By Mulengera Reporters
At the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the gender digital divide as hundreds of learners, educators, technocrats, and policymakers gathered to celebrate International Girls in ICT Day.
The event, championed by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, placed a strong spotlight on the power of ICT in transforming lives, and the urgent need to ensure that girls are not left behind in Uganda’s digital transformation.
It featured a dynamic student debate on the motion “Empowering girls in ICT is essential for achieving digital transformation in Uganda.”
The discussion highlighted the reality that while digital tools are becoming more widespread, access and usage among girls, especially in underserved communities, remains low.
Schools that participated included Nabisunsa Girls, Trinity College Nabbingo, City High School, Kibuli S.S, Kitante Hill School, Kololo S.S, and Our Lady of Consolanta Gayaza.
Cynthia Maria Namugenyi, who moderated the debate, pointed out that empowering girls in digital spaces goes beyond access to gadgets, but means building confidence and capacity.
“Many girls have no access to digital hubs. We want to bring all girls on board, because ICT can help us end online gender-based violence and make girls equal participants in Uganda’s digital transformation.”
This message was echoed by Namiyingo Swabura, a student from Kololo High School, who praised the new (updated) school curriculum for integrating technology and research-based learning.
“We’re allowed to use technology for research and real-world problem-solving. It helps us build better digital skills and use the internet positively,” she said.
Dorothy Tulina, an ICT teacher at Trinity College Nabbingo, stressed the significance of dedicating a day to girls in technology
“This occasion is important. It gives girls the confidence to step into spaces they previously felt inferior in. Celebrating them publicly inspires greater participation in ICT.”
The event also served as a platform to showcase the government’s numerous interventions to drive digital literacy and gender inclusion.
These include university incentive points for girls, targeted digital skilling programs, and the rollout of mobile computer labs that travel district to district training communities, especially women and girls.
Dr. Amina Zawedde, UCC Permanent secretary, urged that these initiatives are not just about access, but shifting societal norms.
“For a long time, girls were told science isn’t for them. But now we’re putting tools in their hands. We have innovation hubs across the country, from Nakawa to Gulu, Soroti, and Kabale.
These hubs are open to everyone, and girls are given special consideration in funding and training,” she said.
She also noted that the digital transformation cannot happen without the participation of women and girls, who make up more than half of Uganda’s population.
“If we leave them behind, the society cannot change as fast as we need it to. Women are raising the children and driving households. If they are empowered, the whole society benefits,” she added.
Looking forward, Dr. Zawedde shared that by 2026/2027, Uganda expects to have up to 70% national internet connectivity, thanks to projects supported by the World Bank and Chinese partnerships.
In addition, a digital strategy is being rolled out to guide the responsible use of digital tools like smartphones and computers in schools.
Also in attendance were prominent women in tech, including Eng. Susan Nakanwagi, UCC’s Director of Research, and Eng. Phiona Kamikazi, both celebrated as role models for aspiring female innovators.
The future of Uganda’s digital economy depends on an inclusive approach, where every girl is empowered, every community is connected, and every voice counts. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
