WASH Innovation Fellowship 2026 - Kirunga Community Foundation

Empowering Youths All over the World to Lead Change in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

The WASH Innovation Fellowship 2026 is a 30-day intensive learning and leadership program hosted by Kirunga Community Foundation (KCF). It is designed for young, passionate individuals who want to create real and lasting change in their communities through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) solutions.

Fellows will gain hands-on experience, practical knowledge, and leadership skills while working directly with rural communities to design and implement small WASH projects that improve lives.

Program Duration: 30 days (1st May – 30th May 2026)
Location: Rural Uganda
Application Deadline: 31st December 2025, 11:59 PM (EAT)

Fellowship Objectives

To equip young people with skills in WASH project design, implementation, and monitoring.
To promote innovation and practical problem-solving in sanitation and hygiene improvement.
To strengthen leadership and teamwork among young changemakers.
To connect youth leaders with mentors, experts, and organizations working in WASH development.

What Fellows Gain

Field Experience: Work directly with communities on real WASH challenges and projects.
Professional Training: Learn about sanitation systems, safe water management, and community health practices.
Mentorship: Receive one-on-one guidance from WASH professionals and community leaders.
Networking: Connect with other fellows, NGOs, and development partners across Uganda and beyond.
Leadership Skills: Build confidence, creativity, and communication for leading community initiatives.
Certificate: Earn a Certificate of Completion from the Kirunga Community Foundation.

Who Can Apply

Aged between 18 and 35 years.
Open to Ugandan and international applicants.
Interested in water, sanitation, hygiene, or community development.
Fluent in English (spoken and written).
Able to participate fully in Uganda for the 30-day program starting 1st May 2026.

Program Categories & Funding

Ugandan Nationals: Fully funded — covers training, accommodation, meals, and local transport.
International Participants: Program fee of USD $1,500 — includes accommodation, meals, and learning materials.
Scholarships: Partial scholarships are available for outstanding international applicants.

Please complete the form below carefully to apply for the WASH Innovation Fellowship 2026.

1. Personal Information

Full Name (required)

Date of Birth (required)

Age (as of 30th October 2025) (required)

Gender (required)

Nationality (required)

Email Address (required)

Phone Number (required)

LinkedIn / Personal Website (optional)

Residential Address (required)

2. Educational Background

Highest Level of Education (required)

Institution Name (required)

Field of Study / Major (required)

Graduation Year (required)

3. Professional / Community Experience

Current Occupation / Role (required)

Organization / Community Group (required)

WASH or Community Service Experience / Interest (required)

Leadership Roles Held (required)

4. Motivational Statement

Motivational Essay (max 500 words) (required)

Optional Video Link (YouTube, Google Drive, or Vimeo)

5. Skills and Competencies

Rate your experience level in each area:

Water & Sanitation Practices

Community Mobilization

Project Management

Monitoring & Evaluation

Social Entrepreneurship

Leadership & Communication

Other Relevant Skills

6. Program Commitment

I understand and commit to fully participate in the program and abide by its rules and expectations.

7. Financial Information

Scholarship Information

A limited number of scholarships are available for outstanding applicants:

10 Partial Scholarships
5 Full Scholarships (for international participants)

Note: Scholarships do not cover air tickets, travel insurance, or airport pickup costs.

Applicant Category (required)

Scholarship Option

8. References (Optional)

Reference 1 Name & Contact

Reference 2 Name & Contact

9. Declaration

I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete.