KIGUMBA, UGANDA In a landmark celebration of educational equity and youth empowerment, a high-level administrative delegation from Ndejje University participated in the official Mastercard Foundation and Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda Bursary Award Ceremony on Saturday, August 1, 2026 and 2nd August 2026. Held at the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) in Kiryandongo District, the event officially recognized bright yet economically marginalized young Ugandans, persons with disabilities, and refugees selected to receive transformative higher education bursaries.
Leading Ndejje University’s delegation was Academic Registrar Dr. Mary Wanda Mutyaba, accompanied by Mr. Allan Walusimbi (Team Leader AIS) and Mrs. Florence Nyakecho, Mr.Obwoya Patrick from the Office of the Academic Registrar. The delegation’s prominent presence highlighted Ndejje University’s vital role as a primary tertiary institution implementing the FAWE Mastercard Foundation Phase II initiative. Through this strategic partnership, Ndejje University provides academic pathways for underrepresented youth pursuing the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, bridging the gap between secondary school completion and tertiary degree enrollment.
Throughout the interactive sessions with bursary awardees, parents, and education stakeholders, Academic Registrar Dr. Mary Wanda Mutyaba delivered a passionate address encouraging the incoming scholars to remain focused, practice strong academic discipline, and build personal resilience.
“This partnership directly reflects Ndejje University’s founding mandate to teach, mentor, and build our nation,” declared Dr. Mary Wanda Mutyaba. “FAWE Uganda and the Mastercard Foundation have handed these determined young men and women a life-changing key to academic and socio-economic empowerment. Our duty at Ndejje University is to provide a nurturing, high-quality academic environment where every student regardless of their background, physical disability, or refugee status can flourish. To our new scholars: this bursary is your stepping stone. Stay focused, embrace academic discipline, and maximize this privilege to build a brighter future for your communities and Uganda at large.”
A major highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered on behalf of the Acting Minister of Education and Sports by the Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu Chemutai. In her remarks, she commended FAWE Uganda and the Mastercard Foundation for their unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality education for vulnerable and disadvantaged learners. She emphasized that investing in education is fundamental to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and called upon stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that empower young people through equitable access to learning opportunities.
Mrs. Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of FAWE Uganda, reiterated that the bursary scheme is strategically designed to break socio-economic barriers and create sustainable leadership pathways across Uganda. She noted that the programme seeks to ensure that talented but financially constrained learners are not denied the opportunity to pursue higher education, thereby contributing to the country’s long-term social and economic development.
“Today is not merely about awarding scholarships; it is about restoring hope and unlocking human potential,” stated Mrs. Susan Opok Tumusiime. “By prioritizing these bursaries for young women in STEM, alongside young men with disabilities and refugees, we are building a more inclusive and resilient Uganda. We trust our partner institutions like Ndejje University to nurture these talented minds, and we charge our scholars to take full ownership of this opportunity to transform their communities.”
Student beneficiaries took the stage to share moving testimonies on how equitable higher education funding is changing their lives. Key leadership perspectives were highlighted by Mrs. Margaret Atim, representing the FAWE Uganda Board of Directors, followed by Ms. Rossette Nanyanzi, Chairperson of the National Selection Committee, who detailed the transparent selection framework prioritizing marginalized districts, refugees, and persons living with disabilities. Financial sustainability was addressed by Mr. Richard Chelegant, Head of Finance at the FAWE Regional Secretariat.
At the core of Ndejje University’s mission is an unwavering commitment to widening educational access, fostering socio-economic mobility, and fulfilling our founding mandate to “Teach the Nation.” In partnership with FAWE Uganda and the Mastercard Foundation, we re-dedicate ourselves to fostering inclusive academic pathways. We actively support underrepresented groups including persons with disabilities, refugees, and economically disadvantaged youth by providing structured academic bridging programs through the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC).
Furthermore, we prioritize gender-inclusive education by championing female scholars in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). We ensure that every female student receives the personalized academic guidance, state-of-the-art laboratory access, and professional mentorship necessary to excel in these crucial fields. We guarantee holistic student welfare and administrative support to secure a seamless academic journey. By offering dedicated onboarding, proactive academic advising, continuous welfare monitoring, and modern technological tools, we maintain high retention and graduation rates among all our scholars.
Finally, we remain steadfast in strengthening strategic development partnerships across the region. By collaborating closely with government ministries, international development agencies, and non-governmental organizations, Ndejje University continues to build sustainable human capital and drive meaningful community transformation across Uganda.
“Our commitment goes beyond admitting students; it is about taking full responsibility for their academic, professional, and personal growth. At Ndejje University, we ensure every scholar from every walk of life is equipped to lead and transform society.”
Dr. Mary Wanda Mutyaba, Academic Registrar, Ndejje University
