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Mastercard Foundation’s job creation initiative will provide valuable opportunities for Ugandan youth and help them build a brighter future

Published

1 year ago

February 28, 2025

Mak Editor

Some of the young people who attended the event displaying products from their Entreprenuerial Projects. Young Africa Works Dialogue 2025 event at the Kampala Serena Hotel, participation by Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Some of the young people who attended the event displaying products from their Entreprenuerial Projects.

_{By Carol Kasujja Adii}

By 2030, 4.3 million young people in Uganda will have access to dignified and fulfilling employment, with 70 per cent of these opportunities aimed at young women. Through the Young Africa Works Strategy in Uganda, the Mastercard Foundation and its partners will offer financial and business development support to youth-led enterprises in both urban and rural areas.

During the Young Africa Works Dialogue 2025 event at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation-Uganda, emphasized that the Foundation is focusing on agri-food systems, entrepreneurship and workforce development to ensure that young people can establish sustainable livelihoods.

“Over the past five years, Young Africa Works in Uganda has made significant strides, engaging over 3.8 million young individuals in gaining skills and accessing finance to start or grow their businesses. Of these, 1.3 million have successfully transitioned into work by securing employment, launching businesses, or expanding their economic opportunities,” Mr. Bukenya stated. He further noted that supporting young individuals, who constitute 78% of the population, will enhance their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.

Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director, Mastercard Foundation-Uganda enjoys a photo moment with young people who attended the event. Young Africa Works Dialogue 2025 event at the Kampala Serena Hotel, participation by Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director, Mastercard Foundation-Uganda enjoys a photo moment with young people who attended the event.***

“We are ensuring that all young Ugandans, regardless of their background, can engage in and benefit from economic opportunities. Together, we can unlock Uganda’s full potential by empowering its youth to lead, innovate, and thrive,” remarked Mr. Bukenya.

The dialogue united young entrepreneurs, policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners to discuss how entrepreneurship can be a viable pathway to sustainable livelihoods. It also sought to understand what is effective and what is not to enable more young Ugandans to transition into dignified and fulfilling work.

In his address, Mr Godfrey Byamukama, the Assistant Commissioner of Privatization and Investment at the Ministry of Finance, representing the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and the Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Ramathan Ggoobi, expressed gratitude for the Mastercard Foundation’s model of promoting youth enterprises, stating that it effectively addresses the main challenges faced by Ugandan entrepreneurs.

He highlighted challenges such as access to finance, which is primarily hindered by the informal nature of many businesses. He urged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the financing options the Government of Uganda provided, particularly the various wealth-creation funds. According to Mr. Byamukama, the Mastercard Foundation’s programmes align with government objectives.

Moses Eteku an alumnus of Matercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University showcasing his technology solution innovation. Young Africa Works Dialogue 2025 event at the Kampala Serena Hotel, participation by Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Moses Eteku an alumnus of Matercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University showcasing his technology solution innovation.***

“We are encouraging youth to register their businesses with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to ensure their businesses are protected and to enhance their credibility,” Mr. Byamukama revealed. Entrepreneurial support has been a key pillar of the Mastercard Foundation’s work. It has assisted young individuals like Moses Eteku, an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, in scaling their businesses and improving their livelihoods.

“I thank the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University for the entrepreneurial support, mentorship, and market linkages to grow Kauntabook, a financial record-keeping application for SMEs,” Moses Eteku, team lead at Shamos Solutions, stated during the Young Africa Works Dialogue. Eteku is self-employed and passionate about technology and impacting the community by creating easy and sustainable solutions using new technological trends. As Uganda continues its journey towards inclusive and sustainable growth, the Mastercard Foundation remains committed to unlocking the potential of its young people, ensuring they are at the forefront of the country’s transformation.

Youth Statistics

According to 2021 World Bank data, Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 78 per cent of its citizens under 30. The country is also home to over 1.7 million refugees and asylum seekers, the majority of whom are young people. For Uganda’s youth, access to education, skills, and economic opportunities is crucial for securing dignified and fulfilling work.

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Extension of Applications for Diploma/Degree Holders for Govt. & Private Sponsorship AY 2025/2026

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Extension of Application Deadline for Diploma/Degree Holders 2026/2027

Published

23 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Mak Editor

A mid-morning shot of the Senate Building as seen from the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. Date taken: 18th May 2023. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all intending applicants for Private and Government Sponsorship for the 2026/2027 Academic Year that the deadline has been extended from 27^th February, 2026 to Friday 13^th March, 2026.

