Rebecca, or Becky as known by her friends, is a female African student in computer science, with a passion for technology. Despite societal obstacles, she works hard to excel in her academics and enjoys coding in her free time. Her ultimate goal is to develop innovative solutions that positively impact her community in Uganda;
Hi Rebecca, it is wonderful to have this conversation with you. The last time we met, things were not very clear. But now, I am very proud of your journey so far!
Hi Winnie. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story, and thanks to Cedric for telling me about Words That Count. What you are doing interests me, especially from the different stories I have read. With the few numbers in STEM, this platform is full of hope, encouragement, and a brand new look at life.
Briefly introduce yourself to our audience
My name is Rebecca Nannungi from Uganda. I am a final-year computer science student in the College of Computing and Information Sciences, at Makerere University in Kampala. Apart from that, I do freelance IT projects in development and also volunteer with Emulti Solutions Uganda mainly in networking and security systems.
Tell us about your journey into computer science; how did you decide that this was the career of your choice?
From childhood, I wanted to be a lady with an impact on my community. Growing up in the slums of Kampala, I always knew I wanted to make a change and see that many girls get access to proper education and not end up pregnant at a young age.
Going to school, I was introduced to technology in high school as an opportunity to realize a dream I always had. However, getting to the university, I realized that this was very challenging. My passion for technology was not backed up by enough experience to immediately grasp the content in a computer science class. I started realizing how new the world of technology was, but that didn’t deter me from continuing with my passion.
With time, I have realized how vital technology is to the world and how it contributes to the world being a global village through the internet. I am very proud to be where I am and to be making contributions through my freelance projects.
Another thing I have realized is that many women and girls are struggling to join the computer science world. Personally, the journey in computer science so far hasn’t been an easy one but seeing different women out there making it is very encouraging. I keep pushing on because of the hope to impact others and a chance to improve myself as a person. My main interest is to be able to find greater opportunities that will allow me to use my skills to change Africa. For now, I wish to see more girls and women join us in computer science and technology in general.
What are some of the biggest challenges have you faced during your path in computer science?
The challenges I have faced include setbacks due to a lack of support from people around me and limited financial aid. Computer science courses and careers are expensive in terms of investment. For one to become an expert, one needs to invest a good amount of money, and that has been limiting for me.
My other challenge is having no guidance about what exactly to specialize in. Choosing a specific path is more challenging and overwhelming than people know. For example, before joining the university, I had never even heard of any programming language or how any of that works.
Also being a lady in this field is challenging as many times our work and contributions are overlooked.
What inspires you to move forward, when faced with these challenges?
My inspiration to move forward comes from keeping my eyes on the goal. I know that one day I will be able to make an impact and help others through computer science and technology in general.
Who is Rebecca outside of computers and machines?
Outside of work, I love fashion, playing chess, traveling, and reading. I also love spending time with friends and family.
What’s your favorite quote?
“When the going gets tough, the tough keep going” ~ Joseph P. Kennedy
What are your words of encouragement for anyone who wants to join the world of computer science?
Dream big and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve what you want. Be persistent and patient and remember that tough times will always come but they won’t last forever. Let’s take it upon ourselves to work hard and build a version of Africa that others have just dreamed of.
Thank you, Rebecca, for taking the time to share your journey with us. I know there are people waiting to learn about computer science in Africa, especially through a female lens. We wish you the best in the remaining period of your degree.
52 Responses
Wow!! Really proud of you Beckie for your contribution towards engaging women in tech.
Wish good luck and more achievement in your career
Wow!! Really proud of you Beckie for your contribution towards engaging women in tech.
Wish good luck and more achievement in your career
Hi Rebecca, as a fellow young female computer scientist, I am so happy for you and wish you the best.
Wow what a wonderful inspiration 👌
I believe this will inspire alot of ladies and people at wide, everything is possible, nomatter how big it might look, dreams come to life
Am inspired baby girl….keep shining
I have been able to go through the dialogue. I think that Ms. Rebecca has managed to share some light and awareness about Computer Science as a course.
hello its wonderful
Good luck and Godspeed in your plans
Her views are inspiring and worth reading
great inspiration
Inspirational, 👏 all the best ninja.
This is a very great inspiration. You have already made it, that means every girl out there can make it too. All the ebst in your journey.
Proud of you Beckie.
Wow, Becky. You got this.
Straight from university, loved your determination and resolution to keep going. Keep going. 🚀🚀
More success is on your way, keep shining
Brilliant ideas shared herein, its in my prayer that yout perusit for excellence shouldnt be curtailed by anything…. Enjoy your success and may the almighty provide you with the best path in your career such that more women and girls are encouraged to provide solutions that can drive out societies to succes
Hey Becky😊
Never cease to dream big, this world need people like you. May The Almighty continue to bless you to achieve your ultimate goal.
A touch of refined energy and beauty is surely come to the technology world already, and Becky is that face of fine tech.
Thank you Becky for your big story.
Greater heights await you Becky. Proud of you 👏
Rebecca, thank you for sharing your inspiring journey in computer science. Your passion, resilience, and determination to make a positive impact on your community through technology are truly admirable. Your story is a shining example of how hard work and perseverance can overcome any obstacle. Keep pushing forward, and I have no doubt that you will achieve great success in your career and continue to inspire others along the way.
Inspiring, keep the tech dream alive. The story gets better I promise
pursue your new ambitions. You are capable of achieving anything you desire, so follow your heart and make your dreams a reality. Go get it power lady
Wow beckie this a very good and inspiring information to the young girls who want to engage into the technology world. Thank you for inspiring.
All the best Becky
Wonder full going never give up on you goals 💪💪💪
Wow interesting , stories like these might be someones first stepping stone. Thanks for sharing Becky
Am so proud of you Becky ❤️❤️
Wow such a great inspiration
We really ought to share this cause many gals out there are really confused looking for courses to do
Thax for de love to inspirate👏👏👏👏
All the best for u dia 👏🏾👏🏾
All the best Beckie👏🏾👏🏾 Am so proud of you ❤️
As computer scientists we are proud of you becky
It is inspiring to see women actively take up roles in spaces where the numbers were previously low or inexistent. We love to see the impact IT experts will have .
I really love her confidence and passion.continue inspiring young girls coz u are already a role model
thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing an inspiration to many young girls out there . I wish you the best in you tech career and journey
Well done Becky! All the best in your endeavours to better your community.
Wow, Mesmerizing , heart felt, such an encouragement and glit information for someone’s inspiration.
Keep it burning Beckie
Your inspiration message is so nice and selfless.💜 Yes the going is tough but thanks for regenerating our energy through this Beckie … More wins Dear
This is a very nice encouragement to communities, and mainly to ladies.
Please keep going high, and may the spirit of hard work continue growing in you.
Go Becky🥳
So proud of you Rebecca.
Thank you for the Great and Inspiring story.
I wish you all the best in your career as a Computer Scientist.
So proud of you Rebecca.
Thank you for this great and inspirational story.
I wish you all the best in your career as a Computer Scientist.
Great story from a great leader.
It’s so awesome, I wish you all the best beckie 🙏
Yeah, so inspirational.
So inspirational, that’s the spirit 💯🤝As a fellow young lady navigating the world of Technology, I wish you all the best Beckie.
I’m sure this is going to inspire women and girls out there. Thank you Beckie
It’s a step to you Rebecca
Thanks for the motivation
Wow I’m so inspired. I enjoy programming too. So many challenges has hindered my wishes in computer science and ended up saying programming is not for women. I’m inspired keep going.
God is raising women. Becky, keep the flame!
You’ve been a force to reckon with since high school. To bigger strides