In the bustling streets of Kampala, where dreams often meet hard reality, stands Umaru Kaye, a 28-year-old entrepreneur whose story defies every expectation.
At first glance, Kaye looks like any other young Ugandan hustling for a better life. But behind his calm smile is a story of rejection, resilience, and redemption — a young man who was expelled from 20 schools before finally finding his way to success.
A Troubled Start
Umaru Kaye’s school life was a long series of false starts. He attended different institutions — among them St Augustine SS in Nakifuma, St John’s SS, and Bweyogerere Standard High School — but never stayed long enough to finish.
“Every time I tried to settle in,” he recalls with a laugh, “something would happen — fights, misunderstandings, or just me being stubborn. I became known as the boy who couldn’t fit anywhere.”
At one point, even his parents began to lose hope. Teachers labeled him “problematic,” classmates teased him, and he began to believe he wasn’t smart enough.
Turning Point
The turning point came when Umaru’s father, frustrated but loving, told him something that changed everything.
“He said, ‘If school isn’t your path, then find what you’re good at — but do it well.’ That’s when I realized I had to take responsibility for my own future.”
With no school left to take him, Kaye began working odd jobs — carrying goods in markets, washing cars, and even selling second-hand clothes.
It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught him something school never had: discipline, communication, and survival.
The Entrepreneur Awakens
In 2017, while helping a friend run a small roadside stall, Kaye noticed something interesting — people loved handmade sneakers and street-style fashion but had few affordable options.
Using his savings of just UGX 150,000, he started designing and selling locally made shoes under his own label, “Kaye Wear.”
What began as a small hustle quickly grew into a movement. Young people loved the vibrant colors and the message behind his brand — that “failure is not the end.”
“I didn’t have a degree or fancy education,” Kaye says, “but I had ideas, and I had learned to talk to people. My years of changing schools actually helped me — I had learned how to adapt.”
Finding His Purpose
Today, Kaye runs a small workshop in Nansana, employing eight young people — most of whom, like him, dropped out of school.
He trains them in shoe design, customer service, and financial literacy. His business supplies urban footwear to several Kampala boutiques and online platforms.
His dream is to expand across East Africa and create a mentorship center for youth who struggle with school.
“I want to prove that education is not just about classrooms,” he says. “It’s about learning from life.”
Lessons Learned
Looking back, Umaru doesn’t regret being expelled. Each school taught him something new — not through books, but through experience.
“I learned confidence at St Augustine, teamwork at St John’s, and patience at Bweyogerere,” he says. “I also learned that sometimes, failure is a blessing wearing the wrong clothes.”
He now visits schools to speak to students about perseverance, reminding them that intelligence takes many forms.
Community Impact
Beyond business, Kaye is passionate about giving back. He donates school shoes to children in underprivileged communities and supports street youth by teaching them craft and repair skills.
“Someone believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” he says. “Now it’s my turn to do the same for others.”
His efforts have earned him recognition from local youth organizations and invitations to speak at entrepreneurship forums.
A Message to the Youth
To the young people struggling in school or feeling left behind, Umaru’s message is simple:
“You are not your report card. You are not your mistakes. You can start again.”
He adds with a grin, “If a boy who was expelled from 20 schools can make it, what’s stopping you?”
Closing Thought
In a world that often measures success through grades and certificates, Umaru Kaye’s journey is a reminder that character, courage, and creativity are just as important.
His life proves that sometimes, the best education comes from the hardest experiences — and that success, like a well-made shoe, is built step by step.
Caption: Umaru Kaye attended 20 different schools, including St Augustine SS in Nakifuma, St John’s SS, and Bweyogerere Standard High School. Today, he is a thriving entrepreneur inspiring young people to turn failure into opportunity.
