DNS Academy Technical Track
The DNS Academy Technical Fellowship, hosted under the Uganda DNS Forum, is a 12-month, year-long programme designed to build the next generation of DNS operators, infrastructure engineers, and technical leaders supporting Uganda’s Internet ecosystem.
Fellows complete curated AFRINIC, Internet Society (ISOC) Learn, and ICANN Learn courses, attend DNS Academy technical masterclasses, and gain hands-on exposure to live DNS and Internet infrastructure in Uganda. Masterclasses are tailored to localise technical learning to Uganda’s network and operational environment, while connecting fellows to global DNS operations and best practices.
This fellowship equips participants with practical technical skills, operational experience, and security awareness, preparing them to deploy, manage, and secure DNS infrastructure in Uganda while contributing to regional and global Internet stability efforts.
Time Commitment
The fellowship requires 3–5 hours per week, with increased engagement during:
- Practical lab periods
- Infrastructure learning visits
- Regional or global Internet technical events (where applicable)
Fellowship Outcomes
Fellows will:
- Gain deep technical knowledge of DNS architecture and operations
- Understand recursive, authoritative, and registry-level DNS systems
- Develop practical skills in DNSSEC, Anycast, and resilient DNS design
- Engage with real-world infrastructure at IXPs, registries, and data centres
- Build a network of local and global DNS operators and technical experts
- Earn a DNS Academy Technical Fellowship Certificate
Curriculum
- 4 Sections
- 12 Lessons
- 52 Weeks
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- Module 1: Internet & DNS Foundations (Months 1–3)This module introduces fellows to the fundamental building blocks of the Internet and the Domain Name System (DNS), with a strong focus on how these systems operate within Uganda’s Internet ecosystem. Fellows will explore the evolution of the Internet, core DNS concepts, and the roles of key actors such as ISPs, IXPs, registries, and regional Internet registries. Through curated ICANN Learn and ISOC Learn courses, AFRINIC labs, and localized masterclasses, participants will gain both theoretical grounding and practical exposure, including guided tours of Uganda’s critical DNS and Internet infrastructure. By the end of this module, fellows will have a solid understanding of how the Internet and DNS function locally and globally.3
- Module 2: DNS Operations & IPv6 Deployment (Months 4–6)This module focuses on the operational aspects of DNS and modern IP networking, with particular emphasis on IPv6 deployment and network operations. Fellows will learn how DNS services are run in production environments, how IPv6 addressing plans are designed, and how networks are configured to support resilient and scalable Internet services. Using AFRINIC Academy courses and hands-on labs, participants will gain practical experience configuring IPv6 networks and understanding real-world operational challenges faced by ISPs, enterprises, and public institutions in Uganda. The module strengthens fellows’ ability to design, deploy, and manage DNS and IP infrastructure in operational settings.3
- Module 3: Advanced DNS, Routing & Security (Months 7–9)This module deepens fellows’ technical expertise by focusing on DNS resilience, routing security, and Internet infrastructure protection. Participants will explore the role of root servers, routing protocols, and cybersecurity principles that underpin a secure and stable Internet. Through ICANN Learn courses and AFRINIC Academy labs, fellows will gain hands-on experience with routing security mechanisms such as RPKI and IRR, as well as practical exposure to securing IPv6 and DNS operations. The module also connects fellows to global technical discussions through participation in ICANN and AFRINIC community sessions, strengthening their ability to engage in international technical forums.3
- Module 4: Universal Acceptance, Applied Projects & Capstone (Months 10–12)The final module focuses on applying technical knowledge to real-world challenges and preparing fellows to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s DNS and Internet infrastructure. Fellows will explore Universal Acceptance and future-facing Internet issues, while working on applied projects that address local technical needs such as DNSSEC deployment, IPv6 transition, routing security, or infrastructure resilience. Guided by mentors, participants will develop and present a capstone project, engage in a global ICANN Public Meeting, and reflect on their learning journey. This module consolidates technical skills, leadership readiness, and global engagement, culminating in the award of the DNS Academy Technical Fellowship Certificate.3
Requirements
- Basic understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS fundamentals) Strong interest in hands-on technical learning and infrastructure operations
Features
- Year-long, modular fellowship
- Blended learning
- Global and local learning
- Practical infrastructure exposure
- Hands-on technical labs
- Applied projects & capstone
- Mentorship & peer learning
- ICANN and AFRINIC engagement
- Certification
Target audiences
- Network and Systems Engineers working with ISPs, IXPs, data centres, or enterprise networks
- DNS and NOC operators responsible for managing authoritative or recursive DNS services
- Registry and registrar technical staff, including those working with the .ug ccTLD ecosystem
- University graduates and final-year students in computer science, IT, networking, or related technical fields
- Technical staff from government agencies and regulators involved in Internet infrastructure and security
- Early-career Internet professionals seeking hands-on exposure to DNS operations, DNSSEC, and resilient infrastructure
- AFRINIC, ICANN, and ISOC community members or fellows with a technical interest in DNS and Internet operations
Pass Percentage