Exeter degree for Emma's adopted son

OSCAR-WINNING actress Emma Thompson has spoken of her pride after her adopted son graduated with a degree in politics from the University of Exeter.

Tindyebwa Agaba, who Ms Thompson adopted six years ago with her husband Greg Wise, was presented with his degree by the University of Exeter’s Chancellor, Dr Floella Benjamin, after achieving a 2.1.

And his parents,   sister Gaia and grandmother, actress Phyllida  Law, were at the university’s Great Hall to witness his graduation.

Speaking to the Echo, Emma Thompson said: “I am inexpressibly proud. Considering he couldn’t speak English six years ago, it’s a remarkable achievement.”

She said the family had enjoyed a “wonderful celebration dinner” at Abode Exeter the previous night.

“I love it so much,” she said.

“Michael Caines’ restaurant is one of the nicest places in the world.”

And the actress was full of praise for Exeter. “It’s gorgeous,” she said. “It’s absolute heaven. Exeter has got something so special. It’s great all around the cathedral — it is so beautiful. I always enjoy visiting.”

She said her son would be joining her on the set of the sequel to popular 2005 film Nanny McPhee, which she is filming at the moment.

“We’re leaving at six o’clock in the morning,” she said, “so the celebrations are not going on too late.”

When asked how it felt to be graduating, Tindyebwa said: “It feels absolutely great — I am so honoured.

“My time at Exeter has been absolutely fantastic — a mixture of everything.”

Although he found his first year at university difficult, studying became easier as time went on.

“It got much better in my second year and I had an absolute ball in my last year,” he said.

Tindyebwa is one of more than 3,000 students who are receiving degrees at the University of Exeter this week.

The 22-year-old moved to the UK in 2003, when he was 16, and met his adoptive parents at a Refugee Council party.

In September, he  will attend the  School of Oriental and African Studies in London to pursue an MA in human rights law.

Professor Tim Dunne, one of Tindyebwa’s tutors, said: “Tindy has achieved an excellent degree and Exeter wishes him well in his future academic work.

“In fact, this future is going to be upon him very soon because he has been invited to write an essay for the Times Higher Education magazine.”