Porticus Africa initiated the Next Generation Leadership Program (NGLP) in 2005 to develop the capacity of the church in East Africa. The NGLP targets consecrated women and men and lay persons working for the Church to access educational opportunities.

The Programme seeks to realize this goal by grooming Catholic men and women with academic ability and leadership potential to guide activities geared to their congregational and individual needs. The programme is open to both religious and lay Catholics.

The critical success factor for this programme is the commitment of its beneficiaries to integrate their knowledge and skills into sustainable activities within and outside the Catholic Church. This has to be demonstrated both during their course of study and on completion through the alumni association.

The Programme receives financial support from Porticus which is an international organization that manages the philanthropic programmes of charitable entities established by Brenninkmeijer family entrepreneurs.

The programme is hosted by University of Kisubi in Uganda. A Scholarship Board in Uganda manages the scholarship processes on behalf of Porticus. The scholarship office is managed by an Executive Secretary with guidance from the Board.

Who is eligible to apply?

The scholarship accepts applications from two categories of persons namely;

1. Catholic consecrated Sisters, Brothers and Priests who demonstrate leadership traits and potential and are nominated by their institutional or diocesan leadership.
2. Lay persons nominated by a Catholic Institution if they meet the following requirements at the time of application:
   Show evidence of a full-time employment with the nominating Catholic Institution for at least three consecutive years; and
   Hold a leadership position in the nominating Catholic Institution.
3. Only students who are starting a course of study are eligible; a student in an on-going course of study is not allowed to apply for a scholarship.
4. The total number of scholarships awarded annually depends on the availability of funds.
5. There are no age restrictions; however, the applicant should show that he or she will be able to provide service and leadership for a period of time in a manner comparable to the investment made.
6. An applicant who is not accepted on his or her first application is not barred from submitting an application in a subsequent year. However, if an applicant is not successful after three submissions, he or she will no longer be eligible.
7. An applicant is not eligible to receive a tuition scholarship if he or she is a recipient of another tuition scholarship for the same course of study.
8. Scholarships are given to scholars who live in Uganda.

Primary award/Selection Criteria

• Academic achievement
• Experience and/or potential for leadership
• Participation in service related activities in the community, congregation, etc.
• Work history
• Achievements (academic, professional, congregational)
• Awards/recognition

With its offices at Kisubi University, Entebbe, Uganda, the Next Generation Leadership Programme for Uganda was established in 2008 to create servant leaders for the African Church.

The objectives of the programme includes:

1. Providing leadership skills that developing the values and competencies required to become servant leaders in the Church and the society.
2. Creating a positive impact through quality of services provided by the programme alumni and religious leaders in their Church institutions, Congregations, and organizations.
3. Empowering Church leaders to be more effective in their apostolic works.

The Programme seeks to achieve the aforementioned objectives by providing advanced education to eligible Sisters, Brothers, Priests, and laity working with and for the Church with access to the following courses:

Post-secondary Education:

1. Certificate: Open to religious Sisters and Brothers only.
2. Diploma: Open to religious Sisters and Brothers only.
3. Bachelor’s Degree: Open to Priests, religious Sisters, religious Brothers and lay;
4. Master’s Degree: Open to Priests, religious Sisters, religious Brothers and lay.

Professional Leadership Training:

1. Executive Leadership and Management
2. Servant Leadership
3. Child Protection and Safeguarding
4. Catholic Social Teachings