Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the Minister of State for Higher Education, highlighted that 43% of the successful applicants in the recent selection process are female, with 790 women out of a total of 1,838 candidates.
Speaking at the release of the approved successful students loan beneficiaries for the Academic year 2024 /25 at Uganda Media Centre,
Minister Muyingo noted that this represents the highest percentage of successful female candidates since the scheme’s inception.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Board has surpassed the 30% affirmative action target for female students,” Dr. Muyingo remarked.
He encouraged girls to pursue studies in the sciences and seize the opportunities provided by government loans.
Dr. Muyingo reported that the Board has made significant progress in ensuring that loan beneficiaries are largely selected based on the District Quota system. “Sixty percent of the offers have been equitably distributed across 137 districts in the country,” he said. “This is a commendable step towards achieving regional balance and providing equal educational opportunities to all Ugandans.”
Dr. Muyingo also extended his congratulations to the Board for their efforts in promoting these initiatives and ensuring equitable access to education
He was pleased to learn that 466 awardees, representing 25.4%, are pursuing diploma programs across various disciplines. These diploma programs are primarily offered in the fields of Science and Technology, Health Sciences, and Education Sciences, and are available at both universities and other tertiary institutions.
He explained that Government is placing great emphasis on vocational studies due to their crucial role in preparing students for successful careers, meeting industry demands, and promoting economic growth, “I therefore, encourage students to take up these diploma programs, as they prioritize practical learning, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations” Muyingo said.
He commended the Board for giving special consideration to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
A total of 29 PwDs, 20 pursuing sciences and 9 pursuing humanities, have benefited from the scheme, which is highly commendable.
“The Board is performing exceptionally well in terms of affirmative action, as Persons with Disabilities are recognized as a special group due to the significant challenges they face in pursuing sciences” He remarked.
Since its inception, the Board has awarded loans to a total of 16,437 students, who are now studying at 25 universities and 36 other tertiary institutions.
These loans are awarded to needy students from low-income households, who would likely be unable to continue their education without government intervention.
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