FAWE Uganda celebrates 294 HEAC graduates as programme transforms lives

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ARUA — A total of 294 students are celebrating a major milestone after successfully graduating under the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC). The 197 females and 115 males are beneficiaries of the Higher Education Access Programme (HEAP).

The graduates completed their bridging programme through FAWE Uganda's partner institutions, such as Bishop Stuart University, Busitema University, Cavendish University, Gulu University, among others.

All 294 graduates now qualify to progress into undergraduate degree programmes of their choice, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

This achievement underscores FAWE Uganda’s mission to expand access to higher education for young people who face financial, academic, or social obstacles.

Speaking during a dinner to celebrate the graduates, Dr Polcarp Omara, Head of Foundational Education at Muni University, who officiated at the event, commended FAWE Uganda for unlocking opportunities for marginalised youth in the West Nile region.

Initially implemented in 50 districts, HEAP expanded to 63 districts in 2025, adding Bulambuli, Gulu, Ibanda, Kabale, Kalangala, Kapelebyong, Kagadi, Koboko, Kyegegwa, Lira, Pakwach, and Rubirizi.

(Courtesy photo)

(Courtesy photo)

Through bursaries, academic and psychosocial support, and pathways into TVET, university degrees, and the HEAC programme, HEAP helps young people transition into higher education and ultimately into dignified employment.

According to Professor Zami Atibuni, a senior mentor at Muni University and a key developer of the HEAC curriculum, the programme was created to bridge a structural gap in Uganda’s education system.

“Students who scored low in science combinations such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology can qualify for HEAC and later transition into various fields depending on their performance,” he said. This programme supports Senior Six leavers who fall short of direct admission points for diploma or degree courses,” Prof. Atibuni noted.

The Higher Education Access Certificate is a one-year bridging programme designed for students who do not meet the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) requirements for direct entry into diploma or degree programmes.

Through HEAP, FAWE Uganda partners with universities to deliver HEAC while offering mentorship, life-skills training, and transition support to ensure student success.

Testimonies of beneficiaries

At just 21 years, Erina Juliana Naikazi from Mayuge District stands out as one of the shining stars of the HEAC-Biological programme at Muni University.

Her dream nearly ended when her father could not afford to support her education after Senior Six. However, her story changed after winning a FAWE scholarship. Today, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Science and hopes to become an anesthesiologist.

Hellen Yoduk Ezekiel Gale, a South Sudanese refugee, overcame significant hardship to join higher education. Life in South Sudan made it difficult for her to secure the grades needed for university admission.

Through the programme was selected and enrolled in the HEAC Humanities programme. Now, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Economics, a goal she once believed was out of reach.

“Because of the Higher Education Access Certificate supported by FAWE, I found myself doing my dream course,” she said.

Building on the achievements of Phase I, FAWE Uganda launched HEAP Phase II in April 2024, targeting 1,800 underrepresented young people aged 15–25 from across the country.

The programme prioritises marginalised groups, including young women, refugees, persons with disabilities, and learners from economically disadvantaged and historically excluded communities.