education 4 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Zimbabwe Studies Uganda's HEAC Programme to Boost Higher Education Access
A Zimbabwean delegation is benchmarking Uganda's Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme, which helps economically disadvantaged but capable students enter university. The initiative has drawn interest for its success in promoting equity and inclusion across Africa. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/zimbabwe-benchmarks-uganda-s-higher-education-access-programme-5447192
Officials from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, led by Permanent Secretary Prof. Fanuel Tagwira, visited Uganda from May 4 to 8, 2026, to learn about the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme.
The group, including representatives from the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, FAWE Zimbabwe, and FAWE Africa Executive Director Dr. Martha Muhwezi, started their tour at FAWE Uganda offices and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in Kampala.
HEAC, piloted by FAWE Uganda in 2017 and accredited by NCHE in 2019, acts as a bridging course under the Higher Education Access Programme (HEAP). This Mastercard Foundation partnership targets low-income students who miss direct university entry but show academic promise.
Since launch, HEAC has helped hundreds transition to degrees at various Ugandan universities. HEAP has supported over 2,500 vulnerable learners since 2017, with its second phase from April 2024 aiming for 2,000 more across 65 districts.
FAWE Uganda Executive Director Susan Opok Tumusiime highlighted the focus on gender equity, reserving 80% of bursaries for young women, plus support for refugees and persons with disabilities. In 2025/2026, they awarded 700 bursaries for universities and TVET institutions.
Prof. Tagwira noted Zimbabwe’s push for skilled graduates and saw HEAC as a model to expand access despite high literacy rates. The delegation plans visits to Busitema University, Islamic University in Uganda (Mbale), and Ernest Cook University to meet students and alumni.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)