Overview:
Twenty Ugandan students from underprivileged backgrounds join the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship to pursue careers in software engineering, cybersecurity and AI.
KAMPALA, Uganda — The Airtel Africa Foundation has unveiled its inaugural cohort of tech fellows, selecting 20 Ugandan students to receive full academic support under a 3.85 billion shilling initiative.
The program aims to assist students from underprivileged backgrounds who are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as STEM. By removing financial barriers, the fellowship intends to help these young innovators focus on developing solutions for their communities.
Airtel Uganda managing director Soumendra Sahu said the mission is to empower the next generation of leaders who will shape the continent’s digital future.
Technology is the language of progress, Sahu said. By equipping these students with education and skills, we are investing in people and solutions that will transform communities, industries and nations.
The selected students represent several of the country’s leading academic institutions. At Makerere University, the fellows include software engineering students Mubiru Isaac, Matovu Juma Kikonyogo and Kisakye Patricia, as well as computer science student Ojambo Nicholas. Joining them from Makerere are Nakidde Rishaliz, Bifandhuba Elisha Alvin, Jasifa Ssegawa and Rashida Kalinzi Nassuna.
From Mbarara University of Science and Technology, the foundation selected Atugonza Melissa Ateenyi, who hopes to use technology to improve mental health care access. Other fellows from the institution include Nyakato Gloria and Mukiibi Michael Kirinnya.
The fellowship also includes students from ISBAT University, such as cybersecurity aspirant Akatuha Jordan Byaruhanga and Khautharah Kanyange, who said the scholarship marks a turning point after years of financial difficulty.
Other recipients include Edgar Baluku of Uganda Christian University, Kizito Gilbert of Kyambogo University and Kisakye Esther Faith.
The foundation stated that the fellowship is part of a broader commitment to the digital economy. The students are expected to advance innovation in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and renewable energy to digital inclusion and healthcare technology.