A painful moment thousands of miles away from home became the experience that completely changed Alan Kasujja’s life.
The Uganda Media Centre Executive Director has opened up about one of the most difficult chapters of his journey — losing his mother while he was studying in the United Kingdom and being unable to return home for her burial.
Instead of standing beside his family during the farewell, Kasujja said he attended his mother’s funeral through a phone connection and depended on friends back home to help organize the burial.
For him, the moment was more than grief.
It became the wake-up call that pushed him to take life more seriously.
Alan Kasujja Recalls Missing His Mother’s Burial
Sharing his personal story, Kasujja revealed that financial struggles prevented him from traveling back home when his mother passed away.
At the time, he was a student in the UK trying to survive while also paying for his education.
He explained that he had very limited money and was still waiting for his next payment.
“I attended my mother’s funeral on the phone. I depended on my friends back home to bury her for me,” Kasujja recalled.
The experience, he said, was one of the hardest moments he has ever faced.
“I was a student in the UK and I think I had about 30 pounds in my account. I was just a broke guy who hadn’t been paid yet.”
He added that even receiving payment at the time would not have changed much because he was still struggling to fund his studies.
The reality of losing someone important while being unable to be physically present left a lasting impact.
The Loss That Changed Alan Kasujja’s Perspective
According to Kasujja, his mother’s death became a turning point that forced him to reflect on his responsibilities.
He explained that the experience pushed him to become more focused and intentional about the way he lived his life.
“When she died, I realized that I needed to step up,” he said.
“I’ve been a different man since then. I live a purposeful life.”
The moment became a reminder that life could change suddenly and that he needed to take ownership of his future.
For Kasujja, the pain became motivation.
From Struggle To Purpose
Kasujja’s story reflects a period in his life when he was still building his foundation.
Away from home, balancing education and financial challenges, he faced a situation many students abroad can relate to — trying to create a better future while dealing with unexpected hardships.
The loss of his mother added an emotional weight to an already difficult period.
But instead of allowing the experience to break him, Kasujja says it helped shape the person he became.
And that is where the story takes a deeper turn…
The moment that brought him pain also became the moment that gave him a stronger sense of direction.

Alan Kasujja Reflects On Gratitude And Growth
Looking back at his journey, Kasujja said he remains grateful for the experiences that shaped him.
He acknowledged that his life has included challenges, but he chooses to focus on how he overcame them.
“There are so many things I’m grateful for, and I don’t want to bore you with sob stories,” he said.
Kasujja explained that he appreciates the life he has lived, the places he has visited, and the lessons he has gained along the way.
“I’m grateful for the fact that I’m here now, for the life I’ve lived, the things I’ve seen, and the places I’ve been.”
He described his journey as making “lemonade out of lemons” and continuing to do so.
Fans React To Alan Kasujja’s Emotional Story
The story touched many people because it showed a side of Kasujja beyond his professional achievements.
The internet had thoughts, and many praised his honesty and openness about a deeply personal experience.
For some, his story highlighted the sacrifices many people make while chasing education, career opportunities, and a better future.
Others connected with the emotional reality of experiencing loss while far away from family.
The Human Side Of Success
Behind every public figure is a personal journey filled with struggles, sacrifices, and moments that shape who they become.
Kasujja’s story is a reminder that success often comes after difficult seasons that are rarely seen by the public.
The loss of his mother was a painful chapter, but it became part of the foundation that shaped his outlook on life.
The Moment That Defined Him
The image of a young student attending his mother’s funeral through a phone while thousands of miles away remains one of the most powerful parts of Kasujja’s story.
A moment of helplessness became the beginning of a more purposeful life.
Alan Kasujja’s journey shows that some of life’s hardest moments can leave the deepest lessons. What personal experience changed the way you see life?