Applicants who have already applied need not apply.

For any additional information, refer to Announcements and requirements for Diploma/Degree holders Entry Scheme for Undergraduate programmes for 2026/2027 Academic Year, click the links below.

Privately Sponsored: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/03/advert-admissions-for-diploma-degree-holders-under-private-sponsorship-2026-27/

Government Sponsored: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/03/call-for-applications-diploma-holders-under-government-sponsorship-2026-2027/

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Makerere-AR-Extension_Diploma_Degree-Holder-Applications-2026-2027 Download

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Advert: Admissions for Diploma/Degree Holders under Private Sponsorship 2026/27

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Mak Editor

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.

Each applicant should:

EITHER

Hold at least a Second Class/Credit (or equivalent classification) Diploma or otherwise as specified in the Diploma Holders’ requirements from a recognised chartered institution, relevant to the programme applied for. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding institutions and one passport size photograph must be submitted to Office 315 level three (3) Senate Building after applying online.

Be a Graduate from a RECOGNISED CHARTERED UNIVERSITY. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions and one Passport size photography MUST be submitted to Office 315, Level three (3) Senate Building after applying online.

N.B. Applicants will be responsible for verification of their academic documents from the awarding Institutions after admission.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website.

Diploma Holder applicants who hold class three (3) diploma certificates or Pass Diplomas are not eligible for admission and therefore should not apply, except where stated in the Diploma Holders requirements.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications shall be submitted online using the ACMIS system for all applicants. Diploma/degree holders and internationals will have to submit certified copies of their transcripts and certificates and a passport size photograph to Office 315, Level 3, Senate Building after submitting the application online and payment of application fees.

Details of the Diplomas required for each programme are in the document attached below, the same list can be found here: https://mak.ac.ug/how-apply/diploma-holders-application-guide

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY WITH EFFECT FROM 5th JANUARY, 2026.

A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE OF SHS.55,000/= FOR UGANDAN AND EAST AFRICAN APPLICANTS OR $76.5 OR EQUIVALENT FOR INTERNATIONALS, (UGX.286,250=) PLUS BANK CHARGEs SHOULD BE PAID IN ANY OF THE BANKS USED BY UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY (URA)

CANDIDATES WHO HOLD GRADES X, Y, Z, 7 AND 9 OF ‘O’LEVEL RESULTS SHOULD NOT APPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION.

Advert-DIPLOMA-DEGREE-HOLDERS-Private-Sponsorship-2026-2027 Download

ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL USER GUIDE

Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug

Signup using full name, e-mail and Mobile Number. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid. If you changed your names please go to Senate Building Office 611 with a deed poll and gazette supporting the name change.
A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill a form (all form sections must be filled)the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the running scheme.
Obtain a pay reference nunber(PRN) after submitting the application.
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:

1. Dial *272*6# on MTN or Airtel

2. Select option 3-Admission

3. Select option 3 Pay Fees

4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal

5. Details of Application form will be confirmed

6. Enter PIN to confirm payment

The closing date for receiving applications was extended to Friday 13^th March, 2026.

General

Call for Applications: Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship 2026/2027

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Mak Editor

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Diploma Holders only for admission under the Government Sponsorship Scheme (not exceeding 5% of the intake capacity) to the University Degree Programmes for the 2026/2027 Academic year listed in the document attached below.

Each applicant should possess at least a Credit or Second Class or equivalent Diploma in a relevant field from a recognised Institution plus a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least 5 Passes (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least One Principal Pass and Two Subsidiary Passes obtained at the same sitting (or its equivalent).
A non refundable application fee of Shs.55,000/ = (Fifty five thousand shillings only) excluding bank charges using an ACMIS Pay Reference Number should be paid to any bank used by URA before submitting a system generated application form to the Admissions Office, Room 315 Level 3, in the Senate Building, Makerere University.
Certified copies of Diploma Transcripts (not photocopies of certified copies) from the awarding Institutions must be attached to the application forms. Incomplete application forms shall not be processed.
Details of the Diplomas required for each programme are in the document attached below, the same list can be found here: https://mak.ac.ug/how-apply/diploma-holders-application-guide
N.B. Applicants will be responsible for verification of their academic documents from the awarding Institutions.
Each applicant should also attach a copy of the Birth Certificate to the application form.

Advert-DIPLOMA-HOLDERS-Govt-Sponsorship-2026-2027 Download

The closing date for returning the system generated application forms and certified copies of the academic documents to the University was extended to Friday 13^th March, 2026.