27 Ugandans Selected for 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship at U.S. Universities

Summary:

• The U.S. Mission in Uganda proudly announces the selection of 27 Ugandan participants for the prestigious 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. These individuals will embark on a transformative six-week leadership institute hosted at U.S. universities, focusing on civic engagement, public management, and business and entrepreneurship.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – The U.S. Mission in Uganda has announced that 27 Ugandan participants have been chosen for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This six-week leadership institute, held at U.S. universities, focuses on civic engagement, public management, and business and entrepreneurship.

Initiated in 2014 and marking its 10th anniversary this year, the Mandela Washington Fellowship stands as the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), reflecting the U.S.’ commitment to Africa’s future. Established in 2010, YALI nurtures young African talent to foster economic growth, democratic governance, and peace and security across the continent. Since 2014, nearly 6,000 young leaders from every Sub-Saharan African country have participated in the Fellowship.

Twenty-eight U.S. educational institutions across 20 states and the District of Columbia will host Leadership Institutes for about 700 Mandela Washington Fellows from Sub-Saharan Africa. This intensive six-week program, conducted on college and university campuses, will enhance Fellows’ leadership abilities through academic coursework, workshops, mentorship, networking with U.S. leaders, and engagement with local communities.

During the send-off reception, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp emphasized the program’s significance in bolstering leadership skills and fostering ties between the United States and Uganda. Ambassador Popp remarked, “Their participation will not only enrich their personal growth but also benefit their communities through the knowledge, experiences, and skills they will acquire.”

Following the Leadership Institutes, Fellows will convene in Washington, D.C. for a Summit to exchange insights with peers from across Africa. Moreover, three competitively selected Ugandan Fellows will undertake professional development opportunities with U.S. entities in the public, private, or non-profit sectors. Upon completion, Fellows can partake in Alumni programming to further develop their professional skills and networks.

Administered by IREX, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State, supported by funding from the U.S. Government. For more details about the Fellowship, visit MandelaWashingtonFellowship.org.