Uganda’s growing digital economy continues to create new opportunities for young people, but a persistent skills gap has left many struggling to access meaningful employment in the technology sector.
Refactory Academy’s 10X Program is emerging as one of the initiatives helping to bridge this divide, having trained more than 2,500 young people in advanced digital skills over the past two years.
The program, which targets young women aged between 18 and 35, has recorded significant progress, with 90 percent of its beneficiaries being female. It has also prioritized inclusivity, reaching more than 244 refugees and over 300 persons with disabilities.
As of June 2026, at least 360 participants had secured employment, underscoring the growing demand for industry-relevant digital skills both in Uganda and internationally.
To expand access to training opportunities, Refactory has established 10 learning centres across the country, providing computers, internet connectivity, and learner support services. The centres operate through partnerships with institutions including Kampala Capital City Authority learning centres in Nakasero and Kabalagala, ATC centres in Pallisa and Mbale, and facilities managed by Tunaweza Foundation and Maendeleo Foundation.
The achievements were celebrated during the 10X Certificate Awards Ceremony 2026, held on Tuesday at Clarke International University in Kampala. More than 400 young women from the January–June 2026 cohort received certificates after completing training in high-demand fields such as data analytics, web development, product design, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
Held under the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Women Leaders,” the ceremony highlighted the program’s broader objective of narrowing the gender digital divide while creating pathways to meaningful employment.
Speaking at the event, the Program Lead said the certification represented more than academic achievement, describing it as a reflection of the participants’ resilience, determination, and readiness to contribute to Uganda’s digital transformation.
“This ceremony is about recognising capability, resilience, and the future of Uganda’s digital workforce. These young women are not just entering the industry; they are stepping into leadership within it,” the Program Lead said.
Beyond training and certification, beneficiaries continue to receive mentorship, career guidance, and access to employment opportunities through Refactory’s Digital Job Board, an online platform launched earlier this year to connect skilled talent with employers in Uganda and abroad.
The platform has already attracted thousands of users and facilitated hundreds of job placements, including remote work opportunities that allow young professionals to compete in the global digital economy.
Delivering the commencement address, Joanita Asio Banda, Head of Emerging Technologies and Women in Tech Lead at Stanbic Bank Uganda, encouraged graduates to remain proactive in pursuing opportunities within the technology sector.
She urged them to build strong professional networks, continuously upgrade their skills, and remain resilient as they navigate their career journeys.
The 10X Program is implemented by Outbox (U) Limited in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and forms part of a broader initiative aimed at transforming livelihoods through digital inclusion.
Over a seven-year period, the program aims to reach 250,000 young women, including refugees and persons with disabilities, while facilitating employment opportunities for 125,000 participants.
Between 2024 and 2027, the initiative is expected to reach 61,000 young women, with 34,000 gaining access to jobs enabled by the digital economy. Refactory’s contribution focuses on equipping 9,400 young women with advanced digital skills and linking 6,300 of them to meaningful employment opportunities.
As Uganda accelerates its digital transformation agenda, initiatives such as the 10X Program are increasingly being recognized as critical investments in human capital. By equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant skills and connecting them to employment opportunities, the program is helping to strengthen the country’s digital workforce while promoting inclusive economic growth.
For many of the graduates, the certificates awarded this week represent more than academic qualifications; they symbolize a pathway to financial independence, professional growth, and meaningful participation in an increasingly digital world.