On 5th September 2025, East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and China Petroleum Pipeline (CPP), in partnership with Makerere University and Kyambogo University, officially launched a landmark scholarship program at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel. Through this initiative, 28 financially disadvantaged yet academically gifted undergraduates have been awarded full scholarships, 10 of whom are proud students of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University.
The scholarship program stems from a Memorandum of Understanding between EACOP, CPP, Kyambogo University and Makerere University. It reflects a shared commitment to corporate social responsibility, community development and investment in Uganda’s future engineers and technologists. Selection criteria required a minimum of Second Class Upper division.
CEDAT’s 10 Outstanding Scholars
- Angella Nakawuka – Mechanical Engineering
- Edith Atuheire – Electrical Engineering
- Esther Nekesa Nakawuka – Mechanical Engineering
- Gatsinzi Benon – Electrical Engineering
- Joseph Chandin – Mechanical Engineering
- Muhumuza Tusabe – Civil Engineering
- Radai Oleja Epiu – Electrical Engineering
- Reagan Edgar Ssekandi – Electrical Engineering
- Rogers Samula – Mechanical Engineering
- Shirat Namatovu – Mechanical Engineering
These students now join a vibrant community of innovators, equipped to tackle industrial challenges and drive technological progress in Uganda and beyond.
The College was well-represented at the event by a team of dedicated staff, showing strong support for the students and the initiative. The delegation included:
- Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule – Deputy Principal, CEDAT
- Dr. Abubaker Matovu Waswa – Head of Electrical & Computer Engineering, CEDAT
- Dr. Francis Mujjuni
- Dr. Betty Nabuuma
- Assoc. Prof. Peter Olupot. W
- Dr. Tony Meri Carlos
Before proceedings commenced, attendees observed a “safety moment” focused on mobile device security. Key takeaways included:
- Use strong passwords and biometric locks to protect sensitive data.
- Perform timely operating system and security updates.
- Exercise caution when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
- Think twice before clicking unsolicited links to avoid falling into digital traps.
This reminder underscored the importance of personal cybersecurity in our connected world.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the School of Engineering, Dr. Abubaker Waswa Matovu explained that the selected students had undergone a rigorous but fair selection process chaired by Dr. Francis Mujjuni. He congratulated the 10 CEDAT awardees and emphasized the importance of increasing female representation in future cohorts. He also reminded parents to continue supporting their children’s daily needs, as these are not covered by the scholarship.
Irene Baguma (Human Resource Corporate Affairs, EACOP) and the Deputy Pipeline Manager of CPP emphasized that this scholarship program extends the companies’ mission beyond oil transport. They noted that investing in education builds community resilience and nurtures future leaders. By selecting students who demonstrate both academic excellence and personal perseverance, the program aims to create ambassadors of hope who will, in turn, give back to society.
Esther Nekesa Nakawuka, representing her fellow CEDAT scholars, shared a heartfelt tribute to the sponsors. She described the mental strain of uncertainty over tuition fees and praised the transparent, rigorous selection process. Esther pledged to leverage the scholarship to achieve her academic goals and, ultimately, to contribute her skills back to the community.
Dr. Abubaker Matovu Waswa, on behalf of the Dean of Makerere’s School of Engineering, reflected on the competitive process that narrowed 37 applicants to 10 deserving CEDAT scholars. He highlighted the program’s role in strengthening university-industry partnerships, fostering innovation to address sectoral challenges. Dr. Waswa called on parents for continued emotional support, reminding them that while financial burdens are eased, student focus remains critical to reaching graduation.
Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, representing both the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and the Principal of CEDAT, acknowledged the under-representation of female awardees out of 28 overall and urged future efforts to increase gender equality. He also appealed to additional corporations to join in sponsoring exceptional science and technology students and reminded families that day-to-day expenses of the students will still require parental support.
Eng. Linda Muhumuza from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development celebrated the restoration of hope among the beneficiaries. She urged the scholars to strive for academic excellence and to uphold the integrity of the program by making the most of this opportunity.
This scholarship launch marks a pivotal step in cultivating the next generation of Ugandan engineers. As CEDAT’s 10 awardees embark on their academic journeys, the college reaffirms its commitment to forging impactful industry partnerships, promoting gender equity, and empowering talented students to drive national development.
The CEDAT management extends our deepest gratitude to EACOP, CPP, Makerere University, Kyambogo University, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and all parents and mentors who made this initiative possible. Together, we look forward to many more opportunities that transform lives and build a brighter future for Uganda.