Breaking the Cycle: Celebrating Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients

At Action in Africa, we believe education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate a major milestone in our mission: the official awarding of 30 new secondary scholarships for 2026 to a group of brilliant, determined students ready to take on the world.

This year’s cohort represents both the strength of our long-term institutional partnerships and our deep-rooted commitment to the local community in Nakuwadde. Our scholarship program is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that support reaches those within our specialized programs as well as those in the wider neighborhood who demonstrate exceptional need and potential.

Our Impact in the Classroom and Beyond

We awarded scholarships to 21 students from our Primary Partnership Program (PPP) this year. Through this program, we work hand-in-hand with local educators to identify students who have shown consistent dedication to their studies and active participation at The Center.

PPP supports a well-rounded education for hundreds of six- to twelve-year-olds. During the school term, primary students attend creative learning sessions at The Center, which are designed using a combination of the national curriculum and the theater arts. This program also includes a vital nutrition intervention where students are provided with a hot breakfast at the start of the school day. This foundational work is intended to lay the groundwork for success both in and out of the classroom.

An additional nine slots are reserved for the broader community, because we recognize that talent exists everywhere. These slots are for students who may not be enrolled in our partner schools but have demonstrated a passion for learning and a clear need for financial backing to stay in school.

A Path Forward

For many of these 30 students, a scholarship is the difference between dropping out to find low-paying, informal labor while underage, or staying in school to become the future doctors, teachers, and leaders of Uganda. In a country where secondary and higher education costs can be a barrier for even the most hardworking families, these scholarships provide more than just tuition. They provide stability, dignity, and a clear path forward.

Hear from a few of the inspiring students joining our program this year:

Mubiru Lwanga Hussein

My name is Hussein, I am 13 years old, and I recently completed my primary education at Raising Up Hope Nursery and Primary School, Nakuwadde. I am proud to share that I successfully passed my Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) with nine points.

I am thrilled to be joining Riverside High School, Mbazzi, on a scholarship earned through my hard work and involvement at Action in Africa’s Centre. Growing up without a father, I have watched my mother struggle for years to keep me in school. This award means she will no longer carry that financial weight alone. My dream is to become a surgeon so that I can serve my community and help those in need. This scholarship makes that dream possible."

Nadamba Amella

My name is Amella, and I am 13 years old. After earning 17 aggregates in my PLE at Lady Jane Memorial Primary School, I have secured a secondary scholarship. This achievement is a result of my proactive engagement in the PPP sessions and creative writing programs at The Center.

This scholarship is a significant relief for my mother, who has been the primary pillar of my education. I am determined to study hard and become a doctor so I can eventually give back to my community through healthcare.

Namuyanja Bushirah

“My name is Namuyanja Bushirah, and I am 13 years old. After achieving 10 aggregates in my PLE at Savior Junior School, I am honored to receive this scholarship. My mother has often struggled to keep me in school, and this gives me true peace of mind. I am also very excited to join Riverside High School; it has a wonderful environment and all the resources a student needs to excel. I want to become a doctor in the future.”

Success is becoming a family tradition in Bushirah's household. She is the second student in her family to be supported by Action in Africa, following in the footsteps of her brother, Mbabali Faisal. Thanks to a full AIA university scholarship, Faisal recently graduated and is now a Software Engineer at Kijani Forestry Organization.

“As the second scholarship recipient in our home, I am so grateful that AIA continues to be our biggest support system. You have not only changed our lives, but you have also given my mother a hand in educating her children.”

Lukwago Jolam

I am Jolam, and I am 14 years old. I earned 11 aggregates in my PLE at Strathearn Primary School. Beyond covering my tuition, the provision of free scholastic materials, uniforms, and medical support removes a heavy financial burden from my mother.

One of the most impressive aspects of my new school is the range of facilities. From the science and computer laboratories to the sports pitch, it is a perfect environment for growth. I promise to use these resources to achieve my dream of becoming a Land Surveyor.

Sendawula Gideon

“My name is Gideon, and I am 13 years old. After achieving eight aggregates in my PLE at All Saints Primary School, I am honored to receive this scholarship. With four children in our family, providing an education for all of us has been a challenge for my parents. This support brings immense peace of mind to my mother. I am determined to become a mechanical engineer.”

Gideon is also the second recipient in his family, following his sister, Nakimera Jane Liz, who is currently a Senior Two student at Riverside High School. Their mother, Ms. Ritah, is also a proactive member of the AIA community, regularly participating in Saturday Teacher Training programs.

More Than Just tuition

As these 30 students begin their new academic chapters, Action in Africa remains a constant presence in their lives. We provide:

• Continuous mentorship and counseling.

• Home visits to ensure student well-being.

• School materials and uniforms.

• Reusable sanitary pads for girls.

• Access to The Center’s community library and daily meals.

We want to extend a massive thank you to our donors and The Scholarship Society. Your monthly contributions are what make these success stories possible. Together, we are changing futures.