Airtel Africa has launched a major new initiative to boost tech talent in Uganda: the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship. In its first year, the program is fully funding the education of 20 talented Ugandan students from low-income backgrounds, with a total investment of UGX 3.85 billion (about $1 million).
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These students were chosen from hundreds of applicants through a tough selection process. They come from underprivileged families but show strong promise in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The fellowship covers tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses, letting them focus on their studies without financial stress.
The fellows are studying at top Ugandan universities, including Makerere University, Kyambogo University, ISBAT University, Uganda Christian University, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Their majors include software engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, networking, and related areas.
Many of the students shared how this support changes everything for them:
- Edgar Baluku, a Computer Science student at Uganda Christian University, said the scholarship removes tuition worries so he can concentrate on learning and make his family proud.
- Akatuha Jordan Byaruhanga at ISBAT University is studying Networking and Cybersecurity. He wants to build a career protecting digital systems and communities.
- Khautharah Kanyange, also at ISBAT, called it a turning point after three years of financial hardship.
- At Makerere University, students like Mubiru Isaac, Matovu Juma Kikonyogo, and Kisakye Patricia (Software Engineering), Ojambo Nicholas (Computer Science), Nakidde Rishaliz (Information Systems and Technology), Bifandhuba Elisha Alvin and Jasifa Ssegawa (Computer and Communications Engineering), and Rashida Kalinzi Nassuna are all part of the group.
- From Mbarara University of Science and Technology: Atugonza Melissa Ateenyi aims to use tech to improve access to mental health care, while Nyakato Gloria (Information Technology) and Mukiibi Michael Kirinnya (Computer Science) focus on community tech solutions.
- Kizito Gilbert from Kyambogo University (Information Technology and Computing) mentioned his parents’ sacrifices, and Kisakye Esther Faith sees this as the key to reaching her software engineering dreams.
The group includes equal numbers of young women and men, and many are excited about fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare tech, renewable energy, and digital inclusion. They want to use technology to solve real problems in their communities and help grow Uganda’s digital economy.
Airtel Uganda Managing Director Soumendra Sahu explained the bigger goal:“Our mission is to empower the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will shape Africa’s digital future. Technology is the language of progress, and by equipping these students with education and skills, we are investing in people and solutions that will transform communities, industries, and nations.”This fellowship is part of the Airtel Africa Foundation’s push to make STEM education more accessible across Africa. These 20 students represent the future of innovation in Uganda—young people ready to drive change through technology.
