• Doreen Gift Bujjingo, an ICT Infrastructure Engineer at Uganda’s Ministry of ICT, has been selected as a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow. 
  • A Telecommunications Engineering graduate from Makerere University, Doreen has contributed to key initiatives like the Digital Transformation Roadmap and the Parish Development Model.

Doreen Gift Bujjingo, an ICT Infrastructure Engineer at Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, has been selected as a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow. This fellowship, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), recognises outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa who are making significant contributions to their communities.

Doreen, the daughter of prominent Ugandan Pastor Aloysius Bujjingo, will join the Public Management track at Arizona State University (ASU), where she will improve her leadership skills to further Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.

As an ICT Infrastructure Engineer, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring equitable and affordable access to ICT infrastructure, broadband, and services across Uganda. Her work focuses on bridging connectivity gaps and leveraging technology to enhance service delivery.

Doreen has been instrumental in key national initiatives, including Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, the National Data Strategy, and the Parish Development Management Information System. These programs aim to harness ICT, data, and digital innovations to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

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Her passion for technology comes from her academic achievements. Doreen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering from Makerere University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the same field.

Coming from a humble background, she is deeply committed to using her expertise to uplift her community. Beyond her professional role, Doreen serves as an SDG Coordinator at Makerere University, where she advocates for education and empowerment to address socio-economic challenges.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship, established in 2014 as the flagship program of YALI, empowers young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities.

The program targets individuals aged 25–35 who have demonstrated leadership in their communities through governmental, non-governmental, or community-based initiatives. Each year, fellows are hosted at leading U.S. universities for six-week leadership institutes in tracks such as Public Management, Civic Leadership, and Business & Entrepreneurship.

At ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, she will join 25 other young African leaders to study public management, gaining skills to drive impactful change in Uganda’s ICT sector.

The fellowship also offers networking opportunities with global leaders and the chance to engage in professional development after returning home.

Since its inception, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has empowered nearly 5,800 young African leaders, with Uganda consistently represented among the awardees. While exact numbers for Ugandan fellows vary by year, historical data indicates strong participation. For instance, in 2019, 24 Ugandans were selected, showcasing the country’s wealth of emerging leaders. Over the years, Ugandan fellows have excelled in diverse fields, including community development, public health, education, and technology, contributing to national and regional progress.

Notable Ugandan fellows include individuals like Adam Nyende, a culture officer at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, and Barbara Birungi Mutabazi, a STEM innovator promoting gender equality. These leaders, like Doreen, exemplify Uganda’s commitment to fostering innovation and positive change.

Upon completing the fellowship, Doreen plans to apply her enhanced leadership skills to further Uganda’s Digital Uganda Vision, a national policy framework aimed at consolidating ICT strategies for unified development.