The Head of the UK Scholarships Unit, Emma Hennessey, has concluded a visit to Uganda aimed at strengthening partnerships supporting the Chevening Scholarship Programme and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, while highlighting the impact of Ugandan scholars who have returned home after postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
Uganda has emerged as one of the UK’s fastest-growing scholarship partners. Applications for Chevening scholarships from Ugandans reached a record 2,600 in 2025, more than double the typical annual average of about 1,200, reflecting growing interest in UK higher education.
The country also hosts one of the most established Commonwealth alumni communities in Africa, with more than 1,700 Ugandans having benefited from the programme since the 1960s.
During her visit, Dr Hennessey held discussions with officials from the Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports on expanding opportunities for Ugandan postgraduate students, strengthening institutional collaboration, and widening access to UK scholarship opportunities.
She also met leaders of the Chevening Alumni Association of Uganda and Commonwealth alumni networks, which are implementing community projects in areas such as inclusive education, refugee skills development in Kampala, waste management and leadership development.
Dr Hennessey further engaged nominating partners of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme and explored potential new partnerships aimed at widening pathways for Ugandans seeking postgraduate study opportunities in the UK.
As part of the visit, she toured projects led by alumni working in inclusive education and health initiatives, highlighting the impact of UK scholarship programmes in developing leaders contributing to national development.
“Uganda’s scholars and alumni are among the most dynamic in our global community. Their innovation and passion for positive change are inspiring,” Dr Hennessey said.
She added that UK scholarships are designed to empower leaders who can transform their societies, noting that Uganda continues to produce outstanding talent within the global scholarship network.
The visit concluded with a welcome reception for the 2024 cohort of returning Chevening and Commonwealth scholars.
The group includes 17 Chevening scholars and 25 Commonwealth scholars who completed master’s and doctoral degrees at leading UK universities. They now join a growing network of Ugandan alumni working across government, the judiciary, media, civil society, science and the private sector.
The Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, welcomed the visit, noting that Ugandan scholars continue to stand out for their leadership.
“Ugandan Chevening and Commonwealth scholars consistently demonstrate strong leadership during their studies in the UK and upon their return. Their work is helping strengthen institutions, improve public services and build resilient communities,” Chesney said.
