Born and raised in the humble village of Bupfumpfu in Nyakinama, Kisoro District, Uganda and now a religious sister belonging to the congregation of Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC), Sr. Stella-Maris Kamanzi, recently added another title to her name, Dr.
For this reason, ARU Communication caught up with her to hear more about her inspiring journey to a PhD in Transforming Education Through Entrepreneurship which she attained at Makerere University at the beginning of 2025.
What inspired you to pursue a PhD in transforming education through entrepreneurship?
My pursuit of a PhD in transforming education through entrepreneurship was driven by a belief in the power of innovative educational models to create societal change. I am passionate about exploring how entrepreneurial approaches can improve educational outcomes and make institutions more sustainable, and responsive to community needs. This journey was fueled by my commitment to contributing to the evolution of higher education in Africa, particularly through the Entrepreneurial University Model at Makerere University.
How does this align with your religious calling and specifically the Charism of your congregation?
The response closely aligns with my religious calling and the charism of my congregation in several meaningful ways. As a religious sister committed to service and transformation, my focus on education through entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in the Gospel values of stewardship, empowerment, and social justice. My congregation’s charism emphasizes holistic human development, service to the marginalized, and promoting sustainable initiatives that uplift communities.
By focusing on transforming education through entrepreneurship, I aim to foster self-reliance, innovation, and ethical leadership in higher education. This approach aligns with my congregation’s mission to nurture human dignity and empower individuals to become agents of positive change. Entrepreneurship in education not only promotes sustainability and reduces dependency but also equips learners with practical skills to address societal challenges. These values resonate profoundly with my vocation and the broader mission of the Church in education and social transformation.
How has your faith/ being a religious shaped your approach to education and entrepreneurship?
My faith and religious vocation have shaped my approach to education and entrepreneurship by grounding them in ethical leadership, service, and a commitment to the common good. I view education as a transformative tool for empowerment, human dignity, and social justice, seeing it as a ministry that nurtures holistic development and moral values.
In entrepreneurship, my religious commitment emphasizes ethical practices, sustainability, and inclusivity. I believe education should foster innovation, self-reliance, and a spirit of service for the betterment of communities, not just individual gain.
Ultimately, my faith guides my advocacy for job creation and self-reliance, challenging me to seek solutions that are not only innovative but also compassionate, equitable, and aligned with the mission of uplifting humanity through education.
Many have shared their experiences of pursuing a PhD as hectic and stressful, how were you able to balance your spiritual life and academic demands?
Pursuing a PhD is undoubtedly a demanding journey, requiring intense focus, discipline, and perseverance. However, my spiritual life has been my anchor, providing strength, clarity, and balance amidst academic pressures.
Prayer and meditation have been central to my daily routine. Beginning and ending each day in prayer allows me to find peace, renew my purpose, and surrender my struggles to God. This practice has kept me grounded, reminding me that my academic work is not just for personal achievement but a means of service to others.
The structured nature of religious life, with its emphasis on prayer, community, and service, has helped me manage time effectively. Living in a faith community provided emotional and spiritual support, ensuring I did not walk this journey alone. The encouragement from my religious sisters and mentors was invaluable in keeping me motivated.
What role do you think religious values play in the development of education and entrepreneurship?
Religious values are vital in shaping education and entrepreneurship by providing an ethical foundation, promoting social responsibility, and fostering innovation.
In Education: Religious values support holistic development, focusing on intellectual growth, moral integrity, and compassion. Faith-based education emphasizes character formation, instilling virtues like honesty, discipline, and respect for human dignity. This approach produces responsible, ethical, and service-oriented leaders. Religious institutions have also played a key role in making education accessible to marginalized communities, rooted in the values of justice and the common good.
In Entrepreneurship: Religious values guide ethical business practices, social responsibility, and sustainability. Faith-driven entrepreneurs prioritize fair trade, environmental care, and community well-being, viewing business as a vocation to uplift others. Religious teachings promote resilience, hard work, and trust, which are essential for entrepreneurial success. By integrating ethics into business decisions, religious values foster businesses that contribute to societal transformation, not just profit.
In conclusion, integrating religious values in education and entrepreneurship fosters integrity, ethical leadership, and collective upliftment, driving sustainable progress for the greater good.
What are you most grateful for as you celebrate this achievement?
I am deeply grateful for God’s grace and guidance, which have sustained me throughout this journey. I am especially thankful for my religious community, whose prayers and unwavering support have been a constant source of strength and to all my friends. I also appreciate my mentors, supervisors, and colleagues for their invaluable guidance in refining my research. I am grateful for the gift of education as a transformative tool and reaffirm my commitment to using knowledge to serve others, especially in advancing education and entrepreneurship in Africa.
Expanding my work in Catholic Care for Children in Uganda (CCCU)
As the National Programme Coordinator of CCCU, I will continue strengthening child welfare programs by integrating innovative and sustainable approaches to social work, education, and community empowerment. My research findings will inform efforts to enhance financial sustainability in faith-based initiatives.
I plan to publish my research in reputable journals, contributing to scholarly discussions on higher education, funding models, and entrepreneurship. This will expand the reach of my work, influencing policy and practice in education.
I look forward to collaborating with local and international institutions, engaging in research projects, and contributing to Africa’s educational transformation. Ultimately, my goal is to serve, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change in education and society.
What piece of advice would you give to people who may still be struggling with their studies?
Stay focused on your purpose, manage your time wisely, seek support and guidance, stay resilient and embrace challenges, take care of your well-being, trust in God and believe in yourself.
