My Story
Dear Reader,
My name is Paget Peter Maanige and welcome to my blog.
May 22, 2023, marked the beginning of my blogging journey—a passion-driven side project that sprang to life, brimming with inspiration and boundless enthusiasm. Among my circle of friends, I am commonly known as Paje, a shortened version of my given name, Paget. It is from this endearing nickname that the website derived its name.
PajeReviews.com is gaining recognition as a reliable online platform, aiming to be a trusted source of software reviews. It strives to simplify the overwhelming choices in the digital realm and act as a helpful guide. I personally assess a majority of the software showcased on this blog, sharing my own experiences as a user and occasionally offering insights as a computer programmer. Moreover, I provide valuable information to address common questions about the discussed software.
While growing up, there was always an untold narrative ingrained in us, suggesting that life should be lived in five steps.
- Graduate high school with stunning grades
- Get enrolled in a good university
- Earn me a Master’s qualification and probably upgrade
- Find myself a decent-paying corporate job
- Work hard every day to climb the corporate ladder
With capital, connections, and resources, I would be ready to embark on my dream business. Life has not turned out that way so far. Grab yourself a cup of tea and let us get this story started.
Preface
Over the past five years, I have been actively engaged as an independent developer, creating Android apps and games. This experience has played a crucial role in my development as a computer programmer. It has not only improved my technical skills but also given me a keen understanding of the complexities involved in creating high-quality software.
Simultaneously my lifelong affinity for writing has been a constant source of intrigue. I’ve come to recognize the profound impact that words possess, capable of influencing and transforming lives. As I matured, I uncovered the profound potential of writing to weave compelling narratives that deeply resonate with individuals, inspiring them to effect meaningful change. Through my personal journey, I have witnessed firsthand the immense power of storytelling in shaping the world we inhabit.
Hailing from the humble town of Kabale in the South West of Uganda, I’ve encountered numerous hurdles in the pursuit of my dreams. Yet, with unwavering commitment, I pressed on, steadfastly following my passions and surmounting each obstacle in my path. Through sheer dedication and perseverance, I eventually discovered the sweet taste of success, crafting a fulfilling life that resonates with the essence of my aspirations.
Here is a glimpse into who I am and what drives me.
1993 – Genesis
I was born at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.
Motivated by a strong desire to experience the lively spirit of the 90s, I confidently entered the world a whole month earlier than expected, bringing an element of unexpected excitement.
In the extraordinary narrative of my birth, I came into this world through a C-section, a testament to the immeasurable love and bravery of my mother. Though I don’t possess a conscious recollection of that moment, the echoes of her unwavering strength and selflessness resonate within me. I hold an eternal sense of gratitude towards my mother for the myriad of challenges she courageously faced.
I grew up as the youngest child of my wonderful parents, Jackson and Winifred. We lived in a simple home in the charming town of Luwero in a village known as Kasana (which means “the Sun” in Luganda). Luwero is a peaceful place located about 75 kilometers (47 miles) North of Kampala in the Central Region of Uganda. During our time in Luwero, my older brother Erasmus, our firstborn Noeline, and I shared many special moments together. While some memories have faded over time, glimpses of those cherished moments reside in our family photo albums and are brought to life through captivating stories. Our hearts were filled with youthful exuberance as we celebrated birthdays, embarked on exhilarating bike rides, and embraced the enchantment of our early years.
The 90’s – Epiphanies
During my childhood, I went through a transformative journey from Luwero to the beautiful hills of Kabale. While in Kabale, the Swiss-like weather was sometimes comforting and at times challenging for me because I couldn’t handle the cold very well. In this new place, my educational journey began at Ainembabazi Nursery School, which was a wonderful and caring school in our small town. I have many fond memories from my time there, such as mastering the art of penmanship and creating lifelong friendships.
