The Head of the UK Scholarships Unit, Dr Emma Hennessey, has concluded a high-impact visit to Uganda aimed at strengthening partnerships that underpin the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes, and celebrating the achievements of Ugandan scholars who have returned home after completing world-class postgraduate studies in the UK.
Uganda is one of the UK’s strongest and fastest-growing scholarship partners. Chevening applications from Ugandans reached a record 2,600 in 2025—more than double the typical annual average of 1,200, a clear sign of rising ambition and trust in UK higher education. The country also has one of the most established Commonwealth alumni communities in Africa, with over 1,700 Ugandans benefiting from the programme since the 1960s.
During her visit, Dr Hennessey held strategic discussions with senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports focused on expanding opportunities for Ugandan postgraduate talent, strengthening institutional collaboration, and ensuring even broader access to UK scholarship schemes.
She also met with leaders of the Chevening Alumni Association of Uganda (CAAU) and Commonwealth alumni groups—networks that have transformed their UK training into meaningful national impact. Chevening alumni are currently running projects on inclusive education, refugee upskilling in Kampala, waste management, and leadership development, demonstrating how scholarships translate into sustained community change.
A key part of the visit included engaging nominating partners for the Commonwealth Scholarship and exploring potential new partnerships for Chevening to widen pathways to UK postgraduate education.
Africa Loses Over $10 Billion to Breast Cancer as Experts Call for Strategic Investment in Women’s HealthDr Hennessey also toured high-impact projects led by alumni working in inclusive education and health. These initiatives showcased the real-world leadership that UK scholarships are cultivating—leaders who return to Uganda with global perspectives and the skills to drive national development.
The visit culminated in the Welcome Back Reception for the 2024 cohort of returning Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars. Among them are 17 Chevening Scholars and 25 Commonwealth Scholars who have completed master’s and doctoral studies at some of the UK’s leading institutions. They now join a distinguished network of Ugandans holding influential roles across government, the judiciary, media, civil society, science, and the private sector who are global change makers.
H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE, British High Commissioner to Uganda, said:
“Ugandan Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars consistently stand out for their leadership—during their time in the UK and upon return. Their work is helping shape better public services, stronger institutions, and more resilient communities. This visit reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Uganda’s next generation of visionary leaders.”
Dr Emma Hennessey, Head of the UK Scholarships Unit, remarked:
“Uganda’s scholars and alumni are among the most dynamic in our global community. Their innovation and passion for positive change are inspiring. UK scholarships exist to empower leaders who will transform their societies, and Uganda continues to produce exactly that calibre of talent. We look forward to deepening our partnerships and supporting even more outstanding Ugandans in the years ahead.”
