The MTN Foundation, in partnership with the Maendeleo Foundation, has graduated 305 trainees in Kampala from the sixth phase of its Internet Bus and Financial Literacy Programme. This brings the total number of Ugandans trained through the initiative to over 6,700. The programme aims to expand digital and financial literacy among communities with limited access to technology and skills.
The Internet Bus is a mobile classroom designed to take training closer to last-mile communities, addressing barriers such as distance, cost, and limited access to digital learning facilities. Training covers practical digital and financial literacy, including safe internet use, digital productivity, and responsible use of digital financial services. Participants are also introduced to further learning opportunities through the MTN Skills Academy.
The programme has recorded almost equal participation between men and women, with a completion rate of more than 90%, according to MTN Foundation. The graduates received certificates at a ceremony held at R Labs Uganda in Makerere Kikoni on September 18. Micah Rwothumio, a senior pastor at University Community Fellowship in Makerere and chief guest at the graduation, emphasized the importance of digital skills in education, livelihoods, and economic participation.
Rwothumio encouraged other private-sector players to support government efforts to equip Ugandans with the skills required for the future of work. Augustine Lule, MTN regional business manager for Kampala, said the initiative formed part of MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which focuses on digital inclusion, financial inclusion, and skills development. Lule highlighted that connectivity provides access, but skills determine how that access is converted into opportunity and economic value.
For graduates, the programme has provided skills that can be applied in their businesses, workplaces, and daily lives. Madina Musa Ahmeed Adam, one of the graduates, said the training had given participants practical digital skills and knowledge to explore opportunities and participate more confidently in the digital economy. The programme also recognised four top-performing trainees with digital devices to support continued learning.
Godwin Kagibwami received a laptop, Adam a tablet, Mohammed Khamies a Kabode smartphone, and Getrude Nankaja a MiFi device. MTN officials said graduates would be encouraged to continue learning through the MTN Skills Academy and explore opportunities offered through MTN ACE and its innovation hubs. This will enable them to further develop their skills and apply them in various contexts.
The MTN Internet Bus and Financial Literacy Programme has made a significant impact on digital and financial literacy in Uganda. With over 6,700 learners trained, the programme has demonstrated its potential to bridge the skills gap and promote economic participation. As the programme continues to expand, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of Ugandans, particularly those in communities with limited access to technology and skills.
Key points
- The MTN Internet Bus and Financial Literacy Programme has trained over 6,700 Ugandans in digital and financial literacy.
- The programme has a completion rate of over 90% and aims to expand digital and financial literacy among communities with limited access to technology and skills.
- Graduates of the programme have received practical digital skills and knowledge to explore opportunities and participate more confidently in the digital economy.
