20 bag Airtel Africa fellowship after stiff national contest

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In a country where access to quality education remains uneven, Airtel Africa’s latest fellowship programme is offering an opportunity to young Ugandans battling both academic and financial hurdles. Out of 341 applicants drawn from more than 50 universities nationwide, 20 candidates made it through a rigorous selection process to bag the coveted Airtel Africa Fellowship.

The successful fellows were unveiled on February 5, 2026, at Airtel Uganda’s head offices in Bugolobi, marking the culmination of months of evaluation that tested intellect, innovation, resilience, and need.

According to Patrick Mbonye, one of the officials involved in the selection process, the fellowship attracted a diverse pool of applicants from public and private universities across the country.

“To qualify, one needed at least two principal passes at Senior Six. From there, the process became increasingly competitive. We assessed academic merit, proposals submitted by applicants, and the degree of financial need,” Mbonye explained.

The numbers tell a story of just how tight the race was. From an initial 341 applicants, the shortlist was trimmed to 76, before the final 20 were selected. In a deliberate effort to promote gender balance, the cohort comprises 10 females and 10 males.

Beyond grades, Airtel Africa’s fellowship places strong emphasis on leadership potential, creativity, and the ability to turn opportunity into impact. Candidates were required to articulate how the fellowship would not only transform their lives but also enable them to contribute meaningfully to society.

Speaking at the event, Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director, Somendra Sahu, said the fellowship program reflects Airtel Africa’s broader commitment to human capital development on the continent.

“We believe that Africa’s future will be shaped by young people who are empowered with education, skills, and exposure. This fellowship is not just about paying tuition; it is about building a pipeline of leaders who can drive economic and social transformation,” he said.

Surender noted that many talented students across Africa drop out of school not because they lack ability, but because they lack resources. Airtel, he said, is keen on bridging that gap.

For some of the beneficiaries, the fellowship represents far more than financial relief - it is a turning point.

Michael Mukiibi, one of the fellows, offered a candid account of the struggles that nearly derailed his education. Despite a strong passion for academics, meeting tuition and basic requirements has been a constant uphill task.

“There were semesters when I had to call relatives one by one, asking them to pool whatever they could so that I could stay in school,” Mukiibi recalled. “I was willing to do any kind of work to earn money, but opportunities were scarce. Sometimes, you want to work but there is simply no employer.”

He described receiving the fellowship as a moment of validation and renewed hope, saying it has restored his confidence that hard work and perseverance can still pay off.

For Kisakye Patricia, the news came unexpectedly - and emotionally. She learnt of her success while in the village with her grandmother.

“I was with my grandmother when I received the call. At first, I thought it was a mistake,” she said, beaming with excitement. “This fellowship has lifted a huge burden off my family. It means I can now focus on my studies without constantly worrying about school fees.”

Officials at Airtel said stories like Patricia’s and Mukiibi’s underscore why the fellowship program was designed to go beyond academic excellence and deliberately factor in lived realities.

Hannington Karuhanga, who also addressed guests at the event, noted that listening to applicants narrate their personal journeys was eye-opening.

“You realise that what many people take for granted - such as paying tuition on time or affording basic learning materials - is a daily struggle for others. These fellows have shown resilience in the face of real adversity,” he said.

As Uganda pushes for a more skilled and competitive workforce, initiatives such as the Airtel Africa Fellowship are increasingly being viewed as strategic investments rather than acts of charity. By supporting promising students today, corporate players like Airtel are helping to shape the country’s future professionals, innovators, and leaders.

For the 20 fellows, the journey is just beginning -but for now, their bags are packed with something priceless: opportunity.