27 Ugandans Headed to U.S. Universities for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship
KAMPALA – In a move aimed at nurturing young talent and strengthening ties with the United States, 27 Ugandan participants have been selected for the prestigious 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
The six-week leadership institute, hosted at U.S. universities, will focus on civic engagement, public management, and business and entrepreneurship. The program, now in its 10th year, has already empowered nearly 6,000 young leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the U.S. Mission in Uganda, the Fellowship is a flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which supports young Africans in driving economic growth, democratic governance, and peace and security across the continent.
U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp hailed the exchange program as a vital opportunity for young Ugandans to develop their leadership skills and build connections with the United States.
“The Mandela Washington Fellowship offers a unique chance for these talented individuals to gain knowledge, experience, and skills that will benefit their communities back home,” Ambassador Popp said.
The 27 Ugandan participants will join approximately 700 Fellows from across sub-Saharan Africa for the six-week institute. Afterward, they will participate in a Summit in Washington, D.C. to connect with other Fellows and learn from their experiences. Three competitively selected Fellows will also engage in professional development with U.S. organizations.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX.
