The International University of East Africa (IUEA) has awarded five scholarships and laptops to Rwandan students.The First Consular at the Rwandan High Commission in Uganda, Dan Mutezintare, yesterday received the scholarships from Uganda’s Minister for East African Community (EAC) Affairs, Eriya Kategaya, at the University’s campus in Kampala.Kategaya said that empowering the young generation with academics and skills was critical to advancing development and reducing poverty in the region."Today the region has high demand for practical skills and innovation, as well as the human resources and skills to develop new industries such as the growing construction industry, to which a new university can respond by being innovative in development of curriculum and pioneering new courses,” Kategaya said.The University also awarded five scholarships and laptops to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and South Sudan.He appealed to the students to help their countries in implementing the law and institutionalizing technology advancement with necessary public support and services. The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Eric Edroma, said the university has put emphasis on courses that are scientific, technical and of high demand."This reflects the drive for regional integration to ensure the East and Central African region and Africa as a whole is guarded against foreign intervention,” he said. With less than a year into operation, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to suit students and working people at every stage of their careers.