Written By | Our Reporter
Akampurira Margret
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PERSONALITIES
To some Ugandan parents and members of the public, sports are often viewed as a waste of time and a distraction from academics—a misconception that contradicts the Ministry of Education and Sports’ guidelines. However, this perception has increasingly proven inaccurate, as sports have become a lifeline for many talented Ugandan athletes whose education would otherwise have been cut short due to financial constraints.
Akampurira Margret in action of the AUUS games volleybal finals
Margaret Akampurira is a clear example. One of many vulnerable young girls whose future could have taken a very different path, Akampurira’s education and career ambitions were safeguarded through sports—particularly volleyball.
Originally a netball player during her primary school years at Katojo Biharwe Primary School and Green Hill Junior School, Akampurira had little exposure to volleyball and never imagined she would excel in the sport. Most of her early athletic experience was limited to netball courts.
Akampurira Margret (22) being crowned with a gold medal at the december AUUS games at UCU
Her turning point came in 2017 when she joined St Elizabeth Girls’ School, Mbarara, for her Ordinary Level education as part of the pioneer class. As part of school routine, students were introduced to various sports disciplines, after which those who showed promise were selected for further development.
Akampurira was identified by coaches William Rwamihambo and James Kwenegura, marking the beginning of her remarkable volleyball journey.
“My volleyball story started at St Elizabeth Girls’ School, Mbarara, where I joined Senior One and was randomly picked by coach James Kwenegura. At the time, I did not realise my potential, but through consistent training and personal determination, I improved—and here I am today,” Akampurira said.
Libero Akampurira Margret cerebrates with a teammate after UCU beat KU 3-0 to win the title
Her parents, Ezra Nabimanya Karaara and Stella Ainembabazi, peasant farmers, were already struggling to meet school fees for her siblings. After completing Senior One, Akampurira was unable to return for Senior Two due to lack of funds. “My parents told me I had to stay home for some time because there was no money for school. I understood their situation. However, volleyball had already become very important to me. Two weeks after staying home, my games teacher called to ask why I was not at school. When I explained, he told me to pack and return, saying he would speak to the administration. That moment changed my life—I studied for free until I completed Senior Six,” she recalled.
Akampurira Margret in action of the AUUS games volleybal finals
The UCU Dream
Nicknamed “Margie” on the volleyball court, Akampurira and her teammates dominated both regional and national school competitions, attracting interest from several universities.
Although her dream university was Uganda Christian University (UCU), the first offer came from Ndejje University. Around the same time, she and her teammates joined Orange Block Busters (OBB) Volleyball Club in Iganga, competing in the national Serie A league, which further increased their exposure.
UCU later presented her with a scholarship offer—an opportunity she could not turn down.
“When my dream opportunity knocked, I opened the door with both hands. I attribute it to God. I remember praying with a friend in our dormitory, asking God to open the gates of UCU for us, and He answered,” Akampurira said.
Leadership and Success at UCU
Now a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Governance and International Relations, Akampurira credits her humble background for shaping her character into one grounded in prayer, discipline, and service.
Playing as a libero, she helped build a formidable UCU women’s volleyball team that excelled both locally and regionally. In 2024, she led the team to victory at the East African University Games in Kisumu, Kenya—a title they are set to defend in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Her leadership qualities and dedication earned her widespread support when she contested for a faculty Member of Parliament position. She won convincingly and was later appointed Sports Minister by the guild council following vetting and approval.
“All I can say is God is good all the time. During university elections, I had nothing but friends, volleyball, and the God-given ability to speak to people. My friends, classmates, and the entire university supported me, and here I am—a minister,” she said.
At the December 2025 AUUS Games hosted by UCU, Akampurira achieved another milestone, winning her first medal both as a player and as Sports Minister, as UCU defeated Kampala University 3–0 to retain the women’s volleyball title.
“I don’t feel any different as a student leader. I still have to deliver results for the team, and that requires hard work,” she said.
Message to Youth and Parents
“I encourage young people to work hard towards their dreams with discipline and sacrifice, while always serving God,” Akampurira advised.
She also called on parents to support their children’s involvement in sports, adding that young people must remain accountable and disciplined to inspire others.
Akampurira aspires to play professional volleyball outside Uganda and looks up to Brazilian star Nyeme Victória Alexandre Costa Nunes.
WHO IS AKAMPURIRA?
Name: Margaret Akampurira
Nickname: Maggie
Date of Birth: July 14, 2003
Place of Birth: Rwemirabyo, Nyabuhama, Biharwe, Kashari, Mbarara City
Parents: Ezra Nabimanya Karaara and Stella Ainembabazi
Schools Attended:
Happitotos Infants School; Katojo Biharwe Primary School; Green Hill Junior School; St Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School; Uganda Christian University (UCU)
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