Under the stewardship of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University appreciates the role of partners in supporting the various Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Programme since 2001 to facilitate implementation of various projects and initiatives. These include Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Swedish Government (SIDA), Norwegian Government, African Development Bank, Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda) among others. The support to the socio-economically disadvantaged Ugandans especially economically needy but academically bright girls to access to higher education at Makerere University cannot go without mention. I would like to specifically appreciate the Carnegie Corporation of New York, MS JD Global Education Fund, DFCU Bank, Joshua Mugyenyi Foundation and individuals of good will that have financially supported the Female Scholarship Initiative that later transformed to the Female Scholarship Foundation managed by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate.
Since 2001, 1,020 bright but disadvantaged girls have been supported to study in the various Colleges at the University. Of the 1,020 females, 74 have been directly financed by Makerere University through a tuition waiver scheme under the Female Scholarship Foundation. This year, 144 female scholars are graduating with 04 first class degrees and 63 second upper degrees. Special gratitude goes to the Carnegie Corporation of New York whose financial support has resulted in these three female graduands who have attained first class degrees.
This a clear testimony of what Uganda as country would lose if these girls failed to access education due to lack of fees and other support. I appeal to you our friends for the continued financial support because the need to support economically disadvantaged female students and the boys as well is still a major concern. I appeal to all the scholars since 2001 to break the silence and support the Foundation in raising funds to support other equally disadvantaged girls to access education at this great university.