The Embassy of People’s Republic of China to Uganda, has renewed its scholarship offer to continue supporting thirty (30) students for the Academic Year 2019/2020. The scholarship awards were handed over to scholars by the Ambassador H.E Zheng Zhuqiang at a highly colorful ceremony held on 5th September 2019, at Makerere University.

On 8th August 2018, the Embassy awarded two categories of scholarships; the Ambassador’s Award for Excellence and the Ambassador’s Award for Friendship to thirty (30) Makerere University students for the Academic year 2018/2019.  The worth UGX85million aimed at supporting continuing students from a disadvantaged socio-economic background to pursue their studies at Makerere University for one year (academic year 2018/2019).

The Ambassador’s Award for Excellence and the Ambassador’s Award for Friendship at Makerere University is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Makerere University; to develop Uganda’s education system through supporting Ugandan youth to attain quality education at Makerere University.

Speaking at the award ceremony on 5th September 2019, H.E Zheng Zhuqiang, congratulated all the award winning scholars upon reaching the tremendous milestone. The Ambassador was overwhelmed by the warm feedback he received from the scholars. He shared an inspirational message from Ms. Angella Nampijja, one of the beneficiaries on the program. “Like the roses needs the sun to blossom, your support helps me to reach my career goals and I strongly believe Uganda needs software engineers like me to bridge the gap that negatively affect people in my country.”

His Excellency celebrated Makerere University for being the fulcrum of Uganda’s development by training and nurturing the country’s human resource base. He highlighted the need for strategic investment in the young generation in order to have the much needed human capital that is ready to drive the country’s planned growth and transformation.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms. Tracy Kituyi thanked the People’s Republic of China for gifting Ugandan children with knowledge through education.

“We all agree that the gift of education is more valuable in this world. It is the sole path to developing oneself intellectually and the door to opportunities,” she said.

The Chairperson of the Scholarships Selection Committee, Dr. Jessica Norah Aguti thanked the Embassy of People’s Republic of China for supporting the scholars for another academic year. She congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to fully utilize the opportunity to achieve their goals.

Representing the Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni,  Mr. Aggrey David Kibenge acknowledged the long term relationship between China and Uganda.

He recognized the tremendous efforts of the People’s Republic of China through its Embassy in Uganda to build Uganda’s capacity in areas of civil and structural engineering, computer Forensics and Bio technology, agriculture, software engineering, medical laboratory technology, petroleum engineering among other science disciplines.

Mr. Kibenge applauded H.E Zheng Zhuqiang for supporting Makerere University to realize it mission of providing innovative teaching, learning, research and services responsive to National and Global needs.

“It is gratifying to learn that the Embassy through the Ambassador has graciously renewed its offer of 30 scholarships. I have no doubt that an objective and merit-based criteria has been used to select the beneficiaries and also further the country’s development agenda,” he noted.

The Vice Chancellor, thanked the Embassy and the Government of People’s Republic of China, for the generous support that has enabled scholars to continue with  studies.

He acknowledged the long term relationship Makerere University has with the People’s Republic of China, the various institutions and universities in China and the Chinese Embassy in Uganda that has contributed to Makerere University’s research and academic excellence.

In the same spirit, he appreciated the support from the Government of Uganda that is enabling Ugandan students to access university education at Makerere University and other institutions of higher learning.

He commended the Gender and Mainstreaming Directorate for administering the Scholarship Program.

The Acting Director of Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, challenged the scholars to make good use of the opportunity granted to them. “Utilize this opportunity to achieve what you want, what the continent wants and take the world to greater heights by changing and improving the lives of others,” she advised.

Article by Racheal Kanyi Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office.