In an impressive achievement that has the academic world buzzing, Emmanuel Akandwanaho has become the first undergraduate alumnus from Makerere University to secure the highly competitive Schwarzman Scholarship, making him only the second Ugandan ever to receive this honor.
The 2022 Land Economics graduate has been selected for the Schwarzman Scholars Class of 2026, earning a fully-funded one-year Master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University’s Schwarzman College in Beijing, China.
“This is not just a personal victory but a win for Makerere and Uganda,” said a source close to Akandwanaho, who wished to remain anonymous. “Emmanuel has always been ambitious, but this achievement has exceeded everyone’s expectations.”
The Schwarzman Scholars Programme, established in 2015 by Blackstone CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman, is known for its rigorous selection process that admits only 150 exceptional young leaders worldwide each year. Scholars are chosen based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to driving positive change.
During his time at Makerere from 2017 to 2022, Akandwanaho was no stranger to leadership roles. He served as Class Representative for five consecutive years, held the position of Speaker of the Makerere Association of Surveying Students, chaired the Electoral Commission at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), and represented students on the 31st Governing Council of the Institution of Surveyors of Uganda.
Perhaps his most enduring legacy at the university is the Makerere Gavel Club, which he founded in 2019. The club, affiliated with Toastmasters International, addresses communication gaps and personal development needs among students. Sources confirm the initiative has trained over 200 students since its inception and remains one of the most dynamic student-led organizations on campus.
University insiders suggest Akandwanaho’s selection for the prestigious scholarship could open doors for more Ugandan students to pursue similar international opportunities and raise the profile of Makerere University on the global stage.
