Oct 215 min read

Maggie Nakagwa’s Voyage To USA Camp: A Dream Across The Ocean

Updated: 7 days ago

The story of Margaret Nakagwa, also known as Maggie, is a remarkable one. She grew up in the Acholi Quarters in Uganda, a tough yet vibrant community. Despite facing numerous obstacles, such as being denied education by her father and working hard to make ends meet with her mother, Maggie never gave up on her dreams.

The First Time: Margaret Nakagwa at Entebbe International Airport departing to the USA (Photo/ AF Media - Saltray Lubega)

With the support of the Aliguma Foundation and her unwavering passion for football, fashion, music, dance, and drama, Maggie found a way to return to school. Her perseverance in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

Humble background

Even though Maggie had returned to school, her love for football and other activities remained as strong as ever. The football field was still her refuge, where she played with the boys and poured all her energy into the game.

Choreographing dances and sketching designs for her clothing and jewelry for her friends were her undying passions. She had always been different, determined, focused, and unafraid to stand her ground. But her life was about to change in a way she had never imagined.

One day, after a particular visit, Maggie was approached by Ms. Ritah Aliguma, her mentor and the Executive Director of the Aliguma Foundation. Ritah had watched Maggie grow, not just as a football player, or a youth representative and mentor of the other children in the community, but as a young woman with a powerful story of resilience and courage.

"I have some news for you, Maggie," Ritah said with a mysterious smile. "You're going to the United States this summer."

Maggie froze. "The United States?" she echoed, her voice full of disbelief. How could she, a girl from the Acholi Quarters, possibly go to the U.S.?

Breaking the news

"Yes," Ritah nodded. "A summer camp for young leaders like you has heard about you and offered to interview you for an exchange learning program. They offer opportunities to young people from all over the world, and after hearing your story, they've decided to invite you."

Maggie's heart raced. The U.S. felt like a faraway dream - a place she had only seen in movies or heard about in stories. The idea of flying across the ocean, of experiencing life in another country, was something she had never dared to consider.

Learning Everyday: Maggie Nakagwa during one of her interviews with the camp.

In the months leading up to the trip, Maggie’s excitement mixed with nerves. There were so many things to prepare for. The Aliguma Foundation helped her get a passport, her first ever, and all the required documents. But as the date drew closer, Maggie couldn’t help but feel a little scared. She had never been on a plane before, let alone traveled to a different continent.

When the day finally came, her family gathered to see her off. Her mother, tears in her eyes, hugged her tightly. “I’m so proud of you, my daughter,” she whispered.

Memorable first cut

As Maggie boarded the plane, she couldn’t stop thinking about how far she had come. From the girl who watched others run to school while she stayed behind, to the young woman flying to the U.S. for an opportunity of a lifetime. Her heart was full of gratitude.

When Maggie arrived at camp, she felt as though she had stepped into another world. The camp was nestled in the beautiful countryside of the United States, surrounded by forests, lakes, and hills.

The air was fresh and cool, and the campgrounds were alive with the sounds of laughter, nature, and energy. There were children and young people from all over the world, each with their own story, but Maggie knew she was unique.

The first day was overwhelming — the cultural differences, the unfamiliar accents, the food, and the sheer size of the camp left her wide-eyed. But the camp directors, managers, and fellow camp counselors welcomed her warmly, and soon, she began to feel at home. Her passion for music and dance made it easy for her to connect with others.

At the camp, it didn’t matter where you came from. Music was a universal language, and Maggie spoke it fluently.

Girl of many talents

During the camp’s activity sessions, Maggie quickly stood out. Her flexibility, skill, and determination caught the attention of the campers, administrators, and fellow camp counselors. They marveled at how effortlessly she played and interacted with ease with boys and girls alike.

But camp was about more than just music, dance, and fun activities. It was also about leadership, personal growth, and building a sense of global community. Maggie attended training workshops on teamwork, leadership, and community service. She shared her story of growing up in Uganda, and the different cultural norms that exist in Uganda.

Bonding: Maggie Nakagwa participating in activities at camp with the campers. (Photo/Instagram)

The Camp Director Ms. Elvira had this to say; “I am beyond grateful for this collaboration! Our Uganda family brought so much joy and positive energy to our Community this summer - it truly was an AMAZING summer. Reflecting on the phone interviews/conversations I had with her back in December/January to witnessing her openness to this new family, culture, and experience - has been super rewarding on our end! This summer was filled with smiles, dance moves, relationship-building, and so much growth! Let's continue providing great role models for our young people all across the world”.

When the summer ended, it was time for Maggie to return to Uganda. Saying goodbye to her new friends was difficult, but she knew she was going home with more than just memories. She was returning with a new sense of purpose.

Camp had given her the confidence to believe that her dreams weren’t too big. They were possible.

Superb homecoming

Back in the Acholi Quarters, her family welcomed her back with open arms. She was no longer just Maggie, the girl who played football in the slums, she was Maggie, the leader, the visionary. Her experiences in the U.S. had changed her, giving her the courage to face the challenges ahead.

Maggie’s journey from the Acholi Quarters to camp had been more than just a trip across the ocean. It had been a journey of transformation, of discovering her strength, and of realizing that no matter where she came from, she had the power to change her story and change the world.

Maggie's summer camp experience was a joint effort between 'The Friends Of The Aliguma Foundation Inc. (USA) and The Aliguma Foundation. The Friends of Aliguma Foundation Inc. (USA), founded in 2022, was created to support the work of the Aliguma Foundation.