An 18-year-old orphan from a slum in Gayaza, Uganda, is embarking on a remarkable opportunity to play in a prestigious amateur baseball league in the United States this summer. This chance of a lifetime is a dream come true for Kasumba, who aspires to become a professional baseball player.

 

Expressing his overwhelming happiness, Kasumba, who grew up in poverty-stricken conditions near Kampala, considers himself blessed to have this opportunity. After his impressive baseball skills gained attention through viral videos online, he received an invitation to join the Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft League, which commences on June 1.

 

Sharing his excitement on Twitter, Kasumba posted a video of his departure from the airport, with his family, friends, and supporters waving him off. Determined to impress scouts and make his coach and teammates proud, Kasumba has been diligently honing his pitching and batting skills in preparation for the MLB event, where promising talents are put to the test.

 

Prior to his departure, Kasumba dedicated countless hours to training at the Gayaza local diamond, relying on worn-out equipment such as a tattered catcher's mitt and a patched-up bat. Off the field, he improvised various methods to stay fit, using unconventional objects for exercise. Under the scorching equatorial sun, he would perform squats with barbells made of concrete and discarded car tires, with water-filled plastic bottles strapped to his legs for added resistance.

 

Kasumba's training sessions have been captured on video and shared on social media, gaining him thousands of followers who are inspired by his determination and positive attitude.

 

Born into hardship, Kasumba was raised by his grandmother in Gayaza, having lost his parents at a young age. His mother abandoned him and his siblings as infants, following the death of their father, who was a soldier fighting against anti-government rebels. At the age of eight, Kasumba dropped out of school and worked at an abattoir to earn his meals. It was there that he met volunteer coach John Bosco Sempa, who introduced him to the local baseball field.

 

Recognizing Kasumba's natural talent and unwavering determination, Coach Sempa encouraged him to showcase his skills on social media, where he found additional motivation and support. Kasumba reflects on his journey, stating that what started as a joke has now led him to the United States for the MLB opportunity. However, it hasn't been an easy path. He faced two visa rejections before finally receiving approval in May, leaving him thrilled and excited for what lies ahead.

 

Becoming a professional baseball player is a significant challenge in a country like Uganda, which has never produced a major league player and where interest in baseball is overshadowed by football and athletics. Coach Sempa hopes for Kasumba's success in reaching the highest league in the world, as it would be a remarkable achievement. Moreover, Kasumba's incredible journey serves as an inspiration to the local community, particularly to other orphaned children raised in poverty in Gayaza, who view him as a role model.

 

Coach Sempa expresses his desire for all his players to succeed and believes that Kasumba's accomplishments are not only personal but also a source of pride for their country.