THE Muljibhai Madhvani Foundation will this year, offer over sh400m in university scholarships to Ugandan students for the 2008/2009 academic year. The funds will go to merit worthy students who lack financial backing in the fields of Agriculture, Sciences, Information Technology, Commerce and Medicine.

"We will be proud once again to make available over sh400m to students, in what is the largest single annual donation from the private sector towards education," said Sam Rutega, the chairman of the foundation, in a press statement.

He explained that "75% of the scholarships would be earmarked for undergraduate courses and 25% for postgraduate courses. "The assistance is restricted to official tuition fees only."

The selection of candidates is based on:
Merit, competence and ability of the candidates
The financial status of the parents/guardians of the recipient
The nature and availability of the courses desired.

Pratap Madhvani, one of the Groups trustees, said the initiative is part of a long history of extending a helping hand to Ugandans in the field of education. "It is with this in mind that the foundation continues to avail this significant amount of money each year."

Cornelius Matharu, a beneficiary of the scheme, said: "The Madhvani Foundation has helped many students like me to complete our studies. I am especially proud that I found employment at Kakira Sugar Works. I can now support my family and advance my career."