Only 2,790 out of 10,615 approved for education loans

What the report says

Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports has approved higher education loans for 2,790 students for the 2026/27 academic year, far fewer than the 10,615 who applied, according to figures released by the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme. The Observer reported that applications rose by 48.9% from the previous year, reflecting stronger demand for government support as many families struggle to meet university costs.

At a briefing in Kampala, officials said 8,005 applicants met the initial eligibility checks, but 2,610 were ruled out for reasons including incomplete paperwork, ineligible programmes and applications from continuing students. The approved group includes almost equal numbers of male and female students, along with 64 students with disabilities. The ministry said the selection process was designed to balance district representation, social vulnerability and affirmative-action goals.

The report said the loans will mainly support approved STEM, tourism and hotel-management courses, with tuition, functional and research fees paid directly to institutions rather than to students. The government has set aside Shs 10.72 billion for the intake, enough to raise the planned number of beneficiaries from 2,400 to 2,790 because many selected students are in lower-cost programmes. The scheme, created under the Higher Education Students’ Financing Act, is meant to widen access to tertiary education and support students who cannot otherwise afford it.