FAWE Uganda Empowers 700 Youth With Scholarships

By Frank Kamuntu

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda has awarded 700 bright but economically disadvantaged young women and men bursaries under the Higher Education Access Program (HEAP), implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. This was revealed at the close of the 2025 Extended Orientation Programme (EOP), held from August 8–12 at Uganda Technical College (UTC) Elgon, UTC Lira, and UTC Kichwamba.

The ceremony was graced by Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of FAWE Africa. She urged young people to embrace education as a tool for transforming their communities, stressing that hard work and commitment to studies can drive lasting change.

“Building on the success of Phase One, FAWE Africa, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has now scaled this program to 10 countries across Africa,” she noted.

The same event was graced by Ms. Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of FAWE Uganda who delivered an important address. The EOP is a critical preparatory stage for new scholarship recipients, equipping them with the skills, mindset, and networks necessary to thrive in higher education and transition successfully into the workforce.

“Beyond tuition and stipends, FAWE Uganda offers psychosocial support and a structured mentorship program,” Ms. Tumusiime said. “Trained institutional mentors provide guidance, monitor progress, and ensure students receive comprehensive support for academic and personal success.”

In her closing remarks, Ms. Tumusiime encouraged recipients to approach their studies with dedication and use their education to positively impact their communities.

“Your presence here reflects not just your academic ability, but your potential to be agents of change,” she told the scholars. “The knowledge, skills, and confidence gained through this program are tools to help you rise above challenges and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development.”

Expanding Opportunity Across Uganda
The HEAP bursary program targets academically talented youth from underrepresented groups, including refugees, persons with disabilities, and students from remote or marginalized communities. In 2025, the program expanded from 50 to 63 districts, adding areas such as Bulambuli, Gulu, Ibanda, Kabale, Kalangala, Kapelebyong, Kagadi, Koboko, Kyegegwa, Lira, Pakwach, and Rubirizi.

Building on Phase I’s achievements, where 334 students enrolled and 221 graduated—190 of whom secured jobs—Phase II aims to support over 1,200 students nationwide. The program also celebrates the accreditation of the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) by the National Council for Higher Education as a recognized fourth entry route to university in Uganda.

Scholarships in STEM and Vocational Skills
For the 2025/2026 academic year, FAWE Uganda has allocated:

• 500 bursaries for the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) program at partner universities.
• 200 bursaries for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in STEM-related fields at accredited institutions.

Gender equity remains a top priority, with 80% of scholarships awarded to young women.

Since its establishment in 1997, FAWE Uganda has championed access to education for girls and women, working to close gender gaps and promote equity in learning opportunities. Through HEAP, FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation continue to break barriers, ensuring that talent—not circumstance—determines a young person’s future.