UK Scholarships Unit expands Chevening and Commonwealth opportunities for Ugandan students in Uganda

Dr Emma Hennessey, Head of the UK Scholarships Unit, recently visited Uganda to deepen collaboration on the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes.

Her meetings with government and education partners highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting talented Ugandan postgraduate students and expanding access to world-class education.

Record-Breaking Applications and Alumni Impact

Uganda has emerged as one of the UK’s fastest-growing scholarship partners.

Chevening applications reached a record 2,600 in 2025, more than double the previous annual average.

The country also has one of Africa’s most established Commonwealth alumni communities, with over 1,700 participants since the 1960s.

During her visit, Dr Hennessey met officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports to discuss strategies for expanding postgraduate opportunities and strengthening institutional links.

She also engaged with alumni groups, learning how former scholars are applying their UK-acquired skills in inclusive education, refugee training, waste management, leadership development, and health projects across Uganda.

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Showcasing Alumni Leadership in Action

Dr Hennessey toured high-impact alumni-led initiatives, including inclusive education and health projects, demonstrating how UK scholarships cultivate leadership that directly contributes to national development.

The visit culminated in a Welcome Back Reception for the 2024 cohort of returning Chevening and Commonwealth Scholars, including 17 Chevening and 25 Commonwealth scholars now active across government, media, civil society, science, and the private sector.

H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE, British High Commissioner to Uganda, emphasized the leadership role of Ugandan alumni in shaping public services, strengthening institutions, and building resilient communities.

Expanding Partnerships for the Future

A key part of the visit focused on engaging Commonwealth nominating partners and exploring new partnerships for Chevening to widen pathways to UK postgraduate education.

Dr Hennessey highlighted Uganda’s dynamic alumni and scholars as a source of inspiration and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting more Ugandans in the coming years.

Impact and Consequences

The growing participation of Ugandan scholars in UK programmes strengthens educational ties between the two countries and fosters leadership capable of driving social and economic development.

Alumni initiatives have already improved public administration, education access, and health services, reflecting the tangible benefits of UK-funded scholarship programmes.

What’s Next?

Future efforts will focus on increasing access to Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, forging additional institutional partnerships, and tracking alumni impact in key sectors.

These steps aim to expand leadership development opportunities, particularly for postgraduate students, while ensuring that UK-trained scholars return to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s national development.

Summary

Dr Emma Hennessey’s visit to Uganda reinforced the UK Scholarships Unit’s commitment to nurturing talent through Chevening and Commonwealth programmes.

With record applications, thriving alumni networks, and high-impact projects, Ugandan scholars exemplify how international education can foster leadership, innovation, and national progress.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Dr Emma Hennessey met Ugandan government and education partners to strengthen scholarship cooperation
• Chevening applications from Uganda hit a record 2,600 in 2025
• Uganda has over 1,700 Commonwealth alumni since the 1960s
• Alumni contribute to inclusive education, refugee training, waste management, leadership development, and health projects
• Welcome Back Reception celebrated 42 returning scholars from 2024 cohorts
• Ugandan alumni hold senior roles across government, judiciary, media, civil society, and private sectors
• Partnerships aim to expand postgraduate access and leadership development opportunities
• UK scholarships foster tangible national development and strengthen UK-Uganda relations
• The Chevening Alumni Association of Uganda (CAAU) promotes community impact and mentoring
• Ongoing focus on widening pathways for future scholars and maximizing alumni contributions