KAMPALA, UGANDA- The Madhvani Foundation has launched a scholarship programme worth UShs500m (about US$250, 000) to be used for university scholarships by students in the 2010/2011 university academic year.

The funds have been set aside to facilitate brilliant yet underprivileged Ugandan students pursuing scientific and technical degrees in Ugandan universities. "I would like to encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible, to apply and give it their best shot," said the Chairman of the Scholarships committee, Henry Kyemba, in a statement last week.He said the scholarships would only be available to potential applicants for undergraduate courses after their first year of study. "So they should concentrate on attaining and maintaining good grades," he said. Last year, the Madhvani Foundation awarded 175 students scholarships totaling Shs516m, following a highly competitive selection process that culminated in personal interviews for shortlisted candidates at Makerere University. Former beneficiar who also doubles as the chairman of the Alumni association Roland Kokasi Odinga said: "The foundation helped me achieve my dream of becoming a Lawyer. The fact that my school fees were assured provided I studied hard, made me focus and excel in my course.”