Memories
Parents would always pack a homemade breakfast for their children. For me, it meant having delicious fresh passion fruit juice along with soft and yummy biscuits. However, my elder brother had to follow the rules of his primary school, so his breakfast consisted of a bottle of Coca-Cola and bread, which I didn’t like. One day, something puzzling happened at school that left me feeling confused.
My beloved passion fruit juice suddenly disappeared from my lunch box, and it made me really sad. I couldn’t understand what happened. Other students and two concerned teachers noticed my distress and tried to figure out what went wrong. But they were just as confused as I was because I had a bottle of Coca-Cola and a simple loaf of bread in my hands. One of the teachers decided to call the headmistress, who then contacted my mother using the old-fashioned landline phone.
A secret conversation revealed the truth of this confusing situation. It turned out that my brother accidentally switched our bags, so I ended up with his things while he had mine without knowing it. The headmistress helped us find a better drink to satisfy my wishes. To this day, the event is still bought up during random conversations by my closest relatives. It reminds me of how unpredictable childhood can be and how strong the bonds of family are. At that moment, I had no idea what life had in store for me. It was just a small incident, giving me a hint of the mysterious and exciting journey that awaited me.
2000’s – Zeitgeist
I moved from the beautiful valleys of Rwakaraba to Rugarama Hill, where I continued my education at a prestigious primary school. This school was well-known for shaping the education of talented students in the region. It was established in 1938 by the church and was called Kabale Preparatory School. When I entered the school, I felt a lively and energetic atmosphere, filled with many enthusiastic students.
The school I attended was truly impressive, surpassing my previous preschool in its size and grandeur. It had seven classroom blocks, dining, and assembly halls with historical significance from the 1930s. The campus also included three large dormitories filled with vibrant energy. Interestingly, there was a roundabout by the main gate and a C-shaped green hedge near the staff room, accompanied by a majestic guava tree, creating a serene ambiance. Additionally, the school had a football field, a rounders’ field occasionally used for netball matches, and a remarkable playground. The playground featured captivating swings, including a mesmerizing tree swing, as well as a slide, climbing frame, see-saw, and a delightful merry-go-round.
Memories
I was a day student for four years before being transitioned to the boarding program for the following three years because of an incident in my fourth year in primary school. We had a midterm Social Studies test one afternoon and I had not prepared for that particular exam. During the examination, I realized I only had answers to 1/5th of the paper. I was stuck in thought the entire session scratching my head and bearly writing anything. When I heard our class teacher alert us of the limited time remaining, I panicked and wrote all kinds of irrelevant information. The answers I wrote were so strange that I was embarrassed in front of the class by the class teacher and also earned myself a serious punishment when the examination papers were returned.
Initially, boarding life was challenging, causing emotional distress and leading to weeks of tears as I tried unsuccessfully to leave the system. With the guidance of some exceptional pupils, an esteemed educator Alfred, and the nurturing presence of the kind matron Charity, I adapted to boarding life. Initially, it was disconcerting to leave the comfort of my family home and enter this new environment. Looking back, though, this transition became a crucial turning point that strengthened my character and improved my academic performance.
During my primary school years, numerous noteworthy incidents occurred, particularly during my three-year period as a boarding pupil. These events encompassed a variety of experiences, ranging from conflicts with classmates to personal missteps, as well as achievements and setbacks. Overall, my time in primary school provided valuable life lessons that surpassed what I learned during my secondary education.
2000’s Plus – Nostalgia
During my high school years, I continued my education at Kigezi High School, situated atop the esteemed Rugarama Hill. Unlike my earlier years, my time at this prestigious institution proved to be less eventful. Perhaps it was due to my increased maturity and the valuable lessons I had learned from my previous experiences in primary school. However, my journey was not entirely without challenges, as I encountered minor instances of bullying during my first year. Like every Form One student, I prayed and hoped to successfully advance to Form Two, eagerly anticipating the next stage of my educational voyage.
