Minister Richmond announces bursary for students in northern Uganda

Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has announced an Irish Aid bursary that will enable 1,600 students in rural Uganda to receive quality, inclusive education and training this year.

The Minister made the announcement today while visiting the Karamoja sub-region in northern Uganda, an area where Ireland has invested significantly in education. The bursary initiative will be administered by local partner Straight Talk Foundation and will target children and young people (60% of whom are female) living in areas with high rates of poverty and disadvantage.

As part of Ireland's €10.5 million investment in Karamoja for 2026, a total of €1.75 million will be provided to Straight Talk Foundation through Irish Aid to support the initiative. In addition to covering school fees, the bursary will support transport, education materials, medical insurance and living costs related to school attendance.

Announcing the funding in Karamoja, Minister Richmond said:

The young people I have met today are living in an extremely challenging environment but are determined to improve their lives through education. This bursary reflects Ireland's long-standing commitment to supporting young people in north-Eastern Uganda to attend school and build better futures.

Education is transformative in terms of giving people the knowledge, skills and confidence to support their families, strengthen their communities and deliver a better future. This region is recovering from conflict and continues to face very high levels of poverty. Keeping young people, especially girls, in school is central to sustainable development and peace.

It was extremely moving to meet with young people today who have benefited from education through Irish Aid's work in partnership with the Government of Uganda. Ireland's footprint in Karamoja is significant. The work we do here is making a real impact and giving people hope for brighter days ahead.

In 2026, Ireland will initiate the construction of a new dormitory for Kasimeri Primary School, building on Ireland's long-standing commitment to improving access to quality education and vocational training and skilling in the region and targeting the furthest behind.

ENDS

20 February 2026