By BM
The Government of Uganda has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to closing the digital divide that limits refugees’ economic independence through the successful implementation of the Digital Skilling for Refugees Program.
The milestone achievement was celebrated at a graduation event held at the National ICT Hub in Nakawa, Kampala, with key partners including Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Damien O’Sullivan, CEO of the ICDL Foundation, and Ms. Solange Umulisa, General Manager of ICDL Africa.
Uganda hosts over 1.5 million refugees and has long upheld progressive policies ensuring refugees’ rights to work and education.
However, digital exclusion has remained a major barrier to economic self-reliance.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, spearheading this transformative initiative, emphasized the government’s dedication to tackling these challenges head-on.
“Digital skills are no longer optional; they are essential tools for economic empowerment,” said Dr. Aminah Zawedde. “Our vision is to ensure refugees have equal access to these skills, enabling them to actively participate in Uganda’s growing digital economy.
This program aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan III and the Global Compact on Refugees, proving that inclusion is at the heart of our development agenda.”
The Digital Skilling for Refugees Program, established under a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding with ICDL Africa, offers refugees practical, hands-on digital literacy training combined with internationally recognized certification.
Damien O’Sullivan, CEO of the ICDL Foundation, praised Uganda’s leadership and the collaborative model driving success: “This program is a testament to what can be achieved when governments and partners unite with a shared goal to bridge the digital divide and unlock the potential of every individual, including refugees and displaced communities.”
Phase Two of the program exceeded expectations by training over 1,000 refugees both in person and online, with an outstanding 85.9% certification rate.
Special efforts were made to increase women’s participation to 32%, nearly doubling the previous phase, and to deliver multilingual training materials to overcome language barriers.
Solange Umulisa, General Manager of ICDL Africa, emphasized the transformative impact: “We are proud to stand alongside the Government of Uganda in ensuring no one is left behind.
The success stories from a refugee entrepreneur growing her business through digital marketing to elderly participants sending their first emails highlight how digital skills translate into real economic independence.”
Beyond refugee empowerment, the Ministry has also launched digital skills training for government communication officers, enhancing the public sector’s ability to engage digitally and support e-Government initiatives.
Looking forward, the government plans to expand the program to five new districts by 2026, invest in solar-powered ICT labs to reach underserved areas, and connect graduates to global job platforms through a Remote Work Expo scheduled for September 2025.
Dr. Zawedde called on all partners to replicate and scale the model, and urged program graduates to become digital ambassadors within their communities.
“By bridging the digital divide, we are opening doors to economic opportunity, peace, and prosperity for refugees and Ugandans alike,” she said.
Damien O’Sullivan echoed this vision: “When technology is made accessible and inclusive, it becomes a powerful force for change. Uganda is setting a benchmark for the region and the world.”
