Makerere University Welcomes New Cohort of 236 Mastercard Foundation Scholars. By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera

On Thursday, 11th September 2025, there was joy and ululations as Makerere University officially welcomed 236 new Scholars, 206 under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and 30 under the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative.

This follows the December 2023 renewal of the partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation, which will enable 1,000 young women and men to receive quality, inclusive education at Makerere over the next decade.

During the joint scholarship award ceremony held in the Main Building, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, in remarks delivered by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, urged scholars to approach the opportunity with diligence and purpose.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Ag. DVC AA, speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, during the event.

“Equip yourself to conquer the world with confidence! Your resilience and ability to think critically will be put to the test. Stay true to your values, the values of Makerere University, and the values of Mastercard Foundation,” Prof. Nawangwe noted.

He further cautioned the Scholars to uphold the University’s regulations as they navigate their academic journey and expressed gratitude to the Foundation for renewing the partnership for a further ten years and launching the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative.

Rigorous Selection Process
According to Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Chairperson of the Scholars’ Selection Sub-Committee, this year’s selection was highly competitive and lasted nearly six months.

“For undergraduate scholarships, the Program received 2,559 applications for 290 slots. Of these, 568 were shortlisted for interviews, 407 validated and 194 ultimately selected (142 female and 52 male),” Prof. Okumu said.

Prof. Ibrahim Okumu, the Chairperson of the Selection Committee addressing the gathering during the event.

He further explained that for graduate (Master’s) scholarships, there were 784 applicants for 11 slots. 64 were shortlisted, 28 validated, and 12 successful.

The Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative attracted 190 Master's degree applicants, with 30 selected (20 female and 10 male).

Behind these numbers are stories of resilience and courage: 73% of the new Scholars are women; 45 are refugees; 22 are persons with disabilities; and 14 are international students from Rwanda, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. The cohort represents 67 districts of Uganda and 17 refugee settlements,” Prof. Okumu noted.

Words of Encouragement
Mr. Adrian Bukenya, Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation, urged the Scholars to embrace resilience as the foundation of their journeys.

Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Executive Director, Mastercard Foundation Uganda, addressing the gathering during the event.

“How you start is not necessarily how you will finish. You belong here, and you earned this scholarship. Take on the responsibility of leadership by developing yourself to uplift your community,” he said.

In her remarks, Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Director, emphasized that the partnership’s goal is to expand inclusive university education and nurture youth into transformative leaders.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director, addressing the gathering during the event.

During the award ceremony, Prof Namaalwa, who was overjoyed, explained that of the 1,000 scholarships available from 2024 to 2034, 70% are reserved for women and 30% for men.

“The 206 Scholars recruited in Cohort 8 mark 30.6% of the renewed phase’s target, bringing the total to 1,338 Scholars supported since 2013,” Prof. Namaalwa said.

Scholars and Parents Speak Out
Speaking on behalf of Cohort 8, Scholars, Munguromo Stephen described the opportunity of being awarded the Mastercard Foundation scholarship as life-changing.

Stephen Munguromo, and his colleagues speaking on behalf of other scholars during the event.

“Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about transformation. Our backgrounds do not define our future; they prepare us to recognise success when it arrives. We are here not just for ourselves but to light the way for others and contribute to Africa’s transformation,” he said.

Liong Annet Sworo, a scholar pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Technology from Parolinya Refugee Settlement, added:

“Receiving this scholarship has reignited our hopes and ambitions. For many of us who have faced educational interruptions, this is not just an opportunity but a stepping stone to elevate our aspirations.”

Parents and guardians were equally moved during the event. Ms. Agnes Nakayenga, speaking on behalf of parents and guardians of Cohort 8 Scholars, expressed profound gratitude:

"The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has opened doors for many Ugandan children, allowing them to attend Makerere University. I had lost hope that my daughter would be able to join this prestigious institution, but the scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation has restored my faith. I pray that they will continue to support others in need,” Ms. Nakayenga said.

Ms. Agnes Nakayenga and her daughter Peninah Nakitende, speaking on behalf of Parents & Guardians during the event.

The colorful event was marked by music, dance, poems, and heartfelt speeches from the Makorale Troupe, Scholars, and various stakeholders who engaged the enthusiastic audience.

Cohort 8 Scholars pose in a photo shortly after their scholarship Award Ceremony

Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the Communications Team for the Scholars Program at Makerere University.