By Nathan Eyagu

KAMPALA - In a moment that has left many in awe, Joseph Admin Opio, the President of Okadibong — a group popularly known as “Party Crashers” — has made history by becoming the first member of the movement to graduate with a university degree.

On October 28, 2025, Opio proudly walked across the stage at Victoria University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance. For him, this achievement was more than an academic milestone; it was the culmination of a long, painful, and inspiring journey from poverty to purpose.

“I come from a place where poverty wasn’t a visitor—it was a resident,” Opio said in an emotional reflection. “But today, I stand as proof that dreams are valid, no matter where you start.”

Born into a humble family of five children, Opio lost his father when he was just two years old. Raised by a single mother who toiled to provide for her children, life was a daily struggle. His elder siblings dropped out of school due to financial constraints — dreams cut short by the harsh reality of poverty.

Eventually, Opio too dropped out of school. “I had no books, no shoes, and often no food,” he recalls. “For a while, I thought that was the end of my story.”

But life had a different lesson waiting. On the streets, he learned survival — selling chapattis, mending bicycle tubes, and taking on odd jobs. Locally known as a street cobra, he developed resilience and determination amid hardship. Yet, even in the dust of the streets, he kept a small vision alive — to return to school someday.

That dream reignited unexpectedly during a traditional marriage ceremony (kwanjula aitodiar) in Ngora Oteteen. Though uninvited, Opio attended in search of food — and fate intervened. There, he met the son of a wealthy man and boldly asked for a chance to return to school. The message reached the father, who agreed to sponsor his education.

“That day changed my life,” Opio said. “God used a moment I didn’t expect to open doors I never imagined.”

Opio returned to school with renewed determination, studying not just for himself but for every child who had ever been told they couldn’t make it. After years of perseverance, his dream finally came true — and he now stands as a symbol of transformation for the Okadibong community.

The Okadibong Movement, once known for its lively street dances and uninvited appearances at local parties (hence the nickname “party crashers”), has evolved into a brotherhood of hope, creativity, and resilience. What many once dismissed as mere entertainers now inspire others through stories of perseverance and unity.

“People used to laugh at us,” Opio said with a smile. “They called us dancers and noise-makers. But today, those same people call us leaders and visionaries.”

As the President of Okadibong, Opio now leads initiatives aimed at empowering youth from underprivileged backgrounds — promoting education, talent development, and community service. His success has ignited a new spirit within the group, motivating others to dream beyond their circumstances.

“When I dance with Okadibong, I don’t just dance for joy — I dance for memory,” he said proudly. “Every beat of the drum reminds me of where I came from. Every step reminds me that no struggle is wasted.”

His inspiring journey is documented in “The Okadibong Diaries”, a forthcoming book that captures stories of resilience, unity, and hope among the youth of the movement.

“To every young person out there,” Opio concluded, “dream loud, work hard, and never stop believing. If I, a boy from the streets, can graduate with a degree — so can you.”