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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | MTN Foundation Uganda has expanded its network of regional innovation centres to eastern Uganda with the establishment of a new hub at Busitema University.
The MTN ACE Spark Innovation Hub, handed over to the university on September 15, is the second of four regional centres being established by MTN Foundation Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and Centenary Technology Services.
The expansion is part of a Shs4 billion investment being implemented over three years to establish innovation centres at public universities and refurbish the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala.
The Busitema facility follows the first hub at Kabale University, while additional centres are planned for Gulu and Soroti universities.
The facilities will offer workspaces, mentorship and training in areas including data science and analytics, software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity and cloud computing through the MTN Skills Academy, with Anischolar as the implementing partner.
Francis Gimara, a trustee of the MTN Foundation Uganda, said the hubs are intended to give young people a platform to develop and test solutions to challenges in their communities.
“We at MTN Foundation Uganda believe that everyone should not only enjoy the benefits of a modern, connected life but also be empowered to drive innovation and entrepreneurship that transforms the communities in which we operate,” he said.
“By providing tools, mentorship, and opportunities, we are giving young people the platform to create practical solutions, start businesses, and contribute to the economic growth of Uganda.”
Gimara said more than 20,000 students and community members are expected to benefit from the initiative.
The investment comes as Uganda seeks to increase young people’s participation in the digital economy. Youth account for more than 75% of the country’s population, according to figures cited by the organisers.
Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, said the investment could help young people participate more actively in the economy.
“Investing in Uganda’s youth is investing in the country’s future. These hubs equip young people with the skills and support needed to innovate, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.”
Prof Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, said the facility would help connect university training with practical application, preparing students to become problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and innovators.
The programme builds on the MTN ACE initiative, which the foundation says has invested more than Shs4 billion over the past three years in digital capability development, particularly among young people.
The refurbished Nakawa innovation hub has supported technology-based initiatives including KaCyber, an online public transport ticketing system, and RideLink, an artificial intelligence-powered logistics platform for import and export solutions.
The regional network will cover eastern, northern, western and central Uganda, with facilities at Busitema and Soroti universities, Gulu University, Kabale University and Nakawa.
The stated objective is to give participants space not only to acquire technical knowledge but also to develop businesses and technology-based solutions.
That will make the performance of the hubs dependent on what happens beyond the training rooms—whether participants develop viable enterprises, secure employment or produce solutions that address local problems.
Gimara said the Busitema facility marked the beginning of further opportunities for young people.
“Today’s handover marks the beginning of new ideas, enterprises and opportunities,” Gimara added. “By investing in Uganda’s youth and digital innovation, we are shaping a resilient, competitive and inclusive economy.”
