Minister Hails TotalEnergies Scholarship Program

The State Minister for Higher Education, John C. Muyingo, has commended TotalEnergies 's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program, for the development of the economy.

Speaking during the launch of a commemorative publication celebrating ten years of positive and transformative impact on the youth of the Albertine region through TotalEnergies Uganda’s education scholarships, at Sheraton Hotel,  Muyingo hailed TotalEnergies for aligning its programs with Uganda’s Vision 2040. “Their investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-STEM education is shaping Uganda into an innovation and industrialization hub,” he noted.   

Through STEM students learn to apply academic content to solve real-world problems using creative design-based thinking.  STEM education also helps students develop skills like problem-solving, critical analysis, teamwork, and communication.

Muyingo also said that TotalEnergies’ education programs, including vocational training, the Tilenga Academy, and partnerships with institutions like Makerere University, and other institutions, reflect its long-term commitment to fostering youth inclusion and education in Uganda’s oil districts. 

He also pointed out that since Uganda is a largely youthful country, it is crucial to equip it with the required knowledge and skills to take forward the country’s innovation agenda, to foster economic development.

Since 2013, TotalEnergies has supported over 2000 Ugandan students at O-level, A- level, vocational institutions and universities with scholarships to help them further their education.   Currently, there are at least 200 students at Kigumba Petroleum Institute under TotalEnergies scholarships who are ready to take up jobs in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.   

Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda, said that they are committed to supporting young Ugandans in their academic pursuits, ensuring that they are well-prepared to compete effectively for employment or to establish small and medium enterprises.

Winnie Atugonza,  a mechanical engineering student at Makerere University, who was the first beneficiary, and was supported through her O-Level education, said that her father applied for the scholarship and she was selected because she passed in the first grade.  “I joined TotalEnergies, in 2015 for senior one, having completed my P.7 in 2014. I am privileged to be part of the first group for the O-Level sponsorship,” she narrated.     

  

According to Atugonza, TotalEnergies, catered for all her school requirements the same way a parent would do. She added that after completing her O-Level, she again applied for another sponsorship for her A-Level, but was not successful, however, the company provided her with scholastic materials throughout her two years.