The Mastercard Foundation says it is concerned for the safety and security of all people.
In a press statement dated 31st October 2019, the Foundation says it is “deeply concerned about the violence taking place at Makerere University surrounding the student protests related to the fee structure at the university.”
“The Foundation supports freedom of expression and believes in civil discourse. The Foundation does not condone violence in any situation,” the statement reads in part.
The Foundation says it is actively engaging with the leadership of Makerere University and with members of the Scholars Program Implementation Team to better understand the situation.
“Mastercard Foundation expects that the university will take all necessary steps to ensure all Scholars and students are safe and secure,” the statement further reads.
Makerere University entered a partnership with The MasterCard Foundation to offer scholarships to 1,000 academically bright but economically disadvantaged youth from Africa to study at Makerere University from 2013 to 2023.
This is a project worth US $ 20,989,965.15 implemented at Makerere University with the aim of developing the next generation of African Leaders and also to promote the strategic objectives of Makerere University and The MasterCard Foundation in contributing to Africa’s higher education sector and development.
