Makerere University is pleased to announce 190 Undergraduate and 11 Master’s Scholarships for Ugandan Nationals, Refugees, Students with Disabilities, Internally displaced young people, and International students joining Makerere University (main campus) in the Academic Year 2025/2026 under the Private Sponsorship Scheme.

Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University‘s main campus, an applicant must belong to one of the following categories: Ugandan nationals, refugees, students with disabilities, internally displaced young people, or international students and fulfil the following conditions.

1. Applicants for Undergraduate Degree Programmes

1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus under the private sponsorship scheme for the academic year 2025/2026.
2. The Applicant must have either;
   • Completed their advanced secondary level education (or its equivalent) in an African country or
   • Hold second class/credit diploma from any recognized institution or
   • Must have passed the mature age entry examinations of Makerere University for the Years 2023 and 2024.
3. The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships.
4. The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship, including the Government of Uganda Scholarship.
5. The Applicant should not have completed any undergraduate degree Programme.
6. The Applicant should have demonstrated leadership potential and/or community service.
7. The Applicant should be 28 years old or younger at the application deadline.
8. Applicants under the categories of Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and Students with Disabilities should be 32 years old or younger at the time of the application deadline
9. A refugee applicant must hold a Refugee Identity Card or Family Attestation.
10. Applicants in the Refugee Host Communities category must have completed their secondary school education within those communities.
11. The applicant should have applied for any degree programmes prioritized under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University‘s main campus (please refer to the application form for a list of prioritized programmes).

2. Applicants for Master’s Degree Programmes

1. The applicant must have applied for admission to Makerere University‘s main campus for 2025/2026.
2. The Applicant must have completed their undergraduate education in an African country.
3. The Applicant should be experiencing financial hardships.
4. The Applicant should not be a holder of any other scholarship.
5. The Applicant should not be pursuing or have completed any Master’s degree studies.
6. The applicant should have demonstrated leadership potential and/ or community service.
7. The Applicant should not be over 35 years old at the application deadline.
8. Applicants in the Refugee and Students with Disabilities categories should be under 40 years old at the application deadline.
9. A refugee applicant MUST hold a Refugee Identity card or Family Attestation.
10. The applicant should have applied for any degree programs prioritized under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (please refer to the application form for a list of prioritized programs).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Prospective applicants for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University‘s main campus can access and complete the application form at no cost through the Online Application Portal (https://apply.mastercardfoundation.mak.ac.ug/)

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

The application submission deadline is Friday, 6^th June 2025, at 11:59 PM EAT.

For inquiries or clarifications, please call our office mobile line at +256 700-716-128 or email info@mastercardfdn.mak.ac.ug  

_{By Carol Kasujja Adii}

It was a dream come true for 21-year-old Elizabeth Gabeya, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University, when she took charge of the Vice Chancellor’s office for two days- March 10^th and 11^th.

She temporarily assumed the role of Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the office bearer, a day after International Women’s Day. Each year, Uganda joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day. To mark the occasion, Prof Nawangwe permitted a first-year female student to shadow him for two days as he went about his daily activities.

Excited about the opportunity, Gabeya, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation, arrived at 1:00 p.m., ahead of the appointed time. Dressed in a white T-shirt and blue jeans, she underwent security checks at the Main Building entrance.

She was escorted to the Vice Chancellor’s office on the second floor by Betty Kyakuwa, the University’s Acting Deputy Chief of Public Relations. As she made her way to the Vice Chancellor’s office, Gabeya nervously called out the name of Jesus.

At 2:30, Gabeya was summoned to the Vice Chancellor’s office. She entered with confidence and shook Professor Nawangwe’s hand, and at precisely 2:40, she assumed the position of Vice Chancellor.

She received a team of senior staff from the Uganda Revenue Authority, His Excellency Vincent Lubega Nsamba, the 90^th Guild President of Makerere University, and other members who had come to discuss the 90^th Guild celebrations with the Vice Chancellor.

She advised the guild President to write to her office to officially inform her of the event. During the discussion, she also pointed out that over the last six graduation ceremonies, Makerere University has seen a rising number of female graduates. At the recent graduation in January, 53% of the graduates were female, while 47% were male.

The Team also discussed how the university could support male students, just as it has done for female students. Professor Nawangwe listened attentively, demonstrating a sincere interest in their perspectives.

