AMURU DISTRICT, Uganda – MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, in partnership with Maendeleo Foundation, on Thursday graduated 225 participants from its Internet Bus digital literacy programme in Amuru District in the country’s northern region, reinforcing efforts to expand digital skills among youth, women, and underserved communities through mobile-based training.
The trainees completed a hands-on ICT skills instruction for business including online safety, as demand for digital competencies continues to rise in Uganda’s increasingly technology-driven economy.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, the Resident District Commissioner Geoffrey Osborn Oceng praised the programme’s impact on local livelihoods.
“What we are witnessing here is not just training, but transformation,” the RDC said. “When young people and women gain digital skills, they are better equipped to create opportunities for themselves and contribute meaningfully to the development of this district and the country at large.”
MTN’s Regional Commercial Head for Northern Uganda, Philip Odoi, said the initiative is aligned with the company’s broader inclusion agenda aimed at bridging the digital divide and enabling more citizens to participate in the digital economy.
“Our aspiration is not only to ensure that everyone enjoys the benefits of a modern connected life, but to empower communities with the skills and confidence to use that connectivity to improve livelihoods, create opportunities, and drive local development,” he said.
The Amuru graduation adds to a growing national rollout, with similar cohorts trained in Mukono, Jinja, Nabilatuk, Kiryandongo, Rwampara, and Bushenyi. Since 2022, the Internet Bus programme has reached more than 5,900 people across 44 communities.
The mobile training model, delivered through a bus equipped with computers and internet connectivity, is designed to overcome barriers of distance, cost, and infrastructure that often limit access to digital education in rural areas.
Participants said the training would support job searches, small business growth, and improved access to online services. Women and youth made up the majority of the cohort, reflecting the programme’s focus on inclusive participation in the digital economy.
Top honours went to Andio Daniel (Keyo Village, Lamogi Sub-county) and Auma Mercy (Atiak Sub-county), who were recognised as the best-performing trainees and awarded laptops and MiFi devices to support their continued learning and access to digital opportunities beyond the classroom.
Following closely behind, Ocayajok Haron and Akena Nelson were also recognised for their good performance and each received MiFi devices, ensuring they remain connected as they build on the skills acquired.
MTN Uganda, working with partners, hopes to continue scaling the initiative as part of its long-term strategy to promote inclusive digital growth and economic participation.
