Like so many cats on campus, Saliwat Muwanga came to Tucson by way of Southern California.
She transferred to the UA last fall after two years at Fullerton Community College.
But her hometown is a long way from the left coast. She was born and raised in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
The Wildcat nation includes 11 others from the central African nation, said Muwanga, a pre-business junior who is one of the international students on campus this year.
"Basically, it's my parents who suggested the idea of me studying in America. Of course, I was excited."
Muwanga has nine brothers and four sisters, and she's the only one studying in the states.
"My father owns a company. They produce plastics. And my mom is a stay-at-home mom," she said.
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Muwanga plans to work for at least a year after she earns her bachelor's degree and then return home to Kampala. She's applying to the UA's Eller College but hasn't yet decided whether she wants to pursue a master's.
After graduation, she hopes to land a job at accounting giant Ernst & Young.
"They have a branch in Uganda, and perhaps I can join their team there," she said. "Either that or work in a bank."
Saliwat Muwanga
• Age: 21. She turns 22 on Tuesday.
• Year in school: Junior.
• Major: Pre-business.
• Hometown: Kampala, Uganda.
• Belongs to: African Students Association. She's also a peer integrator for the UA's International Student Programs and Services.
• Advice to freshmen: "I would encourage them to remember that it's not all about school. It's also good for them to attend school events, socialize, make friends, and that way they will enjoy being in Tucson. Of course, you have to balance class work with social activities."
• Volunteers: She helps fellow international students with everything from housing issues to party planning.
• Work: She started a job Monday as a peer mentor at Think Tank, a program within the Student Academic Learning Center.
"We are mentors who mainly target freshmen. If they need help, they come to us and we help them out."
• Where to find her on a Thursday night: At home, she says, getting ready for a heavy class schedule on Friday.
• Best deal on campus: As a worker at Cellar Bistro and the Cactus Grill last year, she could dine for half-price at the Student Union.
• Best place for music: Espresso Art Cafe, 942 E. University Blvd.
