UNICAF University Partners with Uganda Medical Association to Provide Discounted Courses – The Black Examiner

Summary:

• UNICAF University and Uganda Medical Association have forged a groundbreaking partnership, offering medical professionals in Uganda substantial discounts on academic courses.

KAMPALA, (Examiner) – UNICAF University and the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) have joined forces to empower medical professionals in Uganda through accessible and discounted educational programs.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed in Kampala, heralds a new era of opportunity for individuals in the medical field to pursue advanced academic qualifications. Under this partnership, members of UMA will have access to a wide range of high-quality academic programs offered by UNICAF University, with generous scholarships covering up to 80% of tuition fees.

Moses Turyagumanawe, the marketing manager of UNICAF Uganda, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in providing medical professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers. By offering substantial scholarships, UNICAF aims to remove financial barriers and enable UMA members to fulfill their academic aspirations without the need to travel abroad.

The partnership also addresses the challenges faced by medical professionals in pursuing higher education, particularly the necessity of leaving their workstations to study overseas. Dr. Herbert Luswata, the president of UMA, hailed the collaboration for facilitating access to PhD and master’s programs online, thus eliminating the need for professionals to interrupt their service delivery in Uganda.

The educational offerings provided through UNICAF University include online international degrees, master’s, and PhD courses from renowned institutions such as the University of East London, Liverpool John Moores University, and the University of Suffolk. This initiative not only expands access to quality education but also mitigates the financial burden associated with studying abroad, including travel, accommodation, and visa expenses.

Meanwhile, the challenges of higher education access in Uganda have been highlighted by Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). Despite efforts to promote enrollment in higher education institutions, the country’s enrollment rates have declined, posing a significant obstacle to educational advancement.

Prof. Okwakol stressed the importance of initiatives like the Higher Education Access Program by the Forum for African Women Educationalists Uganda and Mastercard Foundation in addressing this issue. Through partnerships and programs aimed at marginalized communities, such as young women, individuals with disabilities, and refugees, these initiatives strive to enhance access to tertiary education and employment opportunities.

The extension of the partnership between FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation will further amplify the impact of these programs across ten African countries, including Uganda. By providing comprehensive support, including academic bursaries, vocational training, and entrepreneurship assistance, FAWE aims to empower young graduates to pursue higher education and build fulfilling careers.

Dr. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of FAWE Africa, expressed optimism about the program’s ability to transform the lives of young women and men in Uganda and across the continent. Through innovation and collaboration with various stakeholders, FAWE endeavors to create pathways for increased access to tertiary education and dignified employment for Africa’s youth.

Overall, these initiatives underscore the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, government bodies, and NGOs in addressing the challenges of higher education access and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. With concerted efforts and strategic partnerships, Uganda can unlock the full potential of its human capital and foster sustainable development in the years to come.

Follow @examinerug