With the sincere intention of cultivating a robust moral foundation and forging meaningful connections with respectable peers, I eagerly joined Scripture Union—a remarkable Christian community within my school. This deliberate choice was driven by my desire to shield myself from the scourge of bullying while fostering a supportive and positive environment. My time at school proved to be an invaluable journey, brimming with a multitude of transformative experiences. From encountering my first crash to enduring my initial heartbreak, from embracing newfound responsibilities to venturing into uncharted territories, each moment was a stepping stone in my personal growth.
Memories
I actively participated in various social activities during my time in high school. One particular memory that stands out is my involvement in organizing the School Chapel on Sundays as a dedicated member of the Chapel decorating team. It was a significant milestone for me as it was my first experience of being entrusted with responsibility at a young age.
Every Sunday morning, right after the morning praise and worship session held in the Form Five Arts block, I eagerly made my way to the Head Monitor’s office. This was our designated meeting spot, where I joined other members of the Decorating team. Together, we prepared for the chapel service by gathering hymn books and arranging holy table decorations.
This experience not only allowed me to actively contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of our school but also taught me the value of teamwork and organization. Being entrusted with responsibilities at a young age helped shape my character and instilled in me a sense of purpose and dedication.
Overall, my involvement in the Chapel decorating team during my first year in high school was a memorable and formative experience that taught me the importance of commitment, teamwork, and the satisfaction that comes from making a meaningful contribution to the community.
In my second year of high school, three influential books reshaped my life: ‘Think Big’ and ‘Gifted Hands’ by Dr. Ben Carson, and ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ by Robert Kiyosaki. These transformative reads provided me with a fresh perspective and illuminated the immense potential within me, empowering me to shape my own desired future.
During my time in Form Three, I had the fortunate opportunity to win a fiercely competitive election for the position of Health Prefect. What may have contributed to my success, in my perspective, was my strategic decision to campaign in all classes, including the Advanced Level classes. By accompanying election candidates from various classes, I aimed to create familiarity with potential voters, leaving a lasting impression that ultimately played a role in securing my victory.
As the newly appointed Health Prefect, I found my new abode in the School Sickbay. I assumed the role of being the vigilant eyes, attentive ears, and compassionate hands of the School Nurse, tending to fellow unwell students. My responsibilities also encompassed coordinating school cleaning initiatives and conducting thorough inspections to ensure their efficacy. Through this role, I gained profound insights into the essence of humility and the fundamental principles of humanity.
In Form Five, after achieving academic excellence, I pursued the sciences and seized the opportunity to contend for a leadership position I had aspired to since Form One. Fortunately, with only two contestants, I implemented the proven strategy that had brought me success in previous years, resulting in a smooth triumph.
As the Deputy Head Prefect (D.H.P), my responsibilities took on a distinct character. I assumed the role of overseeing student committees, engaging in meetings with Head Teachers and department heads, and ensuring effective coordination among various stakeholders. While juggling these extensive responsibilities, I faced challenges in maintaining my academic performance.
Since 2013 – Autonomy
In August 2013, my journey into higher education commenced at Kyambogo University, where I enrolled in the Science Faculty for a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Computing. Despite the daily commute of approximately 1 kilometer from Kamuli in Kireka to the campus in Banda, I remained determined to prioritize my academic pursuits.
My strategic plan involved wholeheartedly dedicating myself to my studies, and consciously setting aside extracurricular commitments such as leadership roles and social engagements, including parties. The prospect of facing retakes during my time at university did not align with my aspirations, driving me to approach my coursework with utmost seriousness and diligence.
Campus life bestowed upon me a sense of liberation, a respite from the constraints of High School. It was a time of self-discovery and personal growth. While at University, I not only honed my culinary skills, learning to craft nourishing meals for myself but also navigated the chaotic currents of Kampala’s bustling traffic, gaining an invaluable sense of urban navigation. Immersed in the vibrant culture, I ventured into the realms of the Luganda language, absorbing its nuances and connecting with locals on a deeper level. Amidst this captivating journey, an electrifying revelation awaited me – the realm of computer programming was unveiled, igniting a passion that would shape my future endeavors.
