Singer Roni Tomusange, popularly known as Roni Banton, has shared the emotional story behind his graduation in the United States — including the unexpected gesture that turned a lonely moment into a celebration.
The Tonywa Novuga hitmaker recently graduated from Harmony Health Care Institute after pursuing his studies in the U.S. But while the achievement marked a major personal milestone, Roni said the graduation ceremony was also an emotionally difficult experience because he did not have a family member or close friend there to celebrate with him.
The reality hit harder after the ceremony.
Roni said he stepped outside and watched his coursemates taking pictures and celebrating with their loved ones. Instead of joining the celebrations, he took off his graduation gown, went into an office building and eventually drove away to work.
Then his phone rang.
Roni received a video call from Dr. Amos Kigenyi, better known as Afande Gen Mega Dee, who immediately noticed that his friend was no longer wearing the graduation gown.
“Done with the graduation ceremony, I put off my gown and entered the office building, but upon sitting down, I got a video call, and guess who? Dr Amos Kigenyi a.k.a. Afande Gen Mega Dee!” Roni recalled.
“He was like, ‘Oh noooo, where is the gown? I am video calling to see you clad in your gown.’”
The gesture did not stop at the video call. According to Roni, Gen Mega Dee also sent him money through Cash App and later treated him and a few others to an all-expenses-paid dinner at Fogo de Chão to mark the achievement.
For Roni, the support carried particular significance because he credits Gen Mega Dee with encouraging him to return to school and pursue further education in the first place.
“This is the brother who not only inspired me to go back to school, but has always guided and supported this journey,” Roni said.
He added that Gen Mega Dee’s intervention came at a moment when he was feeling particularly low.
“And to see him come through when I was really down on my graduation has not left me the same. You saved my day and made me feel loved once again!”
What began as a graduation day marked by an empty seat at the celebration ultimately became a reminder for Roni that the people who support your journey do not always have to be physically present when you reach the finish line.
For the Tonywa Novuga singer, Gen Mega Dee made sure he did not end his big day feeling alone.