Uganda AIDS Commission’s Young Leaders Fellowship Program

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) Young Leaders Fellowship supports young Ugandan master’s students conducting research on HIV and AIDS in line with Uganda’s national HIV and AIDS research agenda. The fellowship combines research support, mentorship, training, and professional development to help develop a new generation of Ugandan scientists capable of addressing national HIV and AIDS research priorities. For the 2026/27 financial year, up to three fellows will be selected through a competitive process.

About the UAC Young Leaders Fellowship

The UAC Young Leaders Fellowship was established to increase the number of Ugandan scientists conducting research on questions identified within the national HIV and AIDS research agenda. The programme is implemented by the Uganda AIDS Commission in collaboration with universities and local governments. Its broader goal is to build a community of high-caliber young scientists who can: - Develop and drive a domestic science agenda for HIV and AIDS. - Conduct high-quality HIV and AIDS research. - Contribute to ending AIDS as a public health threat in Uganda. - Develop leadership skills in research, HIV, AIDS, and health. - Strengthen Uganda’s capacity to independently conduct relevant research. Fellowship Duration and Structure The fellowship runs for two years. During this period, fellows receive ongoing mentorship and interact with UAC while undertaking their research and professional development activities. Fellows are mentored through attachments to: - Universities. - Uganda AIDS Commission. - Host local governments. This structure provides fellows with exposure to academic, policy, institutional, and local-government environments relevant to HIV and AIDS research. Who Is the Fellowship For? The programme is designed for young Ugandan citizens aged 35 or below who are admitted or enrolled in a master’s degree programme. Applicants must intend to conduct their master’s dissertation on an HIV and AIDS-related research question. The fellowship is open across disciplines, provided that the proposed research aligns with Uganda’s national HIV and AIDS research agenda. Number of Fellows for 2026/27 For the 2026/27 financial year, the programme will select up to three fellows. Selection is competitive, meaning applicants should demonstrate a strong connection between their proposed dissertation research and the national HIV and AIDS research priorities. Priority Research Areas for 2026/27 The fellowship identifies several priority research areas.

These include:

- HIV cure. - Locally developed interventions for HIV and AIDS treatment. - Mortality among people living with HIV. - HIV prevention. - Social and psychological aspects of HIV and AIDS. - Innovations in community engagement. - Innovations in multi-sectoral coordination. - Data sharing. - Health equity. Applicants should ensure that their proposed dissertation research addresses a question that fits within the national research agenda and, where relevant, one of these priority areas. HIV Cure Research Research related to HIV cure is among the identified priority areas. Applicants working on relevant research questions can contribute to efforts to expand scientific understanding and develop approaches that may support long-term progress in HIV and AIDS research. Locally Developed HIV Interventions The fellowship also prioritises research into locally developed interventions for HIV and AIDS treatment. This priority encourages research that responds to Uganda’s specific needs and supports the development of solutions relevant to the country’s HIV and AIDS context. HIV-Related Mortality Another priority is research into mortality among people living with HIV. Research in this area can help improve understanding of factors associated with mortality and contribute to evidence that informs HIV and health interventions. HIV Prevention HIV prevention remains an important area within the fellowship’s research priorities. Applicants can propose research examining questions related to prevention, provided that the work aligns with the national HIV and AIDS research agenda. Social and Psychological Aspects of HIV and AIDS The programme recognises that HIV and AIDS research extends beyond biomedical questions. It also supports research into the social and psychological aspects of HIV and AIDS, creating opportunities for applicants from disciplines beyond conventional biomedical fields. Community Engagement and Multi-Sectoral Coordination Innovations in community engagement and multi-sectoral coordination are also prioritised. Research can examine approaches that strengthen cooperation between communities, institutions, government structures, and other relevant stakeholders in responding to HIV and AIDS. Data Sharing and Health Equity The 2026/27 priorities also include data sharing and health equity. These areas recognise the importance of effective use of research data and equitable access to health-related benefits and services. Mentorship and Research Attachments Mentorship is a central component of the fellowship. Selected fellows receive mentorship through attachments involving universities, UAC, and host local governments. Fellows also maintain ongoing interaction with the Uganda AIDS Commission throughout the two-year fellowship. This approach is intended to support both research quality and the development of future scientific and health leaders. Modular Training Programme Fellows participate in modular, extra-curricular training designed to build practical research and leadership capabilities.

Training areas include:

- Communication and writing. - Study design and research theory. - Quantitative data analysis. - Qualitative data analysis. - Leadership and management. - Basics of HIV and AIDS. The training is intended to complement the fellows’ formal master’s education and strengthen their ability to conduct independent research. Building Independent Researchers A major objective of