Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) has opened applications for two competitive Master of Science scholarships under a regional project promoting regenerative agriculture and biochar technology in Uganda.
The scholarships fall under the Regenerative Agriculture Development Project Combined with Biochar Application in Uganda (PHRDG Project), a collaborative initiative implemented by MMU in partnership with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), Tottori University of Japan, and Makerere University. The project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through its Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG).
The initiative seeks to advance regenerative agriculture through the development and application of innovative biochar technologies aiming to improve soil fertility, boost agricultural productivity, cut greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and build sustainable biochar business models for Uganda’s smallholder farmers.
Two Scholarships for Ugandan Graduates
As part of its capacity-building component, the project is offering the two MSc scholarships to outstanding Ugandan graduates keen to pursue research in biochar, soil science, regenerative agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable land management. Successful candidates will carry out research directly linked to the project’s objectives, supervised by scientists from MMU and its partner institutions.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must be Ugandan citizens aged 30 or younger at the time of application, and must hold a Bachelor of Science degree at least Second Class Upper Division in Soil Science, Agronomy, Agriculture, Crop Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field with core competencies in soil science and greenhouse gas analysis.
Applicants are also expected to demonstrate a strong interest in biochar technologies and practical research experience relevant to regenerative agriculture, soil management, greenhouse gas analysis, and climate resilience. They must already have secured admission to an MSc programme at MMU, be available for full-time study for the duration of the scholarship, and submit a research concept note aligned with the project’s objectives.
What the Scholarship Covers
Successful candidates will be supported for up to 24 months, with the package covering full tuition fees, research and fieldwork costs, laboratory analysis expenses, and supervision by a multidisciplinary research team.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit a one-page motivation letter, a two-page CV, certified academic transcripts and certificates, a copy of their National ID or passport, two academic recommendation letters, a research concept note (2–3 pages) addressing one of the project’s research areas, and proof of admission to an MSc programme at MMU.
Applications will be assessed on academic excellence, the quality and originality of the research concept, its relevance to the project’s objectives, demonstrated research potential, and the applicant’s motivation and commitment to regenerative agriculture research.
All application documents should be compiled into a single PDF and emailed with the subject line “Application for MSc Scholarship – Biochar Regenerative Agriculture Project” to Dr. Cosmas Wacal, the project’s Principal Investigator, at cosmas.wacal@mmu.ac.ug, copying comrade.mutebi@mmu.ac.ug. The deadline for submission is 5:00 PM East African Time on 10th August 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.