Nalyanya Tonny

Languages spoken, read and written: English, Luganda, Lugishu, Lusoga

What was your family life like? I grew up in a village called Lugasa, in Kayunga district, in central Uganda. I come from a family of seven, four of which are my siblings. My father died in 2004. Our family background is Catholic. Later on, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. 

Describe your childhood community environment: I had fun at school, where I played and learned many games. I made many friends and the challenging bit was the long distance between school and home.

What are some of your personal interests and passions? I love reaching out to youths and youth groups. I talk to them and encourage them to live sexually pure lives.

What is your vision for your time in the Leadership Development Program? I hope to acquire leadership skills and training. I want to study leadership so that I can go back and impact my community.

Tell us about your spiritual, physical and academic goals for the next few years: I hope to learn more about God and be discipled. I hope to reach out to different communities through evangelism and by living with Christlike character. I hope to always do physical exercises. This will help me live a healthy life. I hope to study well and attain good grades at the university.  

Is there anything else you want to share? I ask you to pray for me that my goals may be fulfilled.

How did you come to accept Christ as your personal Savior? We hosted a mission group at our church when I was 8 years old. They shared about the love of God, that He sent His only son to die for our sins. I was convicted and I decided to accept God in my life. My life has not remained the same. I have realized how much He loves me.

What is God teaching you right now? God is teaching me to humble myself and trust Him in all situations in life.

Describe the impact Compassion has had on your personal and spiritual development: I have been blessed and hand-held by God through Compassion. I have been discipled to read the Word of God and interpret it. I have developed high self-esteem and I can freely share with others about life skills. I have gained an education and learned many things from school.

How are you currently serving in your local church? At church, I am an usher. I help to organize chairs into seating arrangements and clean the church.

Who has had the most influence on your life and why? She is called Nantamba Aidah. She is one of the leaders in my community and I have been inspired by her commitment and heart to serve in my community.

What challenges do you think you will face during your university experience? I think the change of environment will be a challenge, since I have done my education rural-based schools.

What are some of the problems in your community? My community faces poverty, ignorance and inadequate water sources.

How do you plan to use your degree and leadership skills to address the problems in your community and advance the kingdom of God? I hope to introduce adult education and awareness in my community, and influence the youths to start up small projects that would generate income for their families.