First Lady Janet Museveni directs review of government scholarships

The Ministry of Education and Sports is set to undertake a thorough review of the government scholarship program, following a directive from Minister Janet Museveni.

This review aims to assess the current bursary, merit-based, and quota systems for accessing higher education. Ministry spokesperson Dennis Mugimba indicated that the directive stems from changing population demographics and a desire for more equitable distribution of the 4,000 available scholarship slots.

Mugimba explained that the instruction is based on identifying districts with larger populations that may be underserved by the current allocation, suggesting a district quota system as a potentially fairer method.

“The instruction we were given by the First Lady and minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, is to do a comprehensive review of the bursary, merit-based and quota system for access to higher education,” Mugimba stated.

Historically, in 1986, all 1,239 students admitted to Makerere University received government bursaries. By 2005, this number increased to 4,000 slots, with specific allocations for affirmative action including district quotas, persons with disabilities, and sports, while the majority remained merit-based.

The ministry acknowledges the financial implications of any proposed changes and will submit recommendations to the Cabinet for approval. Public feedback regarding the current allocation, particularly the balance between merit and district quotas, has been noted.

Affirmative bonus points for female students are expected to be maintained, given their continued under-representation in higher education.

This review comes as Ugandan universities now graduate approximately 40,000 students annually, a significant increase from around 1,000 in 1986.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/janet-museveni-calls-for-more-govt-scholarships-5451480