Experience as the Vice Chancellor

Gabeya recounts that the hour she spent with Professor Nawangwe was an inspiring and unforgettable experience. She learned about his other side.

 “I have never thought that I would ever enter the Vice Chancellor’s office; all along, I believed he met with students who perform well, those with talent, and dignitaries. I was surprised when I entered his office and he said: “Welcome, Elizabeth; you are the Vice Chancellor.” She adds that as she approached the VC’s office, she kept wondering what she would discuss when she was finally ushered into the Vice Chancellor’s presence, but Prof Nawangwe’s fatherly aura dispelled all her apprehensions, and she found herself feeling quite comfortable.

“He struck me as a father-figure, friendly, down to earth, simple and a listener, he allowed me to chair a meeting and also ask him questions. The Vice Chancellor’s words challenged me to dream bigger, work harder, and seek opportunities beyond the classroom,” she said

Though it was an hour-long event, the experience made Gabeya feel valued and engaged as a student and scholar at the University.

At 3:00 p.m., she handed over the office back to Prof Nawangwe, who still wanted her to be around and chair more meetings.

“Thank you, Prof Nawangwe, for allowing me to be the Vice Chancellor. This is not just an event, it is a milestone in my academic journey. It has reminded me that I am part of a bigger mission to lead, innovate and create a better future for my community,” Gabeya expressed gratitude.

Prof. Nawangwe speaks out

In an interview, Prof. Nawangwe noted that role-playing is a powerful tool for mentoring the young generation and preparing them for leadership.

“This action is a strong catalyst, propelling many young women into leadership and positioning them as agents of change in their communities,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked. He further highlighted Makerere University‘s commitment to women’s empowerment through various initiatives, including mentorship programs, scholarships, and leadership training as prescribed under the SDG 4.

“Over the years, Makerere has made significant strides in promoting gender equity. We have seen a steady increase in female enrollment and graduation rates, with women now outnumbering men at recent graduation ceremonies. Our goal is to continue nurturing women leaders, researchers, and innovators who will contribute meaningfully to national and global development,” he added.

Today, Gabeya attended the university’s Top Management meeting, which she chaired, receiving guests from Mauritius. The guests shared opportunities for venture capitalism with the management team, which excited Elizabeth. She expressed her hope to visit Mauritius one day to learn more about investment financing.

“I will never forget these two days in my life. As a student, I cannot afford to get retakes or be average.  I am going to study hard and see that one day I occupy that office,” Gabeya said.

_{By Carol Kasujja Adii}

The former Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), Mrs Allen Kagina, has challenged leaders to exercise integrity not only in words but in action.

Mrs Kagina made the call on Friday 7^th March during the 3^rd Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro annual public Lecture held at the School of Public Health Auditorium at Makerere University, where she delivered the keynote address.

The memorial lecture was held under the theme: “Pioneering change and transforming Institutions”

Sarah Ntiro was a trailblazer, a woman who defied societal norms and dedicated her life to advancing education and gender equality. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but a blueprint for how individuals can catalyze institutional and societal transformation.

Delivering her keynote speech, Mrs Kagina noted that when she took on the role of Executive Director at UNRA, she faced challenges because the institution was plagued by inefficiency, corruption and delayed projects, but with integrity and innovations, together with her team they rebuilt UNRA’s credibility.

“Leadership must be anchored in integrity because ethical leadership fosters a culture of accountability and transparency. As a leader, you must create an environment where people feel confident that decisions are made in the best interest of the institution and those it serves,” Mrs Kagina, said.

Mrs Kagina narrated that in order to rebuild UNRA’s credibility, she had to take difficult decisions by removing corrupt and underperforming staff and ensured that the institution was staffed by competent and ethical professionals.

According to Mrs Kagina, no leader can succeed alone. Institutional transformation depends on the collective efforts of individuals committed to the same purpose.

“Investing in people through training, mentorship and empowerment creates a culture of ownership and innovation. When employees are engaged and valued, they become champions of change rather than passive participants,” Mrs Kagina, noted.

Using her leadership journey at Uganda Revenue Authority, Mrs Kagina explained that she learnt that effective leadership is the cornerstone of institutional transformation.

She told the audience that when she joined URA, the institution was struggling with corruption, inefficiency and lack of public trust, together with a small team, they restructured the organization by removing corrupt elements and enforcing transparency at every level something that changed URA’s image.