Campus life truly became the catalyst for an extraordinary transformation, empowering me with invaluable experiences and shaping the trajectory of my personal and professional aspirations.
I’ve had a lifelong curiosity about computer programming since I was young. My first brush with it came from a book called ‘Computer Software Basics’ by Carl Laron, where he introduced Assembly language to younger readers and emphasized its significance for the future. However, it wasn’t until I reached university that I delved deeper into programming. Although we explored programming in detail, it often felt theoretical and occasionally left me bewildered.
During my third year of university, as I worked on my final year project, I decided to challenge myself further and enrolled in a week-long robot game coding project by Kilobolt. The complexity of the course initially overwhelmed me, but I was determined to conquer it. Remarkably, I completed the entire online course in just two weeks. Witnessing the results of the game I had created left me awestruck and filled me with a sense of pride. Inspired by my achievement with Kilobolt, I took the leap and installed Android Studio, driven by a desire to develop something that could make a positive impact on people’s lives. Around that time, as we were preparing for graduation, many of my fellow students expressed their struggles in finding employment opportunities in town. It became a common topic of discussion during our campus meetings.
It was during these conversations that I recognized an opportunity to help others. I began researching and compiling content for a business startup guide, specifically tailored to advise young individuals on how to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. Leveraging resources from my brother’s business school books, common sense, and copyright-free materials available on the internet, I meticulously compiled the content using Microsoft Word.
Equipped with three Android textbooks, I delved into coding the app. The process was intense, but I persevered. After four months of dedicated effort, I successfully deployed the Business Startup app. To this day, it remains my most significant accomplishment within the realm of Android development.
When I first released my initial Android apps, I encountered a perplexing situation that lasted for weeks: a complete absence of installs, despite investing months of effort into developing the applications. Faced with this challenge, I found myself at a loss for what to do next and unsure of whom to seek guidance from. Consequently, I decided to explore online forums, hoping to find insights on application marketing practices in the early and mid-2018 timeframe. Unfortunately, my search yielded limited information on the subject.
As time went on, I realized the importance of actively engaging with relevant communities to seek advice and learn from experienced developers. Through platforms such as Indie Hackers, the Android Communities on Reddit, Quora, Product Hunt, Hacker News, and other related forums, I connected with successful developers who generously shared their expertise and contributed positively to their respective communities.
Over the years, I have diligently honed my programming, marketing, and design skills, witnessing significant improvements from my initial foray into app development. Participating in developer communities exposed me to valuable resources like GitHub for collaborative software development and Version Control systems for efficient code management. Along my development journey, I also recognized the significance of Keyword Analysis and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in order to enhance the visibility and ranking of my products amidst a highly competitive market. Additionally, I learned the importance of establishing connections with bloggers and reviewers to secure opportunities for unbiased reviews of my apps. These newfound skills have been instrumental in shaping my growth as an Android developer.
Conclusion
As I reflect on my personal journey, spanning from my early fascination with programming to the trials I encountered and the subsequent creation of remarkable products like Business Startup, a profound sense of fulfillment and pride envelops me. The Android projects I have undertaken thus far have shaped me into the developer I am today.
With the wealth of knowledge and expertise I have acquired throughout my journey, my goal is to support the business community by meticulously reviewing available software options and presenting the very best solutions. This blog serves as a platform dedicated to this purpose, aiming to provide you with a comprehensive range of business software solutions right at your fingertips.
Moreover, I am here to address any inquiries or concerns you may have regarding Android development. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time, as I am more than happy to assist you on your own development journey.
Thank you for joining me on this exciting adventure, and I look forward to sharing valuable insights and helping you find the perfect software solutions for your business needs.
