General
University of Cambridge and the Mastercard Foundation to offer scholarships which excelling Mak Graduates are encouraged to consider
On Thursday 21st September 2023, Ms. Pamela Chen visited Makerere University to create awareness and broader understanding of scholarship opportunities at the University of Cambridge. Ms. Chen is the Manager responsible for international recruitment in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America at the University of Cambridge.
In a strategic meeting involving staff from the Makerere University International Office, Public Relations Office and the Project Implementation Team of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Ms Chen highlighted that the University of Cambridge in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation provides scholarships to students who have excelled in academics at the undergraduate level to study specific Master’s degree programmes at the University of Cambridge.
In the implementation of the scholarship programme, the University of Cambridge collaborates with reputable universities that are leading in the provision of quality education at the regional and continental levels. She stated that Makerere is one of the leading universities in Africa and in line with this benchmark, her visit was to express the University of Cambridge’s interest in recruiting the best performing students at undergraduate level.
As such, Makerere University graduates with a minimum CGPA of 4.40 out of 5.0 in the respective disciplines will be eligible to apply for scholarships to pursue their Master’s degrees at the University of Cambridge. Ms. Chen explained that the scholarships are highly competitive with special preference for excellence in academics, and a high standard of teaching and research at the sending institution. She added that the application fees are waived for applicants from Uganda.
The officials commended Ms. Chen for reaching out to Makerere University in order for the students to tap into these opportunities. The Mastercard Foundation teams from Makerere University and Cambridge University respectively were working together in this visit to raise awareness of the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Programme, which provide specific slots for persons with disabilities and learners with a refugee status.
Upon receipt of the call for scholarships, Makerere University Public Relations Office will disseminate the information to the respective Colleges and on various online platforms so that those who qualify may apply. To further enhance dissemination of the scholarship opportunities, Mr. Abel Walekhwa, an alumnus, Research Associate at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and a PhD student at the University of Cambridge will work with the International Office and the Public Relations Office to organize a webinar for students and staff.
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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