Mbarara University of Science and Technology has officially launched the Women In Science Displacement Outreach Masters (WISDOM) Project, a crucial initiative aimed at promoting equitable and sustainable inclusion in higher education for women who are refugee or asylum seekers. MUST in partnership with the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), a programme unit of UNESCO, is offering 20 fully funded master’s scholarships to refugee women scientists in Uganda. This initiative is part of the OWSD-WISDOM Pilot Project, supported by funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
The project funding from SIDA is $401,393.90$ USD. 91% of this total amount is allocated for scholarships, while the remaining 9% supports institutional capacity building and student networking activities. MUST is contributing an in-kind amount of $69,600$ USD, which covers the dedication of project members’ time, MUST Grants Office support, and the provision of space and expertise for the project. The scholarship comprehensively covers full tuition, research fees, health insurance for two years, monthly allowances, living expenses, personal residence, travel, and a completion/graduation allowance. The total program is expected to run for two years.
The inaugural cohort consists of 20 female scholars placed across 10 programs within the university, including some of the most competitive fields such as Master of Science in Information Systems, Master of Science in Anatomy, Master of Science in Biochemistry, Master of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacy, Master of Physiology, Master of Nursing in Community Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Master of Medical Laboratory Science, Master of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine and Pharmacology. The scholars were selected after 51 candidates qualified, with 26 admitted, and 20 eventually chosen. The project’s objectives are; - promoting equitable and sustainable inclusion in national education systems for displaced women with a human rights-based approach
- Foster safe enabling environments that support learning by working with host institutes on protection and gender transformative awareness raising.
- Enable displaced women to use their education toward sustainable futures.
The launch featured strong remarks from university leadership and key partners, all underscoring the project’s commitment. Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko the Principal Investigator and Senior Communications Officer for International Relations at MUST presented the project’s scope, noting the initial difficulty in finding educated ladies at bachelor’s level, especially in the sciences, necessitating outreach with partners like Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), UNHCR and Windle International to secure the 20 required scholars. She detailed support activities such as mentorship, skills building, career development workshops, counselling, and student networking, all aimed at helping the scholars settle in and ultimately become change agents in their communities.
Mr. Davis Mugumya, the UNHCR Representative and a MUST alumnus, addressed the “Role of Universities in Strengthening Inclusion and Academic Success for Displaced Persons”. He highlighted the severe drop-off in girls’ education, noting that out of 2,112 girls in primary, only 120 reach senior six. He advised the scholars that studying at a university like MUST helps keep young women safe from gender-based violence and exploitation, and encouraged them to inspire other girls and ensure that “refugee” is not their address.
The speech by Mr. Ivan Ruhinda representing Mr. Titus Jogo, the Refugee Desk Officer for the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), emphasized Uganda’s humanitarian role as the largest host of refugees in Africa with 1.9 million people. He stated that refugees share all rights with Ugandans, except for political rights, and are entitled to access the education system. He acknowledged the significant gap in higher education for refugees and viewed the WISDOM project as crucial for bridging this gap for female refugees. He even suggested organizing to lobby for an extension of the project and to increase the number of scholars from 20 to 40 or more.
Professor Joseph Ngonzi, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, commended the scholars’ resilience, noting that many were in highly competitive programs like Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology. He shared a powerful message: “Keep adding value and the world will buy that value. If we do not, the world will successfully ignore you and me”. He encouraged them to treat others with generosity and kindness when they have the chance, doing “even much more” than what they have received.
Professor Nixon Kamukama, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs (DVC-AA), welcomed the ladies and gave a clear academic directive. He committed to supporting them but issued a warning that he expects all 20 scholars to graduate, reminding them that MUST’s goal is to help communities get better.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, gave her remarks and officially launched the project. She thanked the team for bringing the project to MUST, stating they have “touched humanity” and are helping restore hope and dignity. She reiterated MUST’s commitment to social transformation and equity, and stressed, “Once you transform a woman, you transform the nation,” which is why WISDOM focuses on women. She encouraged the scholars, who face a challenging and uncertain life, to complete their program and be ambassadors of hope, excellence, and leadership.
The launch event was expertly moderated by Ms. Angella Nakato Muyingo, the Senior Communications Officer, Public Relations. The highlight of the event was the heartfelt testimony from scholar Esra Abdaibage MohammedelHassan, representing the entire cohort:
“On behalf of myself and my colleagues, I would like to express our sincere thanks and deep gratitude to everyone who planted in us the seed of hope and extended a helping hand in the path of education, enabling us to continue our academic journey with strength and determination.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Uganda for providing us with safety and security during the difficult circumstances facing our home country.
We also thank UNHCR and Windle International organization for giving us this opportunity and supporting us to continue our education.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the WISDOM Project Partners:
- UNESCO
- The Organization for Women in Science in the Developing World (OWSD)
- And the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) for providing this opportunity to us as students of knowledge.
We give special thanks and appreciation to the great center of learning, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, its wise administration, and the respected academic staff for their dedication, hard work, and patience with us throughout our academic journey.
The launch had staff that are doing great to mentor the students in their academic journey.
Other team members are; Dr. Martha Kyoshaba Twinamasiko, Ms. Maureen Kahiima, Mr. Amos Baryashaba and Mr. Ismail Bahati
Finally, we would like to express our special thanks to Madam Sheila for her great efforts, sacrifices, and constant care to ensure our comfort, happiness, and well-being.
Thank you all.
Succeed we must.”
MUST is proud to host the WISDOM Project and looks forward to the successful graduation of all 20 scholars by 2027, contributing to enhanced gender equity in STEM and empowering women towards sustainable futures.
