By Edrisa Ssentongo
Huawei Technologies Uganda is advancing Uganda’s journey towards a digitally inclusive society through a series of technology-driven initiatives aimed at improving digital literacy, boosting youth employment, and supporting sustainable development.
The 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report by Huawei Technologies Uganda highlights efforts by the tech giant to narrow the digital divide, promote ICT education, and empower marginalised communities through strategic partnerships and innovation.
At the centre of these efforts is the Huawei DigiTruck, a solar-powered mobile classroom equipped with 21 laptops and internet access, repurposed from a 40-foot shipping container.
The truck delivers free digital training in hard-to-reach areas, offering courses in basic computer skills, internet use, and soft skills such as CV writing and online job applications.
Since its launch by President Museveni in March 2023 at the National Innovation and Science Centre in Kiruhura, the initiative has already trained over 6,000 Ugandans, with a target of 10,000 within three years.
Beneficiaries include women, youth, people with disabilities and informal sector workers, reflecting the project’s alignment with Uganda’s national priorities around inclusive education, gender equity, and digital transformation.
The project is a collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and supports Uganda Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan.
Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua praised the project as timely and transformative.
“ICT is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” he said. “These skills will transform communities and fuel national development.”
Deputy Managing Director Gao Jian underscored the long-term impact: “Through ICT, beneficiaries have become architects of their own destinies.”
Alongside the DigiTruck, Huawei continues to invest in nurturing Uganda’s next generation of digital talent through its Leadership, Employability, Advancement Possibility (LEAP) programme.
Previously branded as Seeds for the Future, the programme was gifted to President Museveni during a state visit to China in 2015.
Since its inception in Uganda in 2016, it has supported over 50 Ugandans to travel for in-person training in China, while another 162 have completed virtual programmes and earned certifications.
In 2024, nine Ugandan participants were flagged off by First Lady Janet Museveni in May, joining the programme in Shenzhen and Shanghai.
Another five participants travelled in November with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja’s send-off.
The trainees underwent intensive sessions on innovation, leadership, and modern Chinese culture alongside their global counterparts.
Complementing these education initiatives is Huawei’s support for local employment through the National ICT Job Fair, an annual event hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
The third edition was held in November 2024 at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa.
It brought together young job seekers, tech companies and government actors, bridging the gap between Uganda’s ICT talent and market demands.
Huawei offered 11 internships during the 2024 fair, all of which led to full-time employment at the company.
In addition, the firm made 500 advanced ICT training slots available to fair participants, reinforcing its commitment to practical skills development.
Huawei’s engagement also extends to the global stage through the Huawei ICT Competition, which challenges and mentors young people in advanced technology skills.
The 8th global final was held in Shenzhen, attracting over 170,000 students from more than 2,000 universities across 80 countries, making it the largest offline competition in the initiative’s history.
Ugandan participants were among those receiving exposure to cutting-edge technologies and opportunities for certification and networking.
Through a blend of education, innovation and collaboration, Huawei Technologies Uganda has positioned itself not only as a telecom leader but as a strategic partner in Uganda’s digital transformation.
The company’s expanding CSR efforts underline a broader vision: creating a more connected, inclusive, and forward-looking Uganda in the global digital village.