British Council Deputy Ceo Launches ‘Commonwealth@65’ Celebrations in Uganda

Kampala, Uganda – September 16, 2024:

The British Council in Uganda proudly hosted a landmark event on Monday, September 16th, to launch the ‘Commonwealth@65’ celebrations, marking 65 years of Commonwealth Scholarships. The event was headlined by the Deputy Chief Executive of the British Council, Honourable Kate Ewart-Biggs OBE, at the British Council offices in Kamwokya, Kampala.

The ‘Commonwealth@65’ initiative encompasses a series of events scheduled over the coming months to celebrate the legacy of the Commonwealth Scholarship program. To date, over 1,735 Ugandans have benefitted from these prestigious scholarships.

The day began with a luncheon, followed by a presentation from Caroline Kiconco, Program Manager for Commonwealth Scholarships in Uganda, South Africa, and Malawi. Ms. Kiconco introduced the CSC, describing its work and the types of scholarships it offers. She highlighted the impact of the scholarships in Uganda. The event also featured remarks from the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Alumni Association of Uganda (CSFAAU). CSFAAU President, Ogara Collin, provided an overview of the association, while Publicity Secretary Simon Golola delivered a presentation on the association’s achievements and future goals.

Several alumni were stationed at stalls around the venue giving live demonstrations of their products and services. The alumni showcased their contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic development, with four alumni delivering keynote presentations. Among them was James Otai, Co-founder of Imagine Her, who shared his inspiring work empowering women, girls, and youth in rural communities through sustainable, community-driven initiatives.

In her keynote address, Honourable Kate Ewart-Biggs praised the remarkable achievements of Ugandan scholars, as highlighted in the alumni presentations. She commended their contributions to national development and reaffirmed the British Council’s dedication to supporting Uganda’s future leaders through continued educational opportunities.

The event was attended by key officials from the British Council, the British High Commission, the Deputy IGG, Dr. Patricia Achan, and a representative from Uganda’s Ministry of Education, who expressed their gratitude for the British Council’s commitment to advancing education and sustainable development in Uganda.

The day concluded with a photo session, as the British Council reaffirmed its commitment to fostering leadership and development in Uganda through the Commonwealth Scholarship program.

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