Kampala, Uganda – 14th August 2025
In a landmark achievement for digital inclusion, the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance (MoICT&NG), together with ICDL Africa, has successfully trained over 1,230 refugees in essential digital skills while also strengthening the capacity of government communication officers. This milestone reflects Uganda’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey toward a Digital Uganda Vision.
Launched in January 2023 under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and ICDL Africa, the Digital Skilling for Refugees Program aims to bridge the digital divide for refugees and host communities by providing hands-on training coupled with internationally recognized ICDL certification.
Between May and July 2025, training sessions were conducted in Arua, Koboko, Kiryandongo, and Kampala, reaching more than 1,500 participants, of whom over 1,230 were refugees. Of these, 619 graduates (85.9%) earned ICDL certifications in Computer Essentials, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, and Web Editing. The program also supported 137 refugee-run businesses with digital marketing skills and equipped 48 ICT teachers in refugee-hosting areas to deliver advanced training.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of MoICT&NG, underscored the importance of digital skills in everyday life:
“We know that people apply for passports online, now even driving licenses, National identification registration is also done online, paying for water bills etc. Those who don’t know or have the digital skills are being taken advantage of, they are defrauded because they give out their passwords to people to do it for them.”
This empowerment extends beyond refugee communities. In parallel, the Ministry has launched a structured digital skills program for government communication officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The first training, held in May 2025 at the National ICT Innovation Hub, equipped nearly 30 officers from key institutions—including Health, ICT, Defence, and Works & Transport—with ICDL-accredited skills in Computer Essentials, Online Essentials, and Digital Marketing.
This initiative directly responds to a January 2025 digital skills needs assessment, which highlighted critical knowledge gaps among government communication staff. Through interactive workshops and hands-on training, officers are now better prepared to manage social media, design impactful online campaigns, and use analytics for stronger public engagement.
The impact of the program is clear:
- 1,230+ refugees empowered with digital skills for employability and socio-economic integration
- 137 refugee-run businesses supported with digital marketing knowledge
- 48 ICT teachers equipped to deliver advanced digital modules in refugee-hosting areas
- Government officers reskilled to lead digital-first communication strategies
- Inclusivity ensured with training offered in Arabic and French and a strong focus on women’s participation
- Reduced cost delivery made possible under the 5-year MoU with ICDL Africa
For Solange Umulisa, General Manager of ICDL Africa, this is exactly the kind of impact envisioned when the MoU was signed:
“Together, we are ensuring no community is left behind in the digital transformation.”
By promoting digital inclusion, enhancing employability, and strengthening governance, the partnership between the Government of Uganda and ICDL Africa is laying the foundation for an inclusive and empowered digital future for all.
