Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty have been inducted for the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, a preeminent nation’s most respected scientific bodies. This is the first time MakSPH is scooping a large number of faculty fellows, which was the highest for a single institution. This prestigious honor was awarded on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, Uganda.
The induction ceremony was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, representing the Fellows and Membership Committee of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS). Dr. Kabagenyi outlined the nomination, selection, and induction process for Fellows and introduced the committee members responsible for this important work. She then invited the UNAS President to discuss the roles and responsibilities of a UNAS Fellow, emphasizing the necessity for all inductees to uphold these commitments in order to retain their title.
The history of scholarships and trends over time:
Peace Prize Project Scholarship – 1996
In 1996, the Peace Prize Project funded by UNESCO was awarded to Windle International Uganda then known as Hugh Pilkington Charitable Trust by UNHCR given the good working relationship and credible structures. An amount of 50,000 dollars was allotted to support 56 meritorious refugee pupils who took 1996 Uganda Primary Leaving Examination. The selection criteria included recognition as a refugee in Uganda, best Sudanese refugees, 14 years old and those with disabilities were highly considered. This project enabled them study their O’ level through A ‘level to completion. Some of the beneficiaries were on boarded to the current DAFI scholarship and have since acquired their first degrees.
The Acholi Bursary Scheme funded by Royal Netherland Kingdom (2005-2015); This 10 years’ project supported students from the Acholi region, in the districts including Pader, Kitgum, and Gulu. The main categories of the project included abductees, young mothers and LRA affected families. This was implemented between 2005 – 2015 supporting 3500 students in all secondary education levels and vocational skills training. Some of the beneficiaries are currently working with education partners in Uganda including Windle International Uganda. Being One of the biggest and most successful scholarship projects more money was awarded to Windle International Uganda by the Ambassador to construct schools, classroom blocks at vocational institutions like St.Monica in Gulu among others. Key trades under this scholarship included – Medicine, Civil Engineering, Teacher training, and Tailoring.
The Charitas University Scholarship at Makerere University (2000-2006) – This program supported disadvantaged students but with good performance. It focused on all young people living in Uganda including the refugees. 80 students benefited from this scholarship and currently are all in gainful employment as a result of WIU’s scalable internship program.
Vocational and Secondary scholarship (2004-2016) – This scholarship was managed by Windle International Uganda on behalf of the Office of the Prime Minister and Local Government. 850 beneficiaries account for this scholarship at secondary and vocational training levels. 60% of the beneficiaries from this project have benefited from the DAFI scholarship. These are currently in gainful employment and some have started change making initiatives in their communities. The Executive Director of Now and Tomorrow one of them. Find his profile here.
UNJPP (2012-2014) – This scholarship benefited students in Arua region at secondary level. This was managed on behalf of UNHCR where 90 beneficiaries were supported through O and A’ levels. This uniquely supported refugees at a tune of 60% and nationals at 40%.
Below are the different programs we manage under scholarships:
