EIGHTEEN Chevening scholars from Uganda are off to the UK to start an exciting journey as Chevening scholars across several universities.
At a send-off ceremony held at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Nakasero, Kampala on August 22nd, Tiffany Kirlew, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda urged the 2024/2025 cohort to seize all the advantages of the UK’s high caliber graduate education.
‘University provides not only the opportunity for incredible education but self-reliance, discovery, networks and endless opportunities of what you can become and contributions you can make to Uganda and the wider world. I really am envious of you all here tonight as you embark on your own journeys. You are remarkable and will do remarkable things,’ she said.
Drawing on her own experience as a university student in the UK, the Deputy Ambassador also shared tips on how to navigate the cultural and social landscape of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
‘Get under the skin of the UK. Culture. Arts, music, film, some of the biggest and best museums and galleries are free of charge. Finally, ask Brits to repeat themselves. There are a lot of accents out there and not all are immediately decipherable even to other British people!’
Allan Brian Ssembajjwe, the Chairperson of the Chevening Alumni Association of Uganda urged the new scholars to reflect on their privilege of landing the prestigious Chevening Award, and the responsibility that comes with the privilege.
‘I want to focus on responsibility. There are 3 ways you can choose to use that responsibility. You can ignore or avoid it – by choosing to change your citizenship to another country. You can delegate it – or you can embrace it As the Alumni Association, we are here to support you in taking on your citizenship responsibilities when you return. If you think this nation is worth rebuilding and that you mean what you said in those essays as well as at the interview panels,’ he said.
Chevening Class of 2024 from Uganda
- Cynthia Nagasha, MSc in Development, Disorders and Clinical Practice (University of York)
- Barbara Mourine Nazziwa, MA in Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Migration and Organised Crime (St Mary’s University, Twickenham)
- Jesse Ssempijja, MSc in Advanced Computer Science (University of Sheffield)
- Lynda Eunice Nakaibale, MA in International Education and Development (University of Sussex)
- Edwin Muramuzi, MSc in Transport Engineering, Planning and Management (Newcastle University)
- Johncation Muhindo, MSc in Human Rights and Politics (London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London)
- Nickson Drabe, MSc in Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (University of Strathclyde)
- Cynthia Nantumbwe, MSc in Project Management (University of Reading)
- Trevor Sseguya Muwonge, MSc in Data Science (University of Bristol)
- Sandrah Kahumuza, MSc in Africa and International Development (University of Edinburgh)
- Culton Scovia Nakamya, MSc in Gender, Media and Culture (London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London)
- Agatha Ankunda, MSc in Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment (University College London)
- Rabecca Chelangat, MA in International Education and Development (University of Sussex)
- Racheal Kizza , MLitt in Publishing Studies (University of Stirling)
- Abel Magomu, MSc in Biomedical Engineering (Loughborough University)
- Janice Celine Nantumbwe, MSc in International Public Policy (Queen Mary, University of London)
- Osbert Owembabazi, MSc in Spatial Planning and Development (Cardiff University)
- Osbert Turyahebwa, MSc in International Conflict and Cooperation (University of Stirling)
Since Chevening scholarships were started in 1983, over 300 Ugandans have benefitted from one of the world’s most prestigious scholarship schemes. The award is aimed at nurturing leaders who can impact society.
Compiled by: Billy Rwothungeyo, Communications Lead, Chevening Alumni Association of Uganda