•  Today, MTN Uganda, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, celebrates the achievements of 571 youth, including 309 females, who successfully graduated with ICT certificates from the company’s Digital Literacy Program.

• The initiative, designed to empower youth and address the digital divide, has been a key pillar of MTN’s broader mission to foster digital inclusivity across Uganda.

• The training sessions took place across various locations in western Uganda, including at Hoima Public Library in Hoima District, Rap Tech Institute of Business and Technology in Ntungamo District, Nakivale Vocational Training Centre in Isingiro District, and Hearts and Hands Vocational Institute in Kyenjojo District.

• MTN Uganda has also established 48 ICT labs in educational institutions nationwide, benefiting thousands of learners.

Kyenjojo District, Uganda – Today, MTN Uganda, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, celebrates the achievements of 571 youth, including 309 females, who successfully graduated with ICT certificates from the company’s Digital Literacy Program.

The initiative, designed to empower youth and address the digital divide, has been a key pillar of MTN’s broader mission to foster digital inclusivity across Uganda.

The graduates completed 10 intensive days of training through MTN’s innovative Internet Bus and MTN Skills Academy – an online platform that offers mobile digital education to underserved communities.

The training sessions took place across various locations in western Uganda, including at Hoima Public Library in Hoima District, Rap Tech Institute of Business and Technology in Ntungamo District, Nakivale Vocational Training Centre in Isingiro District, and Hearts and Hands Vocational Institute in Kyenjojo District.

This program aims to inspire graduates to leverage their newly acquired ICT skills to pursue higher education, explore entrepreneurial ventures, or seek employment opportunities.

Since inception, the Digital Literacy Program has equipped 4795 youth with essential skills, with a long-term goal to train one million young people by 2025 through the MTN Skills Academy.

“The digital training initiative aligns with MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 Strategy, which is dedicated to advancing digital transformation and ensuring that all Ugandans, regardless of their economic or social background, can enjoy the benefits of a connected life,” said Bryan Mbasa, Senior Manager at MTN Foundation during the graduation ceremony at Heart and Hands Foundation.

The program, valued at over Shs500 million and provided free of charge in partnership with Maendeleo Foundation, a local non-governmental organization,  is part of a larger effort to support the Ugandan government’s Vision 2040, National Development Plan III, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives focus on inclusivity, equity, and economic empowerment for all Ugandans.

“Increasing youth unemployment is a significant challenge in Uganda, while businesses face a growing demand for skilled workers in digital technology. This program, in partnership with various ICT stakeholders, aims to address this gap by equipping youth who may not have had the opportunity with the skills they need to succeed in today’s tough economic environment,” Mbasa said.

Uganda’s youthful population—over three-quarters of w hom are under the age of 30—holds tremendous potential for the nation’s future. Yet, high unemployment rates, particularly for women at 16.3%, present an ongoing challenge. As Uganda continues to experience a shortage of ICT skills, bridging the digital skills gap is critical for job seekers and employers alike.

“Urgent action is needed to help young people develop their digital capabilities and access learning and employment opportunities,” Mbasa emphasized. “That is why equipping youth with the tools to thrive in the digital economy is one of our top priorities.”

MTN Uganda has also established 48 ICT labs in educational institutions nationwide, benefiting thousands of learners. This includes six technical institutes, such as Amelo Technical Institute in Adjumani District, St. Simon Peter’s Vocational Training Centre in Hoima District, and St. Daniel Comboni Polytechnic in Moroto District.

Empowering Uganda’s youth with digital skills not only improves their individual employment prospects but also enhances the labour market by boosting productivity, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.

“Without inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, Uganda will struggle to achieve gender equality and break the cycle of poverty,” Mbasa added.

The celebration also featured a learner’s quiz, where the best-performing participants were awarded laptops and mi-fi devices with three months of internet access, enabling them to continue their learning journey and share their knowledge within their communities.

Julian Ayesiga Akiiki, the Resident District Commissioner for Kyenjojo District, commended MTN Uganda for collaborating with the government to empower the youth by providing them with essential skills to enhance their lives and positively impact their communities.

“To the graduates, I say this: You hold the future in your hands. The knowledge you have gained in the training is your stepping-stone to greater achievements,” she said.

“Whether you choose to further your education, start a business, or enter the workforce, the digital skills you now possess will serve you well. Remember, the world is rapidly changing, and those who can adapt, innovate, and embrace technology will be the leaders of tomorrow.”