The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has launched a transformative digital literacy and entrepreneurship training programme in Namayingo District, marking another important step in Uganda’s journey toward inclusive digital development and rural economic empowerment.
The training, currently taking place at Madowa Community Learning Centre in Buswale Sub-County, is being implemented under the Ministry of Local Government’s Regional Development Programme. The initiative aims to strengthen local economies by equipping rural communities with essential digital skills and promoting the adoption of ICT-driven business practices.
As part of a nationwide effort to close the widening digital gap between urban and rural areas, the programme is being rolled out across several districts, including Namayingo, Kaberamaido, Soroti, Jinja, and Mbale.
Speaking during the training, Irene Karungi Sekitoleko, a Senior ICT Infrastructure Engineer at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, explained that the programme is being implemented in phases to ensure wider reach and impact. She noted that the initiative specifically targets rural enterprise owners while prioritizing the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Participants are receiving hands-on training in digital literacy, including the use of digital tools for business management, internet navigation, and practical ICT applications tailored to sectors such as agriculture, trade, and service delivery.
According to Sekitoleko, the programme is designed to empower rural entrepreneurs in areas where digital technology adoption remains significantly lower than in urban centres.
“Our goal is to ensure that rural enterprises can fully participate in Uganda’s digital economy. Digital inclusion is a deliberate policy priority aimed at creating equal opportunities for all communities,” she said.
She further emphasized that the initiative supports the ministry’s broader vision of digital transformation by ensuring that communities traditionally left behind in technological advancement are equipped to benefit from emerging opportunities.
For many beneficiaries, the training represents a gateway to new possibilities for business growth, improved productivity, and easier access to information.
One participant, Olivia Kantono, described the programme as timely and life-changing. She revealed that many rural residents were previously unaware of how digital technology could support agriculture and enterprise development.
“We have discovered that our phones can do much more than communication. They can help us market our products, access information on crop diseases and pests, and find market opportunities without travelling long distances. This training has come at exactly the right time,” she said.
Kantono added that many challenges faced by rural producers stem from limited access to information and markets rather than a lack of products, noting that digital technology provides an effective solution to bridge this gap.
The expansion of the programme reflects growing recognition that digital skills are no longer optional but essential for enterprise growth, innovation, and improved livelihoods. Through the Regional Development Programme, government aims to sustain and scale such initiatives by linking ICT capacity building with broader efforts to strengthen local governance and community-led economic development.
With additional training sessions planned for Namayingo and neighbouring districts in the coming phases, the initiative is expected to empower more rural communities, unlock economic opportunities, and accelerate Uganda’s progress toward an inclusive digital future.
