Busitema University has received a new digital innovation hub aimed at equipping students and surrounding communities with skills in artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, data science and other emerging technologies.
The facility was handed over yesterday as part of a Shs4 billion three-year investment targeting the establishment of four regional digital innovation centres at public universities and the refurbishment of the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala.
The initiative is being implemented by MTN Foundation Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and Centenary Technology Services.
The Busitema facility is the second hub established under the programme, following the rollout of the first at Kabale University.
The hubs are designed to provide students and members of surrounding communities with access to digital infrastructure, collaborative workspaces, mentorship and practical skills to enable them develop technology-based solutions and businesses.
Through the MTN Skills Academy, with support from implementing partner Anischolar, beneficiaries will receive training in Data Science and Analytics, Software Development and Coding, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing, among other areas.
Additional hubs are planned for Gulu and Soroti universities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Francis Gimara, a trustee of the MTN Foundation Uganda, said the facilities would provide young people with a platform to experiment, collaborate and develop solutions to challenges in their communities.
“We at MTN Foundation Uganda believe that everyone should not only enjoy the benefits of a modern, connected life but also be empowered to drive innovation and entrepreneurship that transforms the communities in which we operate,” he said.
“By providing tools, mentorship, and opportunities, we are giving young people the platform to create practical solutions, start businesses, and contribute to the economic growth of Uganda.”
Gimara said more than 20,000 students and community members are expected to benefit from digital skilling and mentorship under the programme.
The initiative comes at a time when Uganda’s predominantly young population is increasingly seeking digital skills and entrepreneurial opportunities to participate in a rapidly changing economy.
Dr Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, who was the chief guest, said investment in young people was critical to the country’s future.
“Investing in Uganda’s youth is investing in the country’s future. These hubs equip young people with the skills and support needed to innovate, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy,” she said.
Prof Paul Waako, the Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, said the hub would help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application.
He said the facility would give students an opportunity to become problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and innovators by applying their knowledge to real-world challenges.
Over the past three years, the ACE programme has invested more than Shs4 billion in digital capability development, particularly among young people.
The renewed funding will support the regional hubs and refurbishment of the Nakawa ICT Innovation Hub, which has produced innovations including KaCyber, an online public transport ticketing system, and RideLink, an artificial intelligence-powered logistics platform supporting import and export solutions.
The facilities are being distributed across the country to serve different regions, with Busitema and Soroti universities serving the East, Gulu University the North, Kabale University the West and Nakawa the Central region.
Under the ACE Tech, ACE Career and ACE Skilling tracks, the programme will provide targeted digital skilling and mentorship to young people, graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Gimara said the handover of the Busitema facility marked the beginning of new opportunities for young innovators.
“Today’s handover marks the beginning of new ideas, enterprises and opportunities,” he said. “By investing in Uganda’s youth and digital innovation, we are shaping a resilient, competitive and inclusive economy.”
The MTN Skills Academy is available online to young people seeking digital training and skills development.
