By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), has opened a fresh grant call aimed at equipping 500 Ugandan youth with practical ICT and multimedia skills as the country seeks to expand participation in the rapidly growing digital economy.
The programme will target young people aged 18 to 30 in five underserved and unserved districts—Obongi, Agago, Alebtong, Budaka and Sironko—during the 2026/2027 financial year.
Under the initiative, selected youth will receive hands-on training in areas such as digital content creation, multimedia production, graphic design, photography and videography, animation, digital marketing, social media management, online freelancing, digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce.
In a statement posted on X account, UCC says the programme is designed to equip young people with market-relevant skills that can open doors to employment, self-employment, innovation and new income-generating opportunities within Uganda’s digital and creative economy.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of Uganda’s youthful population and persistent challenges of unemployment and underemployment. According to the programme document, more than 70 per cent of Uganda’s population is below the age of 30, creating significant potential for innovation and economic growth but also placing pressure on the country to expand access to relevant skills and livelihood opportunities.
The Commission says the expansion of mobile connectivity, broadband access, smartphones and digital platforms is creating opportunities in fields ranging from digital marketing and content creation to online freelancing and technology-enabled businesses.
However, young people in rural and underserved communities often face limited access to quality ICT training, digital equipment, mentorship and other resources needed to take advantage of these opportunities.
The new programme therefore seeks to bridge that gap through practical, competency-based training rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge.
Women and vulnerable youth targeted
UCC says particular attention will be given to groups that face greater barriers to digital participation, including young women and girls, persons with disabilities, unemployed and underemployed youth, school dropouts, unemployed graduates and other vulnerable groups.
The programme has set a target of at least 30 per cent female participation.
Beneficiary selection is expected to be transparent and inclusive, with priority given to youth who can apply the acquired skills toward employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The training will also incorporate digital communication, multimedia storytelling, online branding, responsible digital engagement and entrepreneurship.
Beyond training
The programme is not intended to end when the classroom sessions are completed.
According to the call for proposals, the implementing partner will be expected to provide mentorship, career guidance, networking opportunities and market linkages, including connections to online work platforms and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
The programme will also seek to establish alumni and peer-learning networks while strengthening links between beneficiaries and local governments, educational institutions, innovation hubs, private-sector players and other stakeholders.
UCC says these measures are intended to help young people translate newly acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods.
Organisations invited to apply
UCC is seeking qualified organisations to implement the programme through a competitive, performance-based grant arrangement.
Eligible applicants must be duly registered not-for-profit organisations operating in Uganda. Consortium applications are allowed, provided the lead applicant is a not-for-profit organisation and participating co-applicants are legally registered entities in Uganda.
Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial management systems, the ability to operate in underserved and hard-to-reach communities, and at least two years’ relevant experience in ICT and digital skills development, youth skilling or related programmes.
Proposals must cover all five target districts.
Applications will undergo administrative, technical and financial assessments, with UCC evaluating factors including organizational experience, implementation methodology, innovation, feasibility, sustainability, inclusion and value for money.
The selected implementing partner will receive funding based on agreed milestones, deliverables and performance indicators.
Applications open until October 12
The application window opened on September 28, 2026, and will close at 11:59pm on October 12, 2026.
A pre-grant application meeting is scheduled to take place online on October 2 at 11:30am.
Interested organizations are required to submit their applications through the UCC grant application portal.
For inquiries, applicants can contact UCUSAF on +256 412 339000 or +256 312 339000, or email ucusaf@ucc.co.ug.
The initiative forms part of UCC/UCUSAF’s wider effort to expand digital inclusion and support Uganda’s transition toward a digital economy, with the programme aligned to national priorities including Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan and the Uganda Digital Transformation Roadmap 2023/24–2027/28. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
