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Sylas Ruhweza: A Brief Life Marked by Meaningful Accomplishments.
By Bernard Buteera
The late Sylas Ruhweza, 3rd President of the Scholars Association Makerere University (SAMAK).
On May 29, 2026, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community learned of the passing of Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki, a remarkable Scholar of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University. At just 32 years old, Sylas had already made an indelible mark. He served as the representative of Makerere University on the Mastercard Foundation Advisory Board, contributing to vital decisions that shape the future. Additionally, he held the prestigious role of Minister of Information for Toro Kingdom, an extraordinary achievement that set a powerful example for his peers and illuminated the potential for leadership
Sylas was born on 19 July 1994 to the late Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli in what is now Bunyangabu District. As the ninth of eleven children, he recognised early the power of education and the doors it can open. His academic journey commenced at Kaboyo Primary School, followed by Fort Portal Secondary School for his O-levels. With the backing of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, he confidently pursued his A-levels at Hannah International School and later enrolled at Makerere University, where he successfully earned a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, once again bolstered by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Sylas actively contributed to the Scholars community as the 3rd President of the Scholars Association Makerere University (SAMAK) and as the first Team Lead of the AlumNet Foundation, established in 2018, an umbrella organisation that unites all the alumni of the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University. This organisation serves as a community of practice for Makerere University alumni, promoting agency and voice, peer mentorship, and community-impact initiatives. He demonstrated transformative leadership as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022. At the time of his death, Sylas served as the Minister of Information in the Toro Kingdom and as the Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network’s Uganda Chapter, where he continued to advocate for collaboration and social responsibility. He was a Programme Associate at Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, and was also pursuing his Master’s degree at Victoria University. May his soul find eternal peace.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.