Our Work - Uganda
The Tertiary Education Scholarship Trust (TEST) for UGANDA is a registered Ugandan Charitable Trust and is a constituent member of the UK Charity, TEST for AFRICA’s family and is managed by Trustees in Uganda. The Trust's objectives and approach are aligned with those of TEST for Africa (see overview) and the latest annual report is available here. See an inspiring video from the team in Uganda here.
Over time, 242 students have been supported by TEST for Uganda and there are currently 38 students sponsored in Uganda, with some great case studies at 'Our Scholars'.
TEST for UGANDA scholarships are available for studies in many subjects which the local Trustees deem to be appropriate for future national socio-economic development of Uganda. The only subjects which are specifically excluded from support are Politics and Religion. Applicants are advised to check the application guidelines for each year.
TEST scholars are provided with a mentor on campus to provide support and take a keen interest in the academic progress of the student. After graduation, scholars are linked with businesses to help them excel both academically and professionally. All scholars agree to work in Uganda for at least 5 years after graduation, which helps with the social and economic development of Uganda.
TEST also partners with The Madrinha Trust who, from 2022, will provide a minimum of two mentored scholarships annually in Uganda. Nomination and selection will be based upon academic performance and leadership potential of existing TEST scholarship holders. Madrinha scholars will receive international mentoring throughout their studies, plus counselling for job applications and career planning, and participation in Madrinha workshops and seminars.
Our Trustees may apply geographical bias, such that applications from the poorest regions of Uganda receive at least 70% of the total awards made, plus an aim to grant 60% of scholarships to female applicants. Applications from handicaped students are encouraged.
Career Counselling
TEST for UGANDA recognises the current challenges facing graduates in finding suitable employment upon graduation. Whilst TEST for UGANDA is unable to provide jobs for their beneficiaries, it recognises the need to encourage and assist wherever possible. This is either done through local Advisory Boards, or by local Supporters (generally business people) who offer their services pro-bono in providing guidance and counselling to its prospective alumni to give them a competitive edge in the job market. Such guidance and counselling may take the form of advising forthcoming graduates on how to market themselves, and may take the form of showing how to prepare a good curriculum vitae, teaching interview techniques, entrepreneurship, etc., via regional sessions.
Alumni Association
TEST for Uganda Alumni Association aims at providing a forum for social events, newsletters, fund raising, networking through their education and fellow graduates, supporting new alumni, friendship forming, business relations and connecting with people from similar backgrounds.
Self-Sustainability
TEST for Uganda obtained initial financial support from TEST for AFRICA. However, TEST for Uganda aims to be self sustaining within seven years of commencement of its activities. TEST for AFRICA provides advice and expertise in the generation of self-sustaining plans and the sourcing of finance for such programmes, which inevitably will require a significant capital input. Such plans may include agriculture projects and possible real estate projects which will use the experience of local Trustees and may provide employment opportunities for some of TEST’s alumni. TEST for UGANDA is currently exploring alternatives for self-sustainability.
Universities
TEST for UGANDA scholarships are available for study at five Ugandan public Universities. Private Universities are specifically excluded. The public universities include:
- Busitema University
- Gulu University
- Kyambogo University
- Makerere University (Including Makerere University Business School)
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Other Uganda Pages: Trustees I Annual Report I Contacts I Applications
BARONGO GODFREY: Graduated from Makerere University with a bachelor of Records and Archives Management. He has been instrumental as the chair of the Alumni Association
SIMIRAHO Patricia: Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Kyambogo University
LANGOYA Martin: Graduated from Gulu University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. His mother is his hero, because she struggled to educate her till she got financial relief from TEST for Uganda
Keith Lloyd with Trustees for TEST for Uganda meeting some of the T4U Alumni and Students in Kampala – Uganda
Ms Doreen Ndinawe BSc, a TEST Scholar at Makerere University, addressing fellow scholars during TEST for Uganda Scholars get-together
TEST for Uganda Gulu University Scholars cleaning Laroo Health Centre in Gulu Municipality
TEST for Uganda Gulu University Scholars cleaning Laroo Health Centre in Gulu Municipality
KEBIRUNGO RITAH: Graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. She works with a non-governmental organisation that provides safe drinking water to communities in western Uganda
