A new digital learning hub aimed at expanding access to technology, internet connectivity and digital skills has been launched at Katwe Noor Secondary School in Kampala through a partnership between American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Stanbic Bank Uganda, Stanbic Kenya Foundation and the school.
The facility, known as the Katwe Noor Digital Community, forms part of ATC’s Digital Communities initiative, a global programme designed to create connected learning spaces in underserved communities and improve access to education, digital literacy and career development opportunities.
Located within Katwe Noor Secondary School, the hub will provide students and residents with access to computers, internet connectivity, online resources and digital learning tools intended to support education, innovation and economic empowerment.
The launch attracted government officials, business leaders, educators and community representatives who emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing Uganda’s digital divide.
Representing UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, Eng. Alfred Bogere, Director of Engineering and Communications Infrastructure at UCC, said the project demonstrates the growing importance of digital access in driving education, innovation and economic participation.
“As regulators and policymakers, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment that supports connectivity expansion, affordable access, innovation and responsible digital development. Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap envisions a well-connected Uganda where technology improves service delivery, drives innovation and expands opportunity for all citizens. That vision can only be achieved through collective effort,” Bogere said.
He added that the launch forms part of Uganda’s broader journey towards building a digitally empowered society.
According to ATC Uganda, the company has established 83 Digital Communities across the country over the last six years, including 58 computer hubs in schools and communities and 25 Electronic Medical Records hubs in health centres, benefiting more than 100,000 people.
ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Ssemanda said the initiative goes beyond infrastructure investment to focus on community transformation.
“Connectivity becomes truly meaningful when it changes lives. Through the Digital Communities programme, we are investing not only in infrastructure, but also in human potential. We believe digital access can unlock education opportunities, support entrepreneurship, expand access to information and create pathways to economic empowerment,” Ssemanda said.
Stanbic Bank Uganda Executive Director Sam Mwogeza said the project aligns with the bank’s commitment to youth empowerment, digital literacy and community development.
“Through our Positive Impact Agenda, the bank has committed financing of up to shs 1 trillion aimed at uplifting enterprises run by women, youth and farmers. These interventions align closely with our strategic pillars of Financial Inclusion, Enterprise Development and Job Creation, Infrastructure Investment, Climate Resilience Financing and Corporate Social Investment,” Mwogeza said.
He noted that young people remain central to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and that investments in education, skills development and access to opportunities are critical to unlocking their potential.
The initiative supports the objectives of Uganda’s National Broadband Policy and Digital Transformation Roadmap, both of which identify digital infrastructure, literacy and innovation as key drivers of the country’s socio-economic development.