Emma Hennessey, Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has visited the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped to assess the impact of an inclusive education initiative implemented by the Chevening Alumni Association of Uganda.
The visit, which took place on Monday, March 9, formed part of Hennessey’s trip to Uganda aimed at understanding how UK government scholarship programmes are translating into impact through alumni-led projects.
At the school, Hennessey interacted with learners, staff, and Chevening alumni who led the Inclusive Education Project implemented in 2022. The initiative sought to advance disability inclusion in Uganda’s education system and generate policy recommendations for the government.
Speaking about the experience, Hennessey described the visit as deeply inspiring. “So delighted to start my visit to Uganda at the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped. A genuinely moving and inspirational event, with hugs from the children too,” she said.
She commended Chevening alumni for using the knowledge and networks gained through the scholarship programme to promote inclusive education and policy reform.
“And proud of our Chevening Alumni Uganda for supporting the important work done here, helping to craft legislation on inclusive education and fundraising to build a library,” Hennessey added.
The project produced ten recommendations aimed at strengthening disability inclusion in education, covering areas such as teacher training, ICT accessibility and curriculum reform. According to Chevening Alumni Uganda, the recommendations have since been integrated into policy by the Ministry of Education and Sports Uganda.
During the visit, stakeholders also discussed plans to establish an adaptive Information Resource Centre at the school to improve access to learning materials and assistive technology for learners with disabilities.
In a statement shared online, the school emphasised the importance of access to knowledge for vulnerable learners. “Access to knowledge changes lives,” the school said, noting that the proposed Information Resource Centre is part of a partnership with Chevening alumni aimed at advancing inclusive education and assistive learning.
The visit highlighted the broader goal of the UK scholarship programmes to support alumni who drive change in their communities after completing their studies.
The Chevening programme, funded by the UK government, provides fully funded master’s degrees in the UK for emerging leaders from around the world and aims to build a global network of professionals committed to positive change.
Dinner Showcases Chevening Scholars and Partnerships
Later in the evening, Hennessey joined alumni, scholars and potential partners at a dinner reception hosted by the British High Commission in Uganda to celebrate the impact of the Chevening Scholarship programme.
The event brought together stakeholders from the private sector, academia and alumni networks to explore partnerships that can expand opportunities for Ugandan scholars.
Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, highlighted the competitiveness and prestige of the Chevening programme. “Only less than one percent of applicants become Chevening Scholars,” she noted, adding that Uganda sends about 15 scholars to the United Kingdom each year.
She also praised private sector partnerships that help expand access to the programme, citing Prudential Uganda as a key sponsor supporting Ugandan scholars.
Officials said Prudential has co-funded three Chevening scholars since 2022, demonstrating how partnerships between the private sector and the UK government can increase opportunities for talented Ugandans.
Members of the British Chamber of Commerce Uganda who attended the reception also expressed interest in supporting the programme and nurturing Uganda’s leadership pipeline.
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s flagship international scholarship scheme, offering fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities to individuals with strong leadership potential and a commitment to driving change in their home countries.
Since its establishment in 1983, the programme has supported tens of thousands of professionals worldwide and built a global alumni network of leaders across government, business, civil society and academia.
Hennessey’s visit to Uganda focused on engaging with alumni and evaluating how the programme continues to translate educational opportunities into social impact, particularly in areas such as inclusive education and leadership development.
