KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, underscored the significance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in driving the country’s economic growth.
Muyingo made the remarks during the launch of a publication highlighting the impact of TotalEnergies Uganda’s education scholarships. With over 70% of Uganda’s population below 35 years old, Muyingo emphasized the need to equip the young population with relevant skills to drive industrialization and innovation.
“Promoting STEM education is crucial in empowering young Ugandans to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development,” Muyingo said.
The minister also stressed the importance of promoting STEM education among girls, citing the low representation of women in science research. Muyingo commended TotalEnergies Uganda for its scholarship program, which aligns with the government’s efforts to promote gender equity in education.
The government has pledged to support TotalEnergies Uganda’s scholarship program to ensure its continued success.
Philippe Groueix, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting education as a key pillar of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education.
TotalEnergies EP Uganda marked a decade of educational contributions by unveiling a publication that highlights the impact of their CSR scholarships. The event in Kampala celebrated the theme “Celebrating a Decade of Positive Impact Through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education.”
The company’s scholarship programs have supported 327 students from the Tilenga project districts, with a dedicated focus on promoting gender equality. Notably, 103 of these scholars are girls, reflecting the company’s commitment to ensuring equal access to quality education.
TotalEnergies has also invested in vocational training, benefiting over 1,500 youths from the host districts. These programs equip young Ugandans with skills in areas such as electrical installation, auto mechanics, and heavy goods vehicle driving.
The Tilenga Academy Training Program further prepares 200 youths for roles in the oil and gas industry through intensive local and international training.
The company’s partnerships with institutions like Makerere University and the Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) have resulted in significant educational advancements, including the refurbishment of the Makerere University Emergency Medicine Training Center and the implementation of specialized oil and gas courses.
In celebration of its centenary, TotalEnergies announced the launch of a Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program, offering 100 scholarships to students from the Tilenga Project Area. This initiative aims to enhance the healthcare sector in Uganda by providing comprehensive training at St. Mary’s Lacor School of Nursing and Midwifery and Hoima School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Groueix underscored the long-term benefits of these educational programs, noting that many alumni have secured employment in various sectors, including the oil and gas industry, health, telecom engineering, and education. Others have started their own enterprises, contributing to the socio-economic development of their communities.
The publication, “10 Years of TotalEnergies EP Uganda Corporate Social Responsibility Scholarships,” showcases these achievements and underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to education and youth development in Uganda.
TotalEnergies’ commitment to education and youth development is poised to have a lasting impact on Uganda’s socio-economic landscape. By continuing to invest in these programs, the company aims to support the country’s Vision 2040, which seeks to transform Uganda into an industrialized and prosperous nation.
Groueix reiterated the company’s dedication to this mission, stating that TotalEnergies will continue to work closely with the Ugandan government and other stakeholders to ensure that the programs not only continue but expand in scope and reach.
