Namugongo twins win US scholarships
THREE Ugandan students have won scholarships to study at prestigious universities in the United States.
By Taddeo Bwambale
THREE Ugandan students have won scholarships to study at prestigious universities in the United States.
Samuel Kitara, a former student of St Mary’s College Kisubi and 18-year-old twins, George Kikuru and Gerard Kato of Uganda Martyrs' SS Namugongo got the awards.
The scholarships were awarded by the United States Student Achievers’ Programme, a competitive programme that helps talented but less privileged students access higher education in the US.
Kato, who will join Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, was recognised for topping the 2007 UCE examinations and being the 1st in the National Mathematics Contest. He was also the best chess player in the school.
His brother Kakuru will join Pepperdine University for a degree in engineering. He also performed well in the UCE examinations and was third in the Mathematics Contest. Kakuru was also the second-best chess player.
Kitara will study at the College of Wooster in Ohio, where he will pursue a degree in medicine. He was recognised for winning the 2009 Young Social Entrepreneurs award, the National Speech Competition and the Wakiso District Speech Contest. He also led his school’s basketball team to the national championship.
Kitara described winning the award, worth over $50,000, as exciting and humbling. “I want to pursue a career in medicine so that I can help people back home,†he said. He will specialise in healthcare and human rights.
Speaking at the US Mission on Tuesday, ambassador Jerry Lanier hailed the students for using their talents for such great achievements. He urged them to work hard to excel in their careers in the US.
THREE Ugandan students have won scholarships to study at prestigious universities in the United States.
Samuel Kitara, a former student of St Mary’s College Kisubi and 18-year-old twins, George Kikuru and Gerard Kato of Uganda Martyrs' SS Namugongo got the awards.
The scholarships were awarded by the United States Student Achievers’ Programme, a competitive programme that helps talented but less privileged students access higher education in the US.
Kato, who will join Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, was recognised for topping the 2007 UCE examinations and being the 1st in the National Mathematics Contest. He was also the best chess player in the school.
His brother Kakuru will join Pepperdine University for a degree in engineering. He also performed well in the UCE examinations and was third in the Mathematics Contest. Kakuru was also the second-best chess player.
Kitara will study at the College of Wooster in Ohio, where he will pursue a degree in medicine. He was recognised for winning the 2009 Young Social Entrepreneurs award, the National Speech Competition and the Wakiso District Speech Contest. He also led his school’s basketball team to the national championship.
Kitara described winning the award, worth over $50,000, as exciting and humbling. “I want to pursue a career in medicine so that I can help people back home,†he said. He will specialise in healthcare and human rights.
Speaking at the US Mission on Tuesday, ambassador Jerry Lanier hailed the students for using their talents for such great achievements. He urged them to work hard to excel in their careers in the US.