Govt hails role of science education in Uganda’s devt as TotalEnergies celebrates decade of  scholarships

The State Minister for Higher Education, Dr.John Chrysostom Muyingo has hailed the impact of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM) education  to the development of Uganda’s economy.

Speaking during the launch of a commemorative publication celebrating ten years of positive and transformative impact on the youth of the Albertine region through TotalEnergies Uganda’s education scholarships, Muyingo said with more than 70% of the country’s population below the age of 35, equipping the young population with necessary knowledge and skills to drive industrialization and innovation and adapt to the demands of the rapidly evolving national and global economy is crucial.

“ This education will enable Ugandans to drive entrepreneurship, industrialization, and technology advancement , higher productivity and a resilient economy.”

Through STEM students learn to apply academic content to solve real-world problems using creative design-based thinking.

STEM education also helps students develop skills like problem solving, critical analysis, teamwork, and communication.

Speaking on Thursday, the minister for higher education by focusing on STEM education, Uganda is on the right path to self sustenance and development.

“We envision a future where Ugandan scientists are at the forefront of advancement contribution not only to our nation’s development.”

STEM for girls

According to the minister, with only a third of science researchers are women, emphasizing STEM education for girls is a big step towards their empowerment.

“Promoting STEM education for girls is not only empowering them to make better life choices but also to expand Uganda’s skilled workforce in the economy.”

Muyingo applauded  TotalEnergies’s scholarship program that he said aligns with Uganda’s gender equity policy that provides critical opportunities for girls to pursue STEM careers.

“This is contributing to inclusive and equitable access to education, poverty reduction, increase skilled workforce, improved welfare among families and communities.”

The minister pledged government’s support to TotalEnergies to take its scholarship program forward.

The scholarship program

Since 2013, TotalEnergies has supported over 2000 Ugandan students at O-level , A- level, vocational institutions and universities with scholarships to help them further their education.

Currently, there are at least 200 students at Kigumba Petroleum Institute under TotalEnergies scholarships who are ready to take up jobs in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.

Speaking on Thursday, Philippe Groueix, the General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda said the company is not only about producing oil but also adding value to the people of Uganda.

“We are committed to supporting young Ugandans in their academic pursuits, ensuring that they are well-prepared to compete effectively for employment or to establish small and medium enterprises, thereby contributing to the development of their communities and the country,” Groueix said.

According to Winnie Atugonza, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at Makerere University, after completing her Primary Leaving Exams in 2014 in Buliisa, her father applied for the TotalEnergies scholarship that she got.

“ I was able to join the scholarship programs as one of the pioneer students having got a first grade in PLE. It was lifechanging since I was not sure of advancing further with my education after P.7 since my parents were not well off,” Atugonza said.

She said that after completing S.4, she again applied for the scholarship and was able to get one that enabled her study for A- level but again was sponsored by the company to study bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering that she is pursuing now.