SHORTLY after he was honoured for his work at a glitzy London ceremony Ismael Musoke was back to doing what he does best – campaigning for underdogs.
The 17-year-old was crowned Young Leader of the Year by community organising group Citizens UK on December 5 – and on Friday he was at Croydon Council's offices pressuring the authority to sign up to the living wage.
Selsdon resident Mr Musoke joined fellow members of Citizens UK offshoot London Citizens in pitching up at the council's headquarters trying to get a meeting with council leader Mike Fisher.
Armed with mince pies and a Christmas card, the group were undeterred when told Cllr Fisher was out, and sang to staff members instead.
A committed community organiser and since September student head of his college, Coulsdon Sixth Form, Mr Musoke beat hundreds of hopefuls to his award.
He was recognised for work including organising a jobs fair and signing up businesses in Old Coulsdon to the City Safe campaign, in which they provide a safe haven for anyone in trouble, and agree to report all crime.
He said he developed a social conscience after spending four years in his homeland of Uganda, which he gave him a new perspective on problems in the UK.
Despite his dedication, Mr Musoke said does not want to be a politician.
