KAMPALA – Over 6,000 Ugandans have gained crucial digital skills through Huawei Technologies Uganda’s DigiTruck initiative, a program celebrated by the company on Thursday following its successful completion.
The celebration, held at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) National Innovation Hub on Wednesday, marked the graduation of 851 participants, comprising 493 men and 358 women, primarily market vendors. This milestone underscored the project’s significant impact in bridging the digital divide within the country.
The DigiTruck, a mobile, solar-powered 40-foot classroom container equipped with advanced technology, has served as a pivotal tool in delivering digital education to underserved communities across Kampala. Huawei’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project directly targeted market vendors from key locations, including the Kamwokya Community Centre, Kamwokya Market, Kamwokya Mosque, Kitintale Market, Port Bell Market, and Usafi Market, empowering them with the skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape.
The project’s success is attributed to robust partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the National ICT Innovation Hub, MTN Uganda Foundation, Centenary Technology Services (Cente-Tech), and UICT. These collaborations have been instrumental in ensuring the delivery of high-quality training and maximizing the project’s reach. Since its launch on March 8, 2023, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to digitalize the informal sector, the initiative has extended its benefits to youth, women groups, and small business owners across various regions of Uganda, enhancing their livelihoods and business operations.
“At Huawei, we believe that digital inclusion is essential for national development. By equipping Ugandans with relevant digital skills, we are not only fostering innovation but also unlocking new economic opportunities for communities across the country. We are honored to be part of this collaborative effort alongside the Government and our esteemed partners,” a Huawei Technologies Uganda representative stated at the ceremony, emphasizing the company’s commitment to Uganda’s digital transformation.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, lauded the project for its alignment with Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap and Digital Uganda Vision 2040. “This digital skilling initiative represents the practical implementation of our digital vision,” she said. “When we see market vendors using technology to increase their incomes, we’re witnessing a digital transformation that matters to ordinary Ugandans. This initiative aligns directly with the government’s commitment to ICT as a driver of national development.”
Looking ahead, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has announced plans to expand the Digital Skilling Program to other regions, including Greater Kampala, Eastern, Western, Northern, and Central Uganda, aiming to train an additional 3,000 Ugandans by the end of the year. Huawei Technologies Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this nationwide digital literacy drive, recognizing its critical role in enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
The success of the DigiTruck initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative impact of digital skills training in empowering individuals and communities. Huawei Technologies Uganda has expressed its gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering support, highlighting the collective effort to advance Uganda’s digital future.