“We introduced technology to reduce human interference in tax collection. We fostered a culture of accountability and cooperation. These reforms were challenging but they ultimately restored URA’s credibility and set a new standard for public institutions in Uganda,” She pointed out.

Drawing lessons from Ntiro’s life, Mrs Kagina, explained that although Ntiro’s journey was marked by numerous challenges, from systemic gender discrimination to societal resistance, she remained steadfast in her mission, demonstrating that resilience is essential for overcoming obstacles.

“Her ability to persevere, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable barriers, serves as a powerful reminder that change often requires enduring hardship with unwavering determination,” Mrs Kagina, said.

Mrs Kagina noted that one of Ntiro’s greatest legacies is the generation of women she inspired to pursue leadership roles.  Noting that by empowering others to lead, Ntiro ensured that her work would continue long after her time.

“Ntiro’s ability to articulate a compelling vision for a more equitable society was central to her success. She inspired others to believe in the possibility of change and to work toward it with passion and commitment. Her leadership demonstrates that a clear, inspiring vision is essential for mobilizing people and driving institutional transformation,” Mrs Kagina, said.

In her closing remarks, Mrs Kagina called upon those in leadership positions to emulate people like Ntiro who demonstrated resilience, advocacy and strategic reforms to transform even the most rigid systems.

During the function, Mrs Lorna Magara, the Chairperson Makerere University Council, said that Ntiro’s story reminds people that true pioneers do not wait for change, they create it, look beyond existing limitations and imagine possibilities that others may not see.

“Mrs Kagina powerfully articulated that transformative leadership is not about being the first woman in the room, but ensuring you are not the last. When women lead with courage and vision, we do not just change organisations, we redefine the very essence of leadership,” Mrs Magara, said.

Mrs Magara, reminded students, researchers and leaders that every challenge they encounter should be treated as an opportunity to reimagine possibilities and shape the future.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs/Academic Registrar, Prof Mukadasi Buyinza, pointed out that Ntiro’s story teaches generations that transformative change is not about grand gestures but consistent and principled action.

“Her story reminds us that progress is a collective endeavor. It requires individuals willing to challenge systemic barriers, sacrifice personal comfort and create pathways for those who follow. As we honor Ntiro’s memory, we are called to continue her work to pioneer change, transform institutions and build a more equitable future for Uganda and the African continent,” Prof Buyinza, said.

Moderating the panel discussion, Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Dean, School of Women and Gender Studies Mrs. Allen Kagina her inspiring keynote speech. “Some of the points I kept hearing were reforms, integrity, teamwork, celebrating the pioneers on whose shoulders we stand and most interestingly, those who worked on the ecosystem to make it possible.”

She equally thanked the second panelist Mrs. Elizabeth Mushabe, a passionate gender equity and social justice advocate with over twenty years of experience in community systems strengthening, for richly contributing to the day’s discussion.

Prof. Ssali highlighted two points for the audience to take keen note of in order to address social problems; one, the behavioural transformation that considers the empowerment we undergo as individuals and two, the structural transformation which addresses issues in the ecosystem.

“When you are talking about a girl being empowered to do very well, that is a behavioural approach, when you are talking about putting in place systems, and polices and laws that prevent teenage pregnancy and exploitation, you are talking about the structural thing. We need to operate in both ways and I hope that from the gallant ladies we have in this country, you have learnt how to address issues both behaviourally and structurally” Prof. Ssali counselled.

In her remarks, Dr Ruth Nsibirano, the head of the Gender Studies Department, urged Institutions to work towards inclusive and empowering education processes and practices.

“As the Department of Women and Gender Studies, we take pride in Ntiro’s legacy. We use this day as a platform to celebrate achievements the women of Uganda have made and to stand for the global sisterhood as we advance gender equality and social inclusion,” Dr Nsibirano, said.

Ntiro at glance

Born in 1926 in Bunyoro, Ntiro grew up in a society where opportunities for women were severely limited, but she excelled academically and became the first East African woman to graduate from the University of Oxford in 1951.

Ntiro returned to Uganda and began her career as a teacher. She faced systemic gender discrimination, including being paid less than her male counterparts. In protest, she worked without pay, something which sparked national debate about gender equality.

Her advocacy for girls’ education was rooted in the belief that educated women could drive societal transformation. Her impact extended far beyond her immediate community. Her work laid the Foundation for a more inclusive and equitable education system in Uganda and across East Africa.  She inspired a generation of women to pursue leadership roles and challenged deeply ingrained gender norms.