Overview:
The initiative forms part of a UGX 4 billion investment spread over three years, which will support the establishment of four regional digital innovation centres at public universities and the refurbishment of the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala.
MTN Foundation Uganda, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and Centenary Technology Services, on Tuesday handed over the second MTN ACE Spark Innovation Hub at Busitema University in eastern Uganda, as part of efforts to expand digital innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
The initiative forms part of a UGX 4 billion investment spread over three years, which will support the establishment of four regional digital innovation centres at public universities and the refurbishment of the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala.
The Busitema hub follows the successful rollout of the first facility at Kabale University, which is fully equipped with modern digital infrastructure and essential fittings to ensure safety and functionality. It will provide students and surrounding communities with access to future-fit digital skills such as Data Science & Analytics, Software Development & Coding, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing among others through the MTN Skills Academy with the support of Anischolar, collaborative workspaces and mentorship opportunities. Additional hubs are planned at Gulu and Soroti universities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Francis Gimara, a Trustee of the MTN Foundation Uganda said the hubs are expected to serve as centres for experimentation, collaboration and innovation for students and nearby 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.”
He added that more than 20,000 students and community members will gain access to future-fit digital skilling and mentorship to develop solutions to local challenges.
The development comes as Uganda’s youth, who make up over 75% of the population, increasingly seek access to digital tools and entrepreneurial skills to compete in a rapidly evolving economy.
The guest of honour, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance said: “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.”
Prof. Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, said the Spark Hub bridges classroom learning with practical application, preparing students to become problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
Over the past three years, the MTN ACE Programme has invested more than UGX 4 billion in digital capability development among the population, especially the youth.
The renewed funding will support both the regional hubs and the Nakawa ICT Innovation Hub, which has produced innovations such as KaCyber, an online public transport ticketing system and RideLink, an AI-powered logistics platform facilitating import and export solutions.
Strategically distributed across the country to serve all regions, the hubs at Busitema and Soroti universities (East), Gulu University (North), Kabale University (West) and Nakawa (Central) will provide secure, fully equipped environments for learning, collaboration and innovation.
Through its ACE Tech, ACE Career, and ACE Skilling tracks, MTN Foundation Uganda, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT, Centenary Technology Services and the MTN Skills Academy implementing partner, Anischolar, are availing targeted future-fit digital skilling and mentorship to youth, graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them harness technology to create businesses and solutions that drive economic growth.
“Today’s handover marks the beginning of new ideas, enterprises and opportunities,” Gimara added. “By investing in Uganda’s youth and digital innovation, we are shaping a resilient, competitive and inclusive economy.”