State House could phase out bursaries

By Rogers Sunday and Raymond Baguma

President Yoweri Museveni says he is considering phasing out the State House scholarship scheme, in order to use the funds to boost the delayed student loan scheme.

The President on Sunday said the State House scholarships were used to fund the education needs of orphans of fallen soldiers as well as the needy children. However, most of the children have since completed school and the fund was being used to support the disadvantaged children from northern Uganda, Museveni added.

The President was speaking in Fort Portal after the official opening of the newly constructed sh2.2b district headquarters for Kabarole.

Museveni’s revelation was prompted after the Kabarole district chairperson, Richard Rwabuhinga, appealed to the President to consider giving scholarships to 20 science students from Kabarole.

“I propose phasing out the scheme and convert the money to the student loan scheme for students to borrow and study. I will discuss the details with the Cabinet,” he noted.

He observed that since the district headquarters is complete, leaders should now focus on creating wealth at household level on top of delivery of services in health, education plus developing infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water.

The President observed that although Kabarole is endowed with fertile soils and plenty of rain throughout the year, many people were still poor.

Museveni promised to avail coffee and tea seedlings which will be distributed to farmers in the district to enable them set up income-generating enterprises.

Referring to the recent disagreements with MPs on the priority for budget funding to the defence and health sectors, Museveni asked the public to talk to their MPs to avoid interfering with his programmes and plans for the country.

“Tell your MPs that when I am behind the steering, I should not be disturbed because they make me drive badly. Let them sit and enjoy the ride. I don’t want turnboys to disturb me while I am driving. Let them wait for their turn,” he said.

At an earlier event, President Museveni donated sh80m in cash and pledges, towards the completion of Ihani Church of Uganda in memory of the late Canon James Rabwoni and his son, Brig. Noble Mayombo (RIP).

About sh600m is required for the completion of the church and other buildings which include a conference hall.

The bishop for Rwenzori diocese, Reuben Kisembo, hailed the President for supporting the church in the region, as well as initiatives that include women’s income generating projects and church-founded schools.