The United States Mission in Uganda has flagged off 27 youths to Washington DC to participate in Mandela Fellowship for Young African Leaders.  Beneficiaries include 14 women. 

The team will travel to Washington DC next month to undertake the six-month leadership-based program. The annual program in August was advertised last year attracted  2,763 applicants.

According to organizers, the programme is designed to build skills and empower them to lead in their respective sectors and communities.

Addressing journalists about participants’ readiness, Peterson Amy, the Mandela Washington Pre-Departure Orientation coordinator, revealed that the team was exposed to three sets of interviews.

Amy B Petersen, US Embassy Uganda Public Engagement Officer addressing leaders during the pre-fellowship orientation and media interaction meeting at Onomo Hotel in Nakasero on 24th May 2024.

“The outstanding individuals will travel to the United States in June for an intensive six-week program at a U.S. university aimed at enhancing their leadership skills and fostering collaboration between the U.S. and Uganda,” Amy said during the orientation program at Onomo hotel in Nakasero, Kampala on Friday, May 24, 2024. 

Immaculate Owomugisha, one of the successful candidates said she was eager to learn from other leaders in the US. This, she said is an opportunity she would use to transform her community when she returns.

“I had applied for this fellowship seven times but all in vain; I’m grateful that I was selected, and I cannot wait to learn about many experiences there,” Owomugisha said.

About the fellowship

Each year, the Fellows participate in a six-week leadership program, studying Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management at U.S. colleges or universities.

This leadership training is followed by a summit in Washington, D.C. where Fellows forge connections with U.S. leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

Following the summit, a group of competitively selected Fellows will remain in the United States for four additional weeks to work with private, public, and non-profit organizations.

Upon returning to their home countries, Fellows continue to build their skills with support from the U.S. Department of State through U.S. embassies and affiliated partners.

Fellows have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, mentoring, networking, and training, community service, and seed funding to support their ideas, businesses, and organizations.