818 youths get HEAP bursaries to boost access to higher education
As Uganda continues to invest in education and skills development, the initiative is expected to equip young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the skills, knowledge and values needed to access employment, create opportunities and contribute to the country’s socio-economic transformation.
From right: Minister Chemutai, FAWE Uganda Executive Director Susan Opok, Board Chairperson Atim and UPIK Principal Ongodia, with other stakeholders during the handover ceremony. (Courtesy)
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At least 818 young women and men are set to acquire skills under the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Skills Development, after securing bursaries under the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Higher Education Access Programme (HEAP).
STEM skilling equips youth with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven economy.
The program participants have been drawn from 65 districts across Uganda and selected from a competitive pool of 9,182 applicants and will undergo training at different centers including Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK), Uganda Technical College (UTC) Lira and Mbale School of Hygiene.
While addressing the newly admitted Program participants at Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba on Saturday last week, Phyllis Chemutai, Minister of State for Primary Education cautioned them against misconduct, indiscipline and complacency, urging them to make the most of the opportunity by focusing on skills acquisition and academic excellence.
The minister noted that the scholarship is more than financial support, it is an investment in Uganda's future workforce. Success, she said, will depend not only on earning qualifications but also on developing the practical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills needed in today's labour market.
“I want to commend FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation for this milestone. I would like to reaffirm the government's commitment to supporting programmes that widen access to higher education for underprivileged learners,” Minister Chemutai stated.
Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of FAWE Uganda described the send-off a milestone for HEAP Phase II, now in its third year. With this cohort, the programme has recruited a cumulative 2,000 young people since Phase II launched in April 2024, meeting its target in full.
“Somewhere among these 818 young people sits someone who had quietly stopped believing a university education would ever be possible for them, not for lack of ability, but because opportunity had not yet reached them,” Tumusiime said.
She highlighted that the programme exists to change, goes beyond tuition and stipends and offers psychosocial support and structured mentorship so that no student is left to navigate university alone.
The bursaries admit them into HEAP's two pathways into higher education: the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC), a bridging route into university, and placements in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Bernard Ongodia, Principal of Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba, expressed optimism towards the program stressing that UPIK has all the necessary equipment required to deploy in the skills development of the learners.
“In Oil and Gas hands-on skilling, UPIK is the best and we are ready to support the cause of this partnership to ensure that the young women and men benefit fully,” Ongodia said
Recipient speaks out
"I don't believe that disability is an inability, " Ashrafu Ssesanga who lost a year of school after his leg was amputated stated. I have kept pushing, kept studying. This bursary will enable me to attain my dreams and acquire the necessary skills,” he added.
About the Programme
Building on the success of HEAP Phase I, FAWE Uganda launched Phase II in April 2024 with the goal of supporting 2,000 underrepresented young people aged 18 to 25 across Uganda.
Phase II specifically targets marginalized youth, especially young women, refugees, persons with disabilities and learners from economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented communities.
The initiative implemented by FAWE Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation has become one of the country's key initiatives expanding access to higher education for academically capable but economically disadvantaged young people.
Beyond tuition, the programme integrates mentorship, career guidance and life-skills training to prepare scholars for meaningful employment and community leadership.
As Uganda continues to invest in education and skills development, programmes like the Mastercard Foundation, FAWE scholarship initiative demonstrate how targeted support can unlock the potential of vulnerable young people.
By combining academic learning with practical skills and strong values, the beneficiaries are expected to emerge as professionals capable of driving innovation, creating employment and contributing to the country's socio-economic transformation