790 students to benefit from students loan scheme

The Ministry of Education has announced the 13th cohort of student loan beneficiaries, with 2,790 students successfully securing loans. This represents a success rate of 36.2%.

Among the beneficiaries, 1,390 students are male, accounting for 49.8% of the total, while 1,400 students are female, representing 50.2%.

A total of 2,019 students will pursue degree programs, while 771 will enroll in diploma programs.

Additionally, 64 students with disabilities were awarded loans to pursue both science and humanities programs; of these, 46 are male and 18 are female.

The largest group of beneficiaries, totaling 581, was awarded loans for a Bachelor of Science with Education. This was followed by 498 for engineering programs, 313 for computer science, and 284 for healthcare management.

A total of 2,610 applications did not meet eligibility requirements, with the majority, 1,452, being incomplete applications. Furthermore, 279 applicants were deemed ineligible because they applied for programs that are not funded.

Michael Wanyama, Commissioner of the Higher Education Student Financing Loan Scheme, stated that the loans awarded to students will cover tuition fees, functional fees, research fees, and funds for aids and appliances for persons with disabilities.

This year, the Ministry received a total of 10,600 applications, an increase compared to 7,125 applications received in 2022/2023, reflecting a growth of 48.9%.

Wanyama also noted that beneficiaries have been registered from all districts across the country. Districts previously known for lower participation rates, such as Buvuma, Kalangala, Kotido, Amudat, Karenga, and Moroto, have all presented learners for support this time.

Acting Education and Sports Minister JC Muyingo announced that the government has released additional funding for this program, enabling the ministry to sponsor more students.

Muyingo further commented that the number of girls benefiting from this program has significantly increased, as has the number of individuals with disabilities receiving support from this scheme.

He made these remarks while releasing this cohort today at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.