BUSHENYI, Uganda : MTN Uganda, through the MTN Foundation, has trained 105 participants from its Digital Literacy Programme in the Western region, underscoring a broader nationwide effort to equip Ugandans with practical digital skills as the country accelerates its transition to a technology‑driven economy.
The graduation, held at Bushenyi District headquarters, marked the culmination of a 10-day intensive training covering computer literacy, internet usage, digital communication tools and online safety.
Participants included youth, women and university students from institutions such as Kampala International University and Kyambogo University, reflecting broad-based demand for digital upskilling across education levels.
Top-performing participants were awarded laptop computers and Mi-Fi devices, a move MTN said is aimed at enabling continued learning and real-world application of digital skills beyond the classroom.
“The tools we are providing today are not just rewards; they are enablers,” said Andrew Tusubira, Commercial Head for the Western Region at MTN Uganda. “They ensure that the skills acquired through the programme can be translated into opportunity, whether in employment, entrepreneurship or further education.”
Resident District Commissioner for Bushenyi Emmy Ngabirano, commended the initiative, saying: “This programme is a vital step in preparing our youth and communities for the digital economy. By equipping participants with these skills and tools, MTN is not just investing in individuals, but in the future development of our district and country.”
The graduands representative, Mary Masika, said: “This training has opened doors for us. Receiving laptops and Mi-Fi devices will allow us to continue learning and exploring opportunities online, even after the programme ends. We are excited to put our skills into practice.”
The Digital Literacy Programme is delivered through the Internet Bus, a mobile internet‑enabled classroom designed to extend digital training to underserved communities by removing barriers related to cost, distance and infrastructure. This initiative forms part of the MTN Foundation’s broader strategy to promote digital inclusion and support national development priorities.
Since 2022, the programme has reached more than 5,900 people across 44 communities in Uganda. In partnership with the Maendeleo Foundation, MTN is expanding the initiative to reach at least 2,000 additional participants across 10 communities, with a focus on youth and women, by the end of this month.
The effort comes as Uganda deepens the digitisation of public and private services, from e-government platforms to mobile financial services, increasing the premium on digital literacy as a prerequisite for economic participation.
While internet penetration has improved over the past decade, gaps in digital skills continue to limit the ability of many Ugandans to fully benefit from connectivity. Programmes such as the Internet Bus are increasingly positioned as critical interventions to bridge that divide.
MTN Uganda executives say digital literacy remains a core pillar of the company’s aspiration, which emphasises inclusive growth through investment in digital infrastructure, financial technology and human capital development.
“Our goal is not just to connect people, but to empower them to use that connectivity meaningfully,” Tusubira said.
Graduates of the programme are encouraged to build on the training through further learning platforms such as the MTN Skills Academy, and to act as peer educators within their communities.
