When many girls in rural Uganda reach secondary school, science subjects often appear out of reach.
A shortage of female science teachers, limited mentorship opportunities, and persistent gender stereotypes continue to discourage many young women from pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Education stakeholders believe a new scholarship program targeting female STEM teachers could help change that narrative.
Under the Leaders in Teaching Uganda Program, 400 scholarships have been announced for female students admitted to pursue Bachelor of Science with Education degrees during the 2026/2027 academic year.
Among the institutions selected to host beneficiaries are Gulu University and UNITE’s Unyama Campus, a development welcomed by education leaders across Northern Uganda.
The 5-year initiative is supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Professor George Ladaah Openjuru, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, welcomed the inclusion of the university, saying it presents an important opportunity for young women interested in science education.
“Female teachers play a critical role in inspiring girls to pursue science subjects. Increasing their numbers will strengthen education outcomes and encourage greater participation of girls in STEM fields,” he said.
The scholarship targets Ugandan women, female refugees, and young women with disabilities aged between 18 and 35 years who have secured admission to STEM-related education programs.
Successful applicants will receive support covering tuition, accommodation, functional fees, and a laptop computer to facilitate learning.
Education officials say the initiative seeks to address a long-standing shortage of female STEM teachers in secondary schools.
Dr. Jane Egau Okou, Director for Higher Technical and Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, has previously emphasized the need for more women to join science-related professions in order to bridge gender gaps within the education sector.
For many young women in Northern Uganda, the scholarship represents more than financial support.
Aciro Sarah, a recent secondary school graduate from Kitgum district, said the opportunity gives hope to students who might otherwise be unable to afford university education.
“Many girls perform well in science subjects but fail to continue because of financial challenges. This scholarship can change lives,” she said.
Another aspiring applicant, Lamunu Esther from Lamwo district, said the presence of Gulu University and Unyama Campus among participating institutions will make access easier for students from the region.
“Studying closer to home reduces costs and allows more girls from rural areas to pursue their dreams,” she said.
Parents and community leaders have also welcomed the initiative. Okot Michael, a parent in Lamwo district, said increasing the number of female science teachers could encourage more girls to remain in school and pursue science careers.
“When girls see women teaching Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, they begin to believe that they can succeed in those fields too,” he said.
Education experts note that female teachers often serve as mentors and role models, particularly for girls navigating academic and social challenges.
Research consistently shows that greater gender representation among teachers can improve student confidence, retention, and performance in science-related subjects.
The scholarship program also requires beneficiaries to serve in the teaching profession for at least two years after graduation, helping ensure that the investment contributes directly to improving Uganda’s education system.
Applications are being managed by the Luigi Giussani Foundation, with the deadline set for July 15, 2026.
As Uganda seeks to strengthen science education and prepare young people for a technology-driven future, initiatives that support women in STEM are increasingly viewed as essential.
For many young women in northern Uganda, the scholarship represents more than an educational opportunity, it is a pathway toward leadership, economic empowerment, and the chance to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
In classrooms across the country, the impact of these scholarships may ultimately be measured not only by the number of teachers trained, but by the number of girls who discover that science belongs to them too.
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