Immaculate Heart Girls’ School Head of English & Literature department Richard Begura recently emerged 4th out of 488 teachers in the National Best Teachers: Making a Difference awards.
On 18th March 2026, at a prestigious function held at State House Entebbe presided over by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, alongside ministers, government officials, who included Hon John Chrysestom Muyingo, Hon Moriku Kaducu, Comm. Kedrace Turyatemba, New Vision boss Don Wanyama and the Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda, Begura emerged 4th out of 488 national teachers who have made difference in their profession.
Clad in an executive blue suit accompanied by the Immaculate Heart Girls’ School Head Teacher, Sr. Tumusiime Sabina, the man from Kikuuto Katanga village in Mitooma District was all smiles while receiving a well-deserved trip to Ireland alongside eleven other winners (the first six on merit and six sponsored by the First Lady), in addition to receiving a certificate, a cash prize, and a treasured gift for the school.
Immaculate Heart Girls’ School was the best school in literature in the whole country in 2025 in the recently released results.
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Once a boy with big dreams now a man shinning as bright as the Sirius star, in the Patheon of English Literature teaching, as a young man, Begura had a challenging past though his resolve to succeed and help those in need never faded as he strove to reach the top. His story is one that can inspire the young generation that with God, determination and hard work, you can go from zero to hero.
In an interview with this website, Begura said, “First of all I want to thank the God of Immaculate Heart Girls’ School who neither sleeps nor slumbers. The unfolding marvels of this great institution tell a compelling story of grit and glory. Thanks to the head teacher Sr. Tumusiime Sabina and her deputy Sr Naturinda Grace who are the excellent captains of the IMMAC Ship with the cooperative crew and ever assured of a safe landing on the shore. It is a true tale of dreams nurtured, destinies shaped, and excellence pursued with total resolve.”
“The year 2025 UCE results from UNEB English was nationally ranked 2nd with 302As and literature the 7th. In UACE 2025 UNEB released results Literature was nationally ranked the 1st with 36 As Other subjects were also well done thanks be to the Lord for the gift of my department with zealous teachers,” he added.
While narrating his journey, Begura said, “I’m the last born in a family of five boys born to the late Begura Boniface and Kenyangi Agnes *(RIP)*, who both went to be with the Lord. Yet , amidst this early loss, God’s divine favour rested upon me, guiding each step of my journey.”
“I finished my Primary Education at Ikimba Primary School and while there, three qualities defined my school life: academic brilliance (always ranking first or second in class), leadership (serving as Timekeeper from Primary Three to Seven), and total love for God and discipline.”
“From Ikimba PS, I was admitted to Kitabi Seminary. This was my first experience in a boarding school and in a fully English speaking environment. I am forever grateful to the priests and teachers, especially Rev. Fr. Ndugwa Saverinus , the current Vicar General, and Rev. Fr. Bukenya Deusdedit , then the Rector, for their guidance. I served diligently as a student leader, later becoming Quarter Master throughout my O’ and A’ Level years.”
“During my Senior Six vacation, I began discussing (teaching revision sessions) for A’ Level students in two schools. The late Mr. Beyendeza Robert (MHSRIP) took me to Kichwamba to teach English a turning point that opened my eyes to the world of opportunity and purpose. I passed the entrance interview and began formation. When the Makerere University affiliation with the seminary was suspended, we sought permission from Rev. Fr. Lusembo , the Rector, to leave honourably and discern God’s next call. We were granted official documents releasing us not as expelled students, but as sons free to return if ever called again to priestly service.”
He added, “I pursued a Bachelor of Education (English and Literature). Studying among intellectuals, I worked hard and consistently ranked among the top three in my class. My professors were understanding; when I requested permission to teach during the term to support myself, they graciously allowed it. I taught in several schools, including Our Lady of Good Counsel , Brilliant High School, Kawempe , Kashaka Girls’ School, and others in Rubirizi District.”
“One unforgettable act of grace occurred when a kind hearted cateress at Makerere’s Michell Hall allowed me to have lunch daily without charge for a full year , after I tearfully told her that failing to finish campus would haunt her conscience. Though I did not attend my graduation due to financial challenges , I completed my degree with honour and gratitude . My classmates were surprised not to see me on the D Day, as I had often helped them through discussions and mentorship. When I later sought to thank her, I learned she had passed on a moment that reshaped my life’s purpose,” Begura narrated.
He added, “From that day, I vowed that my mission would not be to amass wealth but to touch lives . I would rather give my last coin to someone in need than spend it on luxury.”
He adds that he remains eternally indebted to his brothers—most notably Ndyabahika Emmanuel and Tumushabe Emmanuel—whose quiet sacrifices became the foundation of his future. From their modest diploma-earned salaries, they chose, without obligation, to shoulder the burden of his tuition and school fees, stepping selflessly into the role of parents.
“Their generosity was not born of duty, but of love and conviction. May the Almighty richly bless them for their uncommon kindness and unwavering support,” he says.
Teacher Begura as his students call him is a man of many talents who works tirelessly with alot of dedication. At IMMAC, He serves as patron to 23 clubs, is the visionary behind the Miss Immac pageantry, a key promoter of Immac TV, and Head of the English and Literature Department. Under his leadership, the department achieved phenomenal success.
With the hard work and dedication of Begura and other teachers, Immaculate Heart emerged among the top 10 schools in the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and among the top 15 schools in Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
