In just three short years since arriving to the United States from Bushenyi, Uganda, Emma Murokozi has overcome challenges and seized opportunities, transforming himself into a leader and a role model for immigrants and underrepresented students.
“Growing up in Uganda, opportunities were scarce,” he said. “People who succeed are rare, but when I arrived in the U.S., I knew I had to make the most of every chance.”
Murokozi said his journey from Uganda to becoming the TR Student Government Association president is a testament to his resilience, determination and commitment to inspiring others.
“When I first came here, I was looking for a college that offered hands-on learning and affordable tuition,” Murokozi said. “TCC was the right fit. It provided everything I needed to succeed like practical courses and career advice.”
Murokozi quickly realized that education extended beyond academics.
“It’s not just about what you learn in the classroom,” he said. “I realized the importance of developing communication, networking and leadership skills.”
Murokozi said he aims to use his education to make a difference in the world.
As a cybersecurity major, he plans to start an IT school to teach cybersecurity to underprivileged children in the U.S. and Africa.
“I want to give back by helping others who don’t have access to the same opportunities I had,” he said. “By providing them with the tools they need to succeed, I hope to empower the next generation of leaders.”
That spirit of helping others is one TR instructional aid Karla Bustos said she’s witnessed firsthand.
“During a Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony, Emma came, participated and at the end, stayed after a bit to make sure the members were all fine, helped us clean up and overall did things that we didn’t ask of him but were a tremendous help,” she said.
Bustos said characteristics like this would help Murokozi achieve his goal of starting an IT school.
“Anything he’s passionate about like [the IT school], he can accomplish,” Bustos said. “I see him expanding all his skills to help him move on to bigger things, not just at TCC but beyond.”
Throughout his journey, Murokozi said he also had to handle the challenges of being an immigrant and Black man in America.
“As a Black person, it feels like navigating a place that doesn’t appreciate my background,” he said. “But I’ve learned to adapt by building relationships, volunteering and demonstrating my value.”
Murokozi said with Uganda being a poor and underdeveloped country, his background has profoundly shaped his approach to business and innovation by requiring him to think outside the box to achieve his goals.
“You quickly learn to make the most out of what you have and find creative ways to navigate challenges,” he said. “I carry that mindset in my education and business career. It’s about claiming your destiny, regardless of the obstacles. This mindset helped me look for solutions where others might see problems.”
Murokozi participated in the Techstars startup competition, an event geared toward increasing access to entrepreneurship that took place last November in Fort Worth.
Murokozi said his entrepreneur skills were put to the test during the competition, where he and a group of strangers were challenged to create and pitch a company in just 54 hours.
“We pitched a project called ‘Tropical Transfer’ to simplify money transfers to Africa,” he said. “Sending money home has always been difficult, so I wanted to find an easier way to do it.”
Despite the intense competition, Murokozi’s team emerged victorious.
“It was a grueling experience, but I learned a lot about teamwork and leadership,” he said. “It was an opportunity to use my skills and ideas to solve real-world problems.”
Winning the competition proved to him he had the right ideas and a vision to make a real difference in his community.
For Murokozi, leadership is about more than high-profile positions. It’s about building a sense of community.
“Small interactions can lead to significant opportunities,” he said. “I believe that every connection I make, even if it seems minor, could spark a change in someone’s life.”
He said he believes that education’s true value lies in developing skills that help individuals thrive in the real world.
“Education is important, but it’s the soft skills like how to communicate and work with others that shape who you become,” Murokozi said.
He said his Ugandan background taught him that community is essential.
“In Uganda, we value relationships and support each other,” he said. “That has helped me approach networking here in the U.S. with the mindset of contributing to others, not just what I can get.”
Academic adviser, Matt Spohn, said Murokozi’s willingness to have conversations with anyone and everyone can prove to be a valuable asset for him and TCC.
“He’s a visionary but also understanding of the needs of students and those who are underprivileged,” Spohn said. “With that connection, he can really be a voice to connect faculty and staff with students at TCC.”
For Murokozi, the message to students is clear.
“Claim your destiny,” he said. “No matter the challenges, you have the power to change your life and shape your future.”
