UCU reinstates Peace Proscovia's scholarship

Jan 27, 2014

THE national netball team captain had been struck off the scholarship list for taking a trip the UCU authorities said did not directly benefit the institution

By Shafik Ssenoga

PEACE Proscovia will continue her academic career at the Mukono-based Uganda Christian University (UCU).

Proscovia, who is pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration, got a lifeline after the UCU administration re-instated her scholarship on Saturday, one day after a reverse decision.

The move saved her from the hassle of looking for sh7m to complete the programme. The national netball team captain had been struck off the scholarship list for taking a trip the UCU authorities said did not directly benefit the institution.

“I am glad to hear the news that scholarship is still on,” the player said.

UCU’s change of heart followed a New Vision story on Friday highlighting her plight.

In the story, the She Cranes shooter said, “I was shocked to learn that I am not longer on the scholarship list because I went to Singapore in the name of the nation and not the university.”

The shooter led the She Cranes to the Six Nations Cup triumph at the expense of ranked teams in Singapore.

The success earned Uganda a world ranking for the first time. Uganda is now ranked 14th and is one of few countries in Africa with a global rating.

Talking to New Vision, UCU’s director of student affairs Rev. Milton Tweheyo dismissed as untrue information that Proscovia’s scholarship had been cancelled. 

“It was a communication error between Proscovia and one member of our sports department,” Rev. Tweheyo stated.

He added, “We cannot do that to our students.” 

The official said Proscovia had established herself as one of the best athletes in the country. Rev. Tweheyo added that the university was well aware of her trip to Singapore.

Proscovia’s display earned her the Nile Special/Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) netball award for the year 2013.

She also got the basketball crown after leading UCU to the national league women’s title the same season.

Proscovia is on course for a hat-trick of success after she was nominated for the Nile Special/USPA Personality Award for the year 2013.

She will take on national rally champion Jas Mangat and world marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich at the crowning ceremony set for April.

After her exploits in Singapore, Proscovia featured for UCU in netball, handball, basketball and shot put events at the Inter University Games.

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