finish second, drawing admiration for her courage.
READ THE FIRST STORY HERE: Bushenyi girl who competed bare-chested in athletics receives support
Several officials at the event were moved by her bravery. Oscar Muhumuza offered her a new bob tube (athletic wear), while Apollo Musherure, a representative from the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), gave her UGX 50,000 to cater to her personal needs ahead of the national competitions.
Dr Reuben Twijukye (L) and a friend, met Anitah Akankwatsa family
Twijukye’s background and support to Ugandan athletes
Dr. Twijukye is a former Ugandan athlete whose talent earned him a scholarship to study in the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, a Master of Science in Human Resource and Leadership Development, and a PhD in the same field—all from Louisiana State University. He now lectures at Alabama A&M University.
Over the years, Twijukye has supported several promising Ugandan athletes, including Tarsis Orogot, Susan Aneno, Emmanuel Rwotomiya, Chrispus Atukwatse, and Rodgers Aryamanya, offering mentorship in both athletics and academics.
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