Scholarship Application Letter Physiotherapist in Uganda Kampala – Free Word Template Download with AI

Aisha Nakato

Plot 45, Kira Road
Kampala, Uganda
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +256 700 123456

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Application for Full Scholarship to Pursue Bachelor of Physiotherapy Program at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala

To the Esteemed Scholarship Committee,

I am writing this scholarship application letter with profound enthusiasm to formally apply for full financial support to pursue my Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in Kampala, Uganda. As a dedicated young woman from Nakivubo, Kampala, with unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare access in our communities, I believe this scholarship represents the pivotal opportunity needed to fulfill my dream of becoming an exceptional Physiotherapist serving Uganda’s underserved populations.

My journey toward physiotherapy began during my secondary school years at Ntare School when I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of physical disabilities on our community due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure. My grandmother’s stroke in 2018 became a turning point—I spent weeks watching her struggle with limited rehabilitation options at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where overcrowded facilities left many without proper care. This experience ignited my resolve to become a Physiotherapist who could bridge the critical gap in rehabilitative services across Uganda. Since then, I have volunteered at the Kampala City Council’s Health Outreach Program, assisting with mobility assessments for elderly patients in Kawempe Division and providing basic exercises to children with cerebral palsy at Kibuye Children’s Home. These experiences solidified my understanding that effective physiotherapy is not merely clinical treatment but a catalyst for social empowerment.

Uganda faces a severe shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, with only 0.13 physiotherapists per 10,000 people—far below the WHO recommendation of 1:25,000. In Kampala specifically, where urban migration has strained health facilities to breaking point, this deficit is acutely felt in maternity wards where postpartum rehabilitation is neglected and in slum communities where road traffic accidents leave victims without access to essential physiotherapy services. I have documented these challenges through community surveys conducted with my volunteer group at the Kampala Capital City Authority’s Health Department, revealing that over 75% of patients referred for rehabilitation face treatment delays exceeding two weeks due to staff shortages. This data reinforced my conviction that pursuing a formal physiotherapy education in Kampala—where I can directly engage with these community challenges—is non-negotiable for my development as a healthcare provider.

Makerere University College of Health Sciences has been my institution of choice since its Physiotherapy Program was established in 1992, renowned for integrating clinical excellence with community-focused training. The program’s emphasis on "physiotherapy in resource-limited settings" aligns perfectly with my goal to establish mobile rehabilitation units serving Kampala’s informal settlements. I am particularly inspired by Professor Sarah Nalwadda’s research on stroke rehabilitation in low-income urban contexts, which I have studied extensively through Makerere’s digital library resources. The opportunity to learn under such pioneering faculty in Kampala—where we will practice at Mulago Hospital, Kibuye Children’s Home, and the new Kawempe Community Health Center—would provide irreplaceable hands-on experience directly applicable to Uganda’s healthcare landscape.

Financially, my family operates a small textile business in Nakivubo Market with monthly earnings averaging 300,000 UGX (approximately $81 USD), which barely covers our basic needs. My parents have exhausted all savings to support my secondary education but cannot contribute to university fees. Without this scholarship, I would be forced to abandon my studies due to the tuition fee of 2,500,000 UGX annually and associated costs for textbooks and clinical materials. This scholarship would not merely fund my education—it would empower me to become a solution rather than a statistic in Uganda’s healthcare crisis. As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I am determined to prove that with opportunity, resilience can transform communities.

My academic record reflects this determination: I graduated with distinction (85%) from Ntare School, ranking 3rd in my class of 120 students. My science subjects included Biology (92%), Chemistry (87%), and Physics (84%). I have also completed a certified First Aid course through the Uganda Red Cross Society and hold an ICT certification from the Kampala Institute of Technology—skills I will apply to develop digital rehabilitation records for community health workers in my future practice. These competencies, combined with my volunteer experience, position me to contribute immediately during clinical rotations at Makerere’s campus facilities.

Upon graduation, I plan to launch "Mobility for All," a community-based physiotherapy initiative targeting Kampala’s 10 largest informal settlements. My model will train community health workers in basic mobility assessment and exercise prescription, reducing the burden on formal hospitals while providing culturally appropriate care. Within three years, I aim to secure partnerships with the Ministry of Health to expand this model nationwide. In a country where physical disability often leads to social exclusion, my vision as a Physiotherapist extends beyond healing bodies—it is about restoring dignity through accessible rehabilitation services right here in Uganda Kampala.

I understand that this scholarship represents not just financial aid but an investment in the future of Ugandan healthcare. With your support, I will honor this trust through academic excellence, community engagement, and innovative service. My life’s work will reflect the values I hold dear: compassion for patients, respect for cultural context, and relentless dedication to making physiotherapy a reality for every Ugandan who needs it.

Thank you for considering my scholarship application letter. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further through an interview at your convenience. Please find my academic transcripts, letters of recommendation from Dr. David Kigongo (Ntare School Principal) and Ms. Janet Atuhaire (Uganda Red Cross Supervisor), and community service portfolio attached.

With profound gratitude,

Aisha Nakato

Word Count: 852

This Scholarship Application Letter emphasizes the critical need for physiotherapists in Kampala, Uganda, and outlines how the applicant’s background aligns with community healthcare priorities.