In February this year, over 101 Ugandan students left for Algeria to further studies on bilateral scholarships. The government always assists these students by giving them some money to supplement on their parent’s upkeep.
Rendering to the policy, each student in a different country on bilateral scholarship both at undergraduate and graduate levels must be given a monthly stipend of USD100 for students to sustain their stay in countries where they pursue their studies from.
However, there have been difficulties that resulted to the delay in the issuance of this monthly stipend to students particularly to first-year students.
The Ministry of Education and Sports through its Commissioner in Charge of Higher Education Jolly Uzamukunda, has requested parents for the affected students to facilitate their students as the ministry is resolving the issue that led to the delayed transfer of funds to students.
“They must be finding hardships. We all understand it. Being in a foreign country more so at such a time of crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, we can’t send them money. In Algeria, for a student to open up an account, it might take between three to six months after meeting given requirements,’’ Uzamukunda told journalists.
Before, the monthly stipend was sent through embassies but the policy was changed with each student’s account being connected to the integrated financial management system therefore receiving the money directly.
“The Ugandan government tried to engage their Algeria counterparts to see how the students could be given their monies but it seems the rules could not be bent therefore we request parents to ensure they send the students some money for upkeep. Before awarding the scholarships, we tell the parents to ensure that they can send them some money inform of upkeep to their children. At least 50 dollars. But at times parents give up with hope that there is stipend from the government,” She further explained.
