MTN Uganda, through its corporate social investment arm, the MTN Foundation, has trained 81 young people in Kampala under its Internet Bus digital literacy programme, with 58 participants successfully completing the training and graduating.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Kabalagala Youth Centre operated by Kampala Capital City Authority, saw 37 males and 21 females awarded certificates after completing practical training in ICT, online safety, and digital business skills.
The initiative forms part of MTN Uganda’s broader strategy to deepen digital inclusion and prepare young people for opportunities within Uganda’s growing digital economy.
Speaking at the event, Augustine Lule said the programme is intended to ensure that access to connectivity is matched with practical digital skills capable of transforming livelihoods.
“We believe that access to connectivity must be matched with skills. Our ambition is to ensure that young people, regardless of where they come from, are equipped to participate meaningfully in the digital economy, create opportunities for themselves, and contribute to national development,” Lule said.
Uganda continues to grapple with rising youth unemployment despite having one of the youngest populations globally, with more than 75 percent of citizens below the age of 30. Industry stakeholders increasingly regard digital literacy as a key driver of job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Jonathan Ebuk, Officer for Employment Management at KCCA, said the partnership aligns with the authority’s efforts to equip urban youth with practical and marketable skills.
“This programme is timely. It is giving young people in Kampala the tools they need to become self-reliant and competitive in today’s digital world,” Ebuk said.
Participants who completed the training said it had improved their confidence in using digital platforms for business and career development opportunities.
“I now feel confident using digital tools. I can search for opportunities online and think more seriously about starting my own business,” said Joselyn Akiiki, one of the graduates.
To recognize excellence, four outstanding trainees — Ali Basimbe Tyson, Mary Faith Mirembe, Asher Chloe and Eliana Kwaala — received laptops and MiFi devices to support their continued learning and internet connectivity.
MTN Uganda said the Internet Bus initiative has already been rolled out in several districts, including Mukono, Jinja, Nabilatuk, Kiryandongo, Rwampara, Bushenyi, and Amuru.
The programme uses a mobile digital classroom equipped with computers and internet connectivity to deliver ICT training to underserved communities with limited access to technology infrastructure.
According to MTN Uganda, the fourth phase of the programme, which commenced in late 2025, has so far reached more than 1,181 participants, with over 1,062 graduating, including 622 young women.
Since its launch in 2022, the MTN Internet Bus programme has impacted more than 6,000 people across 44 communities nationwide, reinforcing the telecom company’s commitment to expanding digital access and youth empowerment in Uganda.
