The Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Ms. Tiffany Kirlew, recently hosted a farewell reception for 33 Ugandan scholars selected for the 2024/2025 Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes. The event celebrated their academic achievements and prepared them for their upcoming journey to the United Kingdom, where they will pursue advanced degrees.
Chevening, a flagship scholarship programme of the UK government, offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at the UK’s top universities. It aims to nurture global leaders, with a strong emphasis on ambition, leadership potential, and a solid academic foundation. As the programme celebrates its 41st year, it boasts a network of over 300 Ugandan alumni, many of whom have returned to drive positive change in their communities across various sectors, including climate change, health, and education.
The Chevening Alumni Association now has 314 members, and its members continue to run impactful programmes, from mentorship initiatives to support for people with disabilities.
The Commonwealth Scholarships, offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), form part of the UK’s commitment to fostering development within Commonwealth nations. These scholarships are a lifeline for talented students who would otherwise be unable to afford education in the UK. Since their inception 65 years ago, over 1,735 Ugandans have benefited from Commonwealth Scholarships, making significant contributions to Uganda’s development in fields such as education and finance.
The farewell event brought together the outgoing scholars and alumni from both the Chevening and Commonwealth programmes. Key partners, including officials from the Ministry of Education and representatives from Prudential, which is sponsoring a scholar for the second consecutive year, were also present. The gathering provided a valuable networking opportunity, allowing the scholars to connect with individuals who will support their personal and professional growth throughout their academic journey and beyond.
In her address, Ms. Kirlew encouraged the scholars to remain true to the values of curiosity, integrity, and the desire to make a positive impact. “Whether in public service, academia, business, or any other field, your contributions will shape the future of Uganda. We believe you have the power to create lasting change, to uplift others, and to lead with empathy and understanding,” she remarked.
This year, 20 scholars were selected for the Chevening programme, while 16 were awarded Commonwealth Scholarships. As they prepare to depart for their studies, these scholars join a distinguished network of Ugandans who have used these prestigious opportunities to make transformative contributions to their country.
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