Knowledge development
15 facilitated sessions across 0 modules, with readings and templates you keep.
Civic Engagement Academy
Leadership development for senior professionals shaping evidence-informed governance, digital transformation and public engagement.
No degree or entrance exam required.
Join the interest listProgramme at a glance
- Duration
- 11 weeks
15 sessions - Weekly commitment
- 3–4 hours
- Learning format
- Live online sessions, recorded
- Application deadline
- To be announced
- Cohort dates
- To be announced
- Outcome
- Certificate of Attendance
Why join the Academy
A structured 11 weeks alongside peers who hold comparable responsibility.
Professional network
A cohort of 25 drawn from parliament, the civil service, civil society and community organising.
Practical leadership skills
Every session ends with something you can apply in your own institution that week.
Certificate of Attendance
Issued by EML and KAS to Fellows who attend 85% of sessions. It is a record of participation, not an academic qualification.
- 25Fellows per cohort
- 15live sessions
- 0modules
- 11weeks, live online
Turn your learning into proof
Earn a Certificate of Attendance you can add to your CV and LinkedIn – a record of the skills you practised, the tools you learned and the work you created.
EVIDENCE and
METHODS LAB
Civic
Engagement
Academy
METHODS LAB
CivicEngagement
Academy
Civic Engagement Academy · Cohort 1
Certificate of Attendance
This certifies that
Jane Doe
Attended the Civic Engagement Academy, a leadership development programme in Civic Participation & Governance, AI & Technology for Civic Impact, and Design for Social Impact. .
Reference: CEA-C1-2026-0147
John Doe Chairperson
Jane Smith Team Leader
Know where to start – make progress in minutes a day
Whether you're new to these topics or building on experience, each session has clear next steps, so you make real progress even in a busy week.
How to apply
One short application. A decision within three days of the deadline.
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From soon
Apply online
Tell us about your role and why you want to join. It takes about 15 minutes.
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To be announced
Applications close
Applications close at midnight East Africa Time.
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To be announced
Decisions by email
A selection panel reviews every application and balances the cohort across sectors and regions.
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To be announced
Accept your place
Confirm your place and the name for your certificate, and we'll set up your Fellow account.
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To be announced
Learn with your cohort
15 live sessions over 11 weeks, with recordings and materials in your dashboard.
Learn from practitioners
Facilitators who have done the work in parliament, government and civil society.
What Fellows say
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“I changed how our committee asks for evidence. The templates are already in use.”
Jane DoeCommittee Clerk · Parliament -
“Meeting peers from government and civil society in the same room was the most valuable part.”
John DoeProgramme Officer · Civil society -
“Short, practical sessions that fit around a demanding job. I never felt behind.”
Mary MajorDistrict Planner · Local government
About the Academy
Built in Kampala, for people who shape public decisions
The Civic Engagement Academy is run by the Evidence and Methods Lab, a Kampala-based team that helps public institutions use evidence, technology and public participation well.
We started it because the people who make public decisions rarely get time to learn alongside each other. Fellows from parliament, government, civil society and the media work through real problems together, and take practical tools back to their own institutions.
Our principles
- Practical over theoretical: every session ends with something to use.
- Non-partisan: Fellows come from across institutions and views.
- Confidential: what colleagues share in sessions stays there.
The partnership
Who runs the Academy
Two organisations, one programme: one designs and runs it, the other backs it and stands behind your certificate.
Runs the Academy
Evidence and Methods Lab
Designs and runs the Academy, its curriculum and the Fellow dashboard.
A Kampala-based team that helps public institutions use evidence, technology and public participation well.
- Builds the three modules and runs every live session
- Selects each cohort of Fellows
- Runs your dashboard, materials and support
Co-issues your certificate
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Supports the programme and co-issues the Certificate of Attendance.
KAS works with partners in Uganda on democracy, the rule of law and civic participation.
- Supports the Academy and its Fellows
- Co-issues the Certificate of Attendance
Questions, answered
Can't find what you need? Email hello@evidenceandmethodslab.org.
Who is the Academy for?
Senior professionals who shape public decisions. That includes members and staff of parliament, civil servants, civil society leaders, community organisers, researchers and journalists working on governance, digital transformation or public engagement.
Do I need a degree or to sit an exam?
No. There is no degree requirement and no entrance exam. We select Fellows on their role, their motivation and the difference they can make in their institution.
How much does it cost?
There is no tuition fee for the next cohort. You only need your own device and internet connection.
How much time will it take?
About 3–4 hours a week for 11 weeks: 15 live online sessions of 2 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 14:00 East Africa Time, plus a short reading before each one.
What if I miss a session?
Every session is recorded and published in your dashboard within 24 hours. To earn the Certificate of Attendance you need to attend at least 85% of sessions (13 of 15) live.
What do I need to take part?
A laptop or smartphone, headphones and an internet connection that can handle a video call. A 2-hour session uses roughly 1 GB of data with video on; you can join audio-only, and choose a lower recording quality in your dashboard settings.
Is the certificate an academic qualification?
No. The Certificate of Attendance is issued by EML and KAS as a record of participation. You can add it to your CV and LinkedIn profile.
How are Fellows selected?
A selection panel reviews every application and scores it on the relevance of your role, your motivation and potential impact. The panel also balances the cohort of 25 across sectors, regions and gender.
Can I apply from outside Uganda?
Yes. Sessions are online, so you can join from anywhere. Session times are in East Africa Time (UTC+3).
Civic Engagement Academy
15 live online sessions over 11 weeks, every session recorded, materials for each one, and a cohort of 25 peers from parliament, government, civil society and the media. No tuition fee, and a Certificate of Attendance when you attend 85% of sessions.
Join the interest list