Twenty-four Ugandan students have graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from various Russian universities, with several recording outstanding achievements in fields like medicine, aeronautics, robotics, mathematics, computer science and electrical engineering.
Uganda’s embassy in Russia organised a celebratory luncheon in Moscow to honour the 24 graduates, who form part of a growing number of Ugandans choosing to study in Russia.
Derrick Sembambo received a first class degree in mechatronics and robots, while James Kiwanuka Ssembatya graduated with a first-class master’s in mathematics and computer science.
Ssembatya said studying in Russia teaches students to stop giving excuses and put in the work. He added that beyond the harsh weather and the challenge of learning Russian, one has to stay motivated to see the goal through, noting that he made it work even on a low budget, at times relying on a stipend from home.
Since 2022, the Russian government has increased the number of scholarships available to Ugandans from 16 to 50, with most of them tied to science-related courses.
The embassy said it will advertise 100 scholarship slots for next year’s intake come October. These are on top of self-financed students, who make up the majority of Ugandans in Russia, largely because Russian education tends to be cheaper compared to other countries, with an affordable cost of living.
According to the embassy, most Ugandan students in Russia are enrolled in science programmes including human medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, civil engineering, electrical engineering, nuclear energy, oil and gas sciences, aerospace science and aeronautical engineering. Others are pursuing management, financial management and diplomatic studies.
Uganda’s ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, said the education ministries of both countries will soon sign a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the upcoming third Russia-Africa Summit, a move expected to make it easier to equate academic qualifications between the two countries and strengthen cooperation between universities on both sides.
Kizige also urged Ugandans eyeing studies in Russia not to fear coming to study there, insisting the country remains safe for students despite the Special Military Operations inside Ukraine.
For other graduates, the experience went beyond books. Ezekiel Bunjo, who studied medicine specialising in endocrinology, said his time in Russia sharpened his independence, confidence and ability to build new relationships while immersing himself in new cultures, an experience he said expanded his understanding of the world beyond his home country. Bunjo, who has served as president of the Uganda Students Association in the Russian Federation, said he hopes to help bring diabetes care up to date using clinical guidelines drawn from expertise gained in Russia.
Sonia Aigi, who graduated in medicine after seven years of study, said she pushed through exam failures, COVID-19 lockdowns and Russia’s harsh weather to complete her degree. She said the embassy became a home away from home during her stay, crediting her time in Russia with building her resilience, friendships and ability to grasp complex subjects in a foreign language. Aigi said she picked Russia because of its affordable opportunities, adding that she wanted to step out of her comfort zone and grow.
