Three in One
If you were a girl with a friend at Namilyango College in the mid-2000s and received a hand-drawn card, chances are it was the work of my guest today.
Art came into Kamanyire’s life early. His older brother recognized his talent and became one of his first champions, gently and persistently encouraging him to develop his craft.
But Kamanyire is one of those people who seems capable of many lives.
As a young altar server, his dedication caught the attention of a Catholic priest who encouraged him to consider ordained ministry.
He also loved animals and, for a time, dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. He and a friend took the dream so seriously that they would dissect animals together and proudly call each other “Doctor.”
And then there was teaching.
His face lights up when he speaks about learning. He loves guiding others, sharing knowledge, and witnessing that beautiful moment when understanding dawns and something suddenly clicks into place.
Alongside all this, he continued to nurture his artistic gifts as an illustrator, photographer, and graphic designer, generously sharing those talents wherever life took him.
Today, he serves as Co-Director of
@FacesUpUganda, helping to build an organization that is steadily becoming a household name in Uganda. Through art, Faces Up helps children discover possibility, confidence, and hope: one child, one artwork, one story at a time.
As we walked, I found myself wondering whether Kamanyire’s different dreams were ever really separate.
Perhaps he did become all three.
Like a priest, he nurtures hearts. Like a doctor, he helps heal wounds that cannot always be seen. Like a teacher, he guides young minds as they discover themselves and their place in the world.
Not every calling is left behind. Sometimes life weaves them together and gives them a different shape.
Kudos, Dr. Father. Teacher Kamanyire.
#WalkTalkConnect #ArtForChange #LeadingWithHeart