_{By Bernard Buteera}

Tuesday, August 20, 2024, was a joyful day for the 100 newly recruited Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, officially recognized them as scholars and confirmed their status at a vibrant Scholarship Award Ceremony.

During the lively event, Prof. Nawangwe didn’t just officiate, he inspired. He urged the new scholars to not just be students, but to strive to become valuable citizens of Uganda and the African continent.

“Makerere University is not just any university; it is one of the best in Africa. It is a top choice for many young people seeking higher education in Africa. Therefore, take advantage of this unique opportunity to be at Makerere and strive to become valuable citizens of Uganda and Africa as a whole,” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.

Prof. Nawangwe also expressed profound gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for its transformative support of young people in Africa through higher education funding, a beacon of hope in the face of significant obstacles to accessing quality university education.

“I want to take this opportunity once again to thank our valued partner, the Mastercard Foundation, for providing scholarships for the second time as part of phase two. This support helps young people access quality university education at Makerere University. In the first phase, we exceeded the target of educating 1000 scholars by educating 1,032. This time, too, we should aim to surpass the target,” pointed out Prof. Nawangwe.

Speaking at the same event, Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation-Uganda, pledged continuous support to young people in Uganda and Africa through funding higher education and promoting financial inclusion.

“The Mastercard Foundation is unwavering in its commitment to supporting young people in Africa in two key areas: access to higher education and promoting financial inclusion through the Young Africa Works strategy. We are dedicated to empowering young people in these critical areas.” Mr. Bukenya reassured.

Mr Bukenya also expressed gratitude to the University for creating a safe and supportive environment for young people and for reasonable accommodation for those with disabilities.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Nawangwe and the university’s management for their efforts in creating a safe environment. They have ratified the safeguarding policy and provided reasonable accommodation for young people with disabilities by installing ramps in different buildings to facilitate access,” remarked Mr. Bukenya.

The Chairperson of the Selection Sub-Committee for the Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu, highlighted the challenges faced while recruiting scholars. One of the biggest challenges was selecting a small number of scholars from a large pool of applicants.

“For the academic year 2024/2025, we received over 4,000 applications for 95 available undergraduate slots. Out of these, 1,809 applicants were admitted to Makerere University, with 1,236 being eligible for scholarships – 691 females and 545 males. It was challenging to select only 95 applicants from this pool of eligible candidates.” Prof. Okumu highlighted.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, congratulated them and encouraged them to take advantage of the Scholarship to achieve their dreams.

“I would like to congratulate each one of you and thank you and your parents for the efforts you put in from primary to high school, which have enabled you to get to where you are today.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.

Prof. Namaalwa further pledged that the Program Implementation of the Scholars Program will ensure that Scholars are supported to achieve their dreams.

“Together with my colleagues, I am deeply committed to supporting scholars to ensure that they achieve their dreams and career aspirations.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed out.

Speaking on behalf of parents and guardians, Ms. Nakitto Teopista, a mother to one of the students with disabilities, moved the audience to tears as she lamented the struggles she had faced while ensuring that her daughter acquired an education, like all other children.

“I have no words to thank the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for this scholarship opportunity, which has given me hope and enabled my daughter to join the university after spending three years out of school,” Ms. Nakitto expressed gratitude.

The three scholars who spoke on behalf of the rest of the scholars, Mr. Nsamba Anthony, Ms. Laja Margaret, and Ms. Atayi Jackline, all expressed gratitude for the scholarship and pledged their commitment to using the opportunity to aspire to achieve their dreams.

The Scholarship Award ceremony is an annual event in which the Vice Chancellor formally hands out Scholarship award letters to newly recruited Mastercard Foundation scholars who will study at Makerere University.

Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.