Ssendaula (Centre), Opio (Left) and Butele (Right) during the launch of the Madhvani Foundation Scholarship program for the 2025/26 academic year
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Madhvani Foundation revealed plans to sponsor 180 financially disadvantaged university students in the 2025/26 academic year.
The scholarship initiative has henceforth come up with a fund amounting Shs750m that will go towards supporting students pursuing science-based courses.
The scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing degrees in fields such as agriculture, biology, chemistry, commerce, engineering, food science and technology and information technology.
Others include hotel management, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, veterinary medicine, actuarial science, environmental studies, and human medicine.
Speaking at the scholarship launch event on Tuesday, Gerald Ssendula, the chairman of the Madhvani Foundation, emphasized the importance of making education accessible to all talented students.
“This initiative is reflective of one of the measures aimed at supporting disadvantaged Ugandans who are unable to secure government funding,” he said during the unveiling event, held at the Madhvani Group offices in Kampala.
He said the Foundation has chosen to focus on science-based courses, aligning with government policy that encourages greater support for the teaching of sciences.
Ssendaula said that these disciplines are the backbone of Uganda’s economy and society. “By supporting young minds in these areas, we are ensuring that Uganda has the skilled professionals it needs to compete on the global stage.”
Officials handing over scholarships to the benefiting students during the 2024/25 academic year
He further noted that the scholarship initiative is not just about financial assistance but about unlocking potential, nurturing talent, and building a stronger, more prosperous Uganda.
“Education is the foundation upon which nations are built. These scholarships empower individuals, strengthens communities, and drives economic progress,” he said.
He however pointed out that for many talented Ugandans, the dream of higher education remains out of reach due to financial constraints.
“That’s why I would like to appreciate the Madhvani Group for sharing its revenues to support the scholarship program.”
Gabriel Opio, who is also a board member noted that the Madhvani Foundation has been providing scholarships to Ugandans since 1962. This, he said, demonstrates its long-standing commitment to education.
Anthony Butele, who is responsible for overseeing the selection of scholarship beneficiaries, hailed the spirit of brotherhood demonstrated by the Madhvani’s over the years.
How to qualify
To qualify for the scholarship, 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 programs.
The application deadline is April 30, 2025. The theme for this year’s scholarship is “Visionary for the Future.”
Since its establishment in 2003, the Madhvani Foundation Scholarship Program has played a pivotal role in supporting Uganda’s higher education sector, having assisted more than 2,800 students to date.
The scholarships are funded through the rental income of the Group’s properties along Kampala Road.
