The U.S. Mission in Uganda is pleased to announce that 27 Ugandans have been chosen to join the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. These participants will attend a six-week leadership institute at U.S. universities, focusing on civic engagement, public management, and business and entrepreneurship.
Launched in 2014 and now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is the premier program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), reflecting the U.S.’s dedication to investing in Africa’s future. YALI, established in 2010, aims to support young Africans in driving economic growth, enhancing democratic governance, and promoting peace and security across the continent. Since its inception, nearly 6,000 young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa have taken part in the fellowship.
This year, 28 U.S. educational institutions across 20 states and the District of Columbia will host Leadership Institutes for about 700 Fellows from sub-Saharan Africa. These institutes will develop participants’ leadership abilities through academic coursework, workshops, mentoring, networking with U.S. leaders, and community engagement.
At the send-off reception, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp emphasized the program’s role in enhancing leadership skills and strengthening ties between the United States and Uganda. Ambassador Popp stated, “Their participation in the program will not only benefit their personal growth but will also contribute to their communities back home through the knowledge, experiences, and skills they are going to gain.”
Following their time at the Leadership Institutes, the Fellows will attend a summit in Washington, D.C., where they will connect with other African Fellows. Additionally, three Ugandans will be selected for professional development opportunities with U.S. organizations in various sectors. Alumni programming will be available post-fellowship to further develop their professional skills and networks.
