Madhvani Foundation offers sh750m for scholarships

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The Madhvani Foundation has launched its scholarship programme for the 2025/26 academic year, offering sh750m to support university students across Uganda. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s higher education sector by providing financial assistance to deserving students in need.

Gerald Ssendawula, chairperson of the Madhvani Foundation and former finance minister, highlighted the foundation's commitment to nurturing talent across various fields. The scholarships are available to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, biology, chemistry, commerce, engineering, food science, information technology, hotel management, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, veterinary medicine, actuarial science, environmental studies, and human medicine. The launch was held at the Madhvani offices in Kampala on April 1, 2025.

“This programme is an investment in the future of Uganda,” said Ssendawula. “Education is a powerful tool for change. The founders of this initiative envisioned a future where young Ugandans have the opportunity to transform their communities and the world.”

Since its inception in 2003, the Madhvani Foundation has supported over 2,500 students, contributing billions of shillings towards their academic pursuits. By covering financial gaps for talented undergraduate and postgraduate students, the foundation helps them overcome barriers to higher education.

Ssendawula commended the Madhvani Group’s dedication to investing in Uganda’s future, despite having the option to reinvest those funds in its business ventures. “Their choice to support education reflects a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to invest in the nation’s next generation of leaders,” he added.

Ssendawula (Right), Opio (Left) and Butele (Centre) during the launch Madhvani Foundation Scholarship program for the 2025/26 academic year. (Photo by John Odyek)

Beatrice Apoto, administrator of the scholarship programme, shared that 180 students benefitted from the programme last year, with a similar number expected in 2025/26. Undergraduate applicants must have completed at least their first year of university, while master’s degree applicants must be registered or admitted to their respective programmes. The deadline for application submission is April 30, 2025.

A selection committee, chaired by Anthony Buteere, will review all applications.

Ssendawula emphasised the critical need for skilled professionals in Uganda’s economy and praised the focus on science-based courses, aligning with government efforts to promote the teaching of sciences. “These fields are fundamental to our country’s development, and by supporting students in these disciplines, we are ensuring Uganda’s competitiveness on the global stage.”

The Madhvani Foundation’s scholarship programme, instrumental in supporting Uganda's higher education sector since 2003, will sponsor 180 students this year with a fund of sh750m. These scholarships aim to remove financial barriers and provide opportunities for talented Ugandans to pursue degrees in key areas of development.

Ssendawula encouraged scholarship recipients to seize the opportunity with determination, adding, “This is not just financial aid; it’s an investment in your potential and in the future of Uganda.”

The Madhvani Foundation’s long-standing commitment to education was also echoed by Gabriel Opio, who noted that the foundation has been awarding scholarships since 1962, further reinforcing its dedication to Uganda’s educational advancement.