Chinese oil and gas company, CNOOC Uganda, has awarded Shs44 million to 218 high-performing students from Hoima City, Hoima District, and Kikuube District in the Bunyoro sub-region.
The awards, part of the company’s Best Performers Initiative, aim to promote academic excellence and support education in the region.
This year, the initiative recognized students who excelled in the 2023 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). Among the awardees were 16 students with disabilities, who received cash prizes and certificates to encourage their continued academic success.
Since 2013, CNOOC has supported 930 students through this initiative, in alignment with China’s broader commitment to Africa’s development, which includes education and sustainable growth.
The company’s education support also extends to school donations, such as a USD500,000 contribution to Entebbe Welfare School, international scholarships, and the provision of scholastic materials.
“We invest not only in Uganda’s future but also align with the vision of stronger cooperation as set forth during FOCAC,” said Aminah Bukenya, Acting Head of Corporate Affairs at CNOOC Uganda.
Kikuube LC5 Chairman, Vincent Alpher Opio, commended CNOOC for its consistent support, noting that the initiative has fostered healthy competition among learners, improving academic performance across the region.
District Education Officer Deogratius Byakagaba praised the program for its role in motivating students to excel in their studies, while beneficiaries like Darius Opio, a Senior Five student, hailed the initiative for enabling students to continue their education despite financial challenges.
