KAMPALA, UGANDA --- The Muljibhai Madhvani Education Foundation will contribute a total of 450 million shillings (about US$267,000) towards its University scholarship programme for the 2008/2009 academic year.

Making the announcement recently, the Chairman of the Foundation Mr. Sam Rutega said he total figure represents an increase of Ush50 million ($30,000) from last years contribution.

“As Uganda’s population grows and the number of students entering University increases, the board was of the opinion that it is necessary to periodically augment the size of the fund in order to cater for the increased number of students.”

Rutega said 75% of the scholarships will be earmarked for undergraduate courses and 25% for postgraduate courses.

The assistance is restricted only to official tuition fees and the selection of the candidates is based on merit, competence and ability of the candidates, the financial status of the parents/guardians or the recipient and the nature and availability of the course desired.

Commenting on the performance of the students who were due to graduate in 2008, Mr. S. K. Iyengar, the Madhvani Group Company Secretary said over 95% of the students who received support have successfully completed their courses and are now in a position to find gainful employment and make a positive contribution to Uganda’s socio/economic development.

He encouraged potential candidates for the 2008/9 academic calendar to apply for funding for courses from any part of the country as the selection process is open to any Ugandan student who meets the criteria.

The Madhvani Foundation was established in 1965. In 2003, the board set up the education trust with the principal objective being the promotion of scientific and technical education for the betterment of the people of Uganda.