Turning Opposition into Opportunities

Making decisions for the future is never easy. However, through BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Faith Kisakye and Kakooza Richard have overcome challenges, seized new opportunities, and paved paths for success in their careers, education, and personal lives. Along the way, they’ve built new and lasting friendships with the BYU football team.

Faith Kisakye

Born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, Faith joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2007.

As a single mother of three and the only member of the Church in her family, Faith faced criticism for her choices from the people closest to her. Despite her desire to pursue nursing, her financial hardships forced her to put her education on hold for years. But instead of giving up, Faith relied upon her faith in Jesus Christ to overcome these difficulties and find new paths.

In the fall of 2023, she discovered BYU-Pathway. Her decision to enroll changed her life.

“When I had an opportunity to join, it was like a rebirth of a new chapter,” Faith said.

Through BYU-Pathway, she received a full-ride scholarship from the Hall Foundation , helping her enroll in courses through Ensign College. She then received her first certificate in project management , which taught her essential leadership skills she applies in her family’s business and professional life. She is now working toward a second certificate in medical billing and coding —reigniting her passion for the medical field.

“I just told them that Jesus Christ endorses me,” Faith said. “He has endorsed me. And when Jesus Christ endorses you, the sky's the limit.”

Kakooza Richard

Kakooza, also from Kampala, faced his own set of challenges. Like many young adults, when he returned from his mission he struggled with the transition. Despite his worries to find a job and adjust, he decided to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and enroll in BYU-Pathway in January 2024.

“When I came back home, it was like I was in a new world,” Kakooza said. “You come back and things are not the way you left them two years back. BYU-Pathway helped me in that transitional part.” 

BYU-Pathway has not only helped him transition from missionary life to schooling, but also helped him explore his passions and create new paths to learning.

“You can start a business and if it fails, it's okay,” he said. ”It's all about trying.”

He is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in applied business management through BYU-Idaho, building a foundation in business and entrepreneurship with the hopes of building schools in Uganda for low-income families.

Pathways to Football and Friendship

 In August 2024, BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake and BYU-Pathway Worldwide Advisory Chair Matthew Downs gathered with the football team, looking for ways to deepen their service. Wanting to serve all BYU students, not just those at the Provo campus, they decided to connect with BYU-Pathway, organizing a Zoom call with the BYU football team and 300 BYU-Pathway students across Africa.

Nate Edwards, BYU

Through this unique partnership, Faith and Kakooza had meaningful experiences.

Faith was invited to give the opening prayer at the BYU vs. Kansas State football game . Her powerful prayer went viral, not only inspiring the BYU football team, but millions of people worldwide. For Kakooza, the Zoom call led to a reunion with Carson Tujague, a former mission companion and current BYU football athlete.

“It’s like a family of people you have chosen,” Faith said about her experience with the BYU Football team. “No one is superior; we are equal in the eyes of the Lord.”

BYU-Pathway continues to open doors for students like Faith and Kakooza, helping them overcome challenges and build pathways to success.