The Mastercard Foundation Board, led by former Liberian President H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, paid its first-ever visit to Makerere University on June 17, 2025, marking a decade of transformative partnership through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The high-level delegation included Ms. Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, alongside fellow board members and executives.
The visit aimed to assess the program’s progress and celebrate its positive impact on higher education and youth empowerment in Uganda and across Africa.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe warmly welcomed the delegation, praising the Foundation for its pivotal role in supporting thousands of underserved youth.
“The Mastercard Foundation has significantly impacted Africa’s higher education sector and improved the livelihoods of young people. We are grateful for this partnership,” he said.
The delegation held a series of meetings with Makerere University’s leadership, including Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Program Director for the Scholars Program; and Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, Chairperson of the Advisory Board.
During their briefing, Prof. Namaalwa shared milestones from the first phase of the program, which supported 1,032 students—76% of them female—with an outstanding 94% graduation rate. Of the alumni, 34% have gained employment, 11% are entrepreneurs, and 3% are pursuing further education.
“We have seen tremendous results through mentorship, career guidance, and alumni impact on communities, such as providing clean water and constructing classrooms,” Prof. Namaalwa noted.
She also highlighted key achievements in the ongoing second phase, including the recruitment of 101 new scholars, the establishment of a Disability Inclusion Support Centre, and the implementation of a University Safeguarding Policy to ensure student safety.
The Board viewed a mini-exhibition featuring projects by Scholar alumni and participated in a focus group discussion with students and graduates. Ms. Reeta Roy commended the energy and innovation of the Scholars, saying, “These stories reflect the true spirit of transformation we envisioned.”
Board members applauded Makerere University for its strategic implementation of the Scholars Program and expressed deep appreciation for the leadership shown by Prof. Nawangwe and the university management.
To commemorate the visit, the Vice Chancellor presented each guest with a souvenir pack featuring Makerere University mugs and pens, as a gesture of appreciation.
The Mastercard Foundation partnership with Makerere has since expanded beyond scholarships to include initiatives such as the E-learning Initiative and a new Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative, reinforcing its commitment to building inclusive and future-ready African institutions.
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