KIU, Western Campus – John Tabakwot Ayuba, who will graduate with a Master’s Degree in Anatomy during KIU’s 25th graduation ceremony, wants to use the knowledge acquired at Uganda’s best private university to create awareness about the dangerous effects of exposure to mercury.

“I have further research to do to create awareness to people, especially in Africa, that mercury exposure is dangerous because if they are aware, then they can avoid exposing themselves,” Ayuba says.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it considers mercury as one of the top ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern.

“Exposure to mercury – even small amounts – may cause serious health problems, and is a threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life,” reads an article on the WHO website.

“Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes,” it adds.

But before he delves into all that, Ayuba will take time off on June 11 to join his fellow graduands to celebrate their ascent up the academic ladder.

“I am really very happy that I have completed my Master’s because it has been a long journey – since 2017 -  mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” a visibly grateful Ayuba says.

He says he will forever be grateful to KIU for making him mature early and making him more serious.

“I thank KIU for exposing me to research and showing me that life is beyond a mere degree as well as training me to work hard,” he adds.

Ayuba is grateful to the school, which he says has good teachers and laboratories as well as his supervisors, especially Prof. Edgar Fernandez, who has been very fundamental in the completion of his Master’s Degree.

He also advises his fellow graduands, especially those who have attained their Master’s Degrees not to give up no matter how life treats them.

This is not the end of the road for Ayuba.

“I have dreams of starting my PhD immediately, God-willing,” he concludes.

Congratulations Ayuba upon your achievement!