Museveni Donates Sh80M to UCU Needy Students’ Scheme

President Yoweri Museveni has contributed Shs.80 million to the needy students’ scheme at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono.

The President’s contribution was during the UCU fundraising marathon which was led by the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga on Saturday. Museveni who graced the function at the University Campus in Mukono, commended the student community for their support and subscription to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) governance system.

“Not until recently, the government created a body to link up students in institutions of higher learning with NRM. For UCU students, I am happy to tell you that the NRM team followed up the recent university leadership elections and recorded a positive report,” he said; adding that it is instrumental and developmental to link government with the community.

Mr. Museveni revealed that private universities now qualify for government support because they have incorporated the teaching of science subjects which is in line with the NRM Government’s policy for both education and health sectors.

"The increasing number of private universities in Uganda, over 40 of them, coming up without government decision, to churn out such youthful wonderful education products, is a great achievement for the country. I thank all those groups that took advantage of establishing them,” he said.

Regarding the request to Government by the Guild President Timothy Kadaga to construct Bishop Tucker Road from Mukono Town to the University campus, the President said that a standard access road should be constructed because it serves to publicize the university.

While Speaker Kadaga observed that it was not a good idea to levy taxes on educational institutions, UCU Vice Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Senyonyi, commended the government for the continued financial support to the University. He called for more government input into the institution because it is taking a great leap in the investment of teaching science subjects as manifested through equipping of the laboratories.

Uganda Christian University has a total student enrollment of 13,000, out of whom 3,000 are non-resident and need financial assistance. The UCU Guild President, Timothy Kadaga, revealed that majority of the vulnerable and needy students in the institution fall under the non-resident category.