Uganda is sending 200 students to pursue PhD studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, thanks to new scholarships secured by the government.
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Paul Amoru Omiat, confirmed the development, stating the scholarships are for Ugandan nationals pursuing doctoral studies. Some of the successful applicants in the first cohort will begin their studies in February 2026.
“This is a major achievement by the Kampala administration in supporting its citizens to attain higher education and in building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce for the country,” Mr Amoru said.
The announcement was made during the graduation ceremony of Dr. Ismael Ochen Ochen, who completed a PhD in Monitoring and Evaluation at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.
Dr Ochen Ochen plans to work closely with the Lango Cultural Institution to promote education in the sub-region, which he believes will help reduce conflicts and crime among youth.
“I plan to work closely with Lango Cultural Institution to place strong emphasis on education within the sub-region. This will help reduce conflicts within communities, especially among the youth, who often resort to violence and criminal behaviour due to a lack of guidance and opportunities,” Dr. Ochen Ochen said.
Prof. Constant Okello Obura, a lecturer at Makerere University, advised Dr. Ochen Ochen to use his academic training and research skills to contribute to community development.
The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, emphasized the importance of education and urged cultural leaders to support education initiatives without discriminating on the basis of religion. He also highlighted the need for the government, cultural institutions, and the church to work together to combat drug abuse and crime among young people.
Tekwaro Lango, the Lango Cultural Institution, has supported over 1,000 vulnerable students to attain formal education and vocational skills.
The institution is expected to benefit from the new scholarships, with Mr Amoru pledging to work closely with the office of the Paramount Chief to mobilize and support children who wish to benefit from the education scholarship opportunities.
“My office is also working together with the royal household and the office of King Mswati III, who leads the Kingdom of Eswatini, to ensure that the cultural leaders of the Lango Sub-region are facilitated to travel abroad and gain exposure,” Mr Amoru said.