JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 17 – Among the celebrations of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) 69th Convocation, one story captures hearts and inspires many a tale of friendship, love, and academic dedication. Two graduates from Uganda, now married, are not only marking the completion of their Master’s degrees but also celebrating a journey that intertwines their academic and personal lives.
Omalla Morgan Kadowa Thomas pursued his Master of Science in System Engineering at UTM Kuala Lumpur, sharing the same class with his now-wife, Chanda Galabuzi. As the only Ugandan students on campus, the pair quickly formed a close bond over shared interests and their love for engineering. Their friendship deepened over time, blossoming into a lifelong partnership.
“We were the only Ugandan students, so naturally we connected” Thomas shares. “I was impressed by Chanda’s intelligence, kindness, and dedication to her studies. Over time, our friendship grew into something much deeper.”
After completing their Master’s project in February 2025, Thomas proposed to Chanda, who said yes. They later returned home and were married in August, making their graduation even more special, they would walk the stage not just as classmates, but as a married couple.
“It feels amazing to be graduating together” Chanda shares. “We started as classmates, became close friends, and now we celebrate this milestone as partners in both life and academia. It’s truly unique and memorable.”
Their journey, however, was not without challenges. Adapting to a new country, homesickness, and the pressures of graduate studies tested them both academically and personally. Yet, their mutual support helped them overcome these hurdles.
“Balancing academics, personal life, and wedding preparations was challenging, but we supported each other every step of the way,” Thomas explains. “Studying together, exchanging ideas, and motivating one another helped us stay focused and resilient.”
The couple emphasizes that communication and teamwork were key to navigating these challenges, enabling them to maintain both their relationship and their academic performance.
“We learned to celebrate each other’s successes, share responsibilities, and face difficulties together,” Chanda shares. “These experiences made our bond even stronger.”
Looking ahead, the couple plans to continue supporting each other as they embark on their professional journeys. They hope to use their knowledge and skills to contribute to the field of engineering while growing together as a team in life and career.
“Our graduation marks the end of one chapter and the start of another exciting adventure,” Thomas explains. “We hope our story inspires other students and couples to believe that with dedication, teamwork, and love, anything is possible.”
As they celebrate their achievements at UTM, Thomas and Chanda embody the power of education, perseverance, and partnership. Their journey serves as a shining example that shared dreams, mutual encouragement, and unwavering support can turn challenges into triumphs and create lifelong memories.
