By Mulengera Reporters
- MTN Uganda, through its MTN Foundation, continues to drive digital transformation in education with the donation of a fully equipped computer lab to Revival Girls High School.
- The newly established computer lab will benefit more than 195 students, providing them with access to 10 desktop computers, power back up system for 24 hours, and one year of free internet connectivity, all valued at Shs 70million.
- This development comes at the time Uganda’s government is ramping up efforts to ensure digital access for students, with a plan to establish computer labs in all public secondary schools.
- MTN Uganda has now provided 63 computer labs to educational institutions, vocational centers, and public learning spaces across the country, including those in partnership with organizations such as Sense International Uganda, Promoting Equality in African Schools, and Enabel.
Mbarara, Uganda-28th February 2025. MTN Uganda, through its MTN Foundation, continues to drive digital transformation in education with the donation of a fully equipped computer lab to Revival Girls High School.
This initiative, part of MTN’s Digital Access Program worth Shs 1 billion investment, aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the country’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The newly established computer lab will benefit more than 195 students, providing them with access to 10 desktop computers, power back up system for 24 hours, and one year of free internet connectivity, all valued at Shs 70million.
This follows the recent provision of a similar number of computers and other assorted equipment to St. Francis Primary School for the Blind in Soroti on February 14, reinforcing MTN Uganda’s commitment to bridging the digital divide. Additional schools set to receive computer labs under this initiative include Iganga Secondary School, Kisoro Demonstration Primary School, Nvara Secondary School in Arua, and Ngetta Girls Primary School in Lira.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Fazil Ddamulira, Regional Business Manager for South Western Uganda for MTN Uganda said, “Access to technology is not just an advantage—it is a necessity. At MTN, we believe in leveraging digital tools to empower communities, and through the Digital Access Program, we are creating opportunities for students to develop critical skills for a sustainable future.”
This development comes at the time Uganda’s government is ramping up efforts to ensure digital access for students, with a plan to establish computer labs in all public secondary schools. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said it has already installed over 1,000 labs nationwide. But with more than 70% of the population under 30, the demand for digital skills far outstrips the current supply.
Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, with rates hitting 16.3%, compared to the national average of 11.7%, according to the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development. Young women, in particular, face added barriers to accessing quality education and digital skills, limiting their career prospects.
Mbarara District Chairperson Didas Tabaro said that the new computers and free internet will empower learners to harness technology for development.
“MTN Uganda has done a wonderful thing for this institution, and we expect learners to make proper use of these facilities to broaden their knowledge,” he said.
He added, “Due to limited funds, the government has not been able to equip all schools with ICT materials like computers; however, they are implementing these initiatives in phases.”
The school administration acknowledged the impact of the initiative. “Revival Girls High School has long needed such resources to enhance our students’ learning experience,” said Clare Gumoshabe, the head teacher.
“This lab will provide our learners with access to technology that will broaden their knowledge and prepare them for future opportunities.”
Students expressed their excitement about the new learning tools. “[These computers will help us with research, improve our studies, and introduce us to new opportunities in ICT,” said jackline Katushabe, a Senior Four student, who also doubles as the school’s head girl.
MTN Uganda has now provided 63 computer labs to educational institutions, vocational centers, and public learning spaces across the country, including those in partnership with organizations such as Sense International Uganda, Promoting Equality in African Schools, and Enabel.
MTN also encourages responsible internet use and urges vigilance to protect children online. Report any Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) at Child online protection | MTN.com to help create a safer digital space. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
