The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in partnership with ICDL Africa, the Uganda Institute of Communication Technology (UICT), and the National ICT Innovation Hub, has marked a historic milestone by graduating 1,230 refugees with internationally recognized digital skills. The Digital Skilling for Refugees Program is the first initiative in East Africa to provide refugees with ICDL (International Certificate of Digital Literacy) certification in Computer Essentials, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Data Analysis, and Web Editing.
Uganda is home to over 1.5 million refugees, making it the largest host country in Africa. While opportunities exist for study and work, many refugees still face limited access to digital literacy. This program seeks to close that gap by equipping participants with globally recognized ICT skills that can unlock education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. To strengthen this commitment, the Ministry signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICDL Africa to ensure continued training and certification.
The program, launched in December 2024, was rolled out in two phases. Phase one trained 330 participants in both foundational and advanced digital skills. Phase Two scaled up significantly, reaching more than 990 participants (721 trained in person and 331 online). The overall certification rate stood at an impressive 85.9%, far exceeding the initial target of 500 graduates. Alongside this success, 137 refugee entrepreneurs were empowered, 48 teachers received training, and female participation rose from 17% in Phase One to 32% in Phase Two.
Speaking during the graduation, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, emphasized that digital literacy is no longer optional. She noted that without these skills, vulnerable communities risk exploitation, particularly when using online services such as paying bills or applying for passports, among other social services.
Damien O’Sullivan, CEO of the ICDL Foundation, highlighted the global value of the certificate. He explained that the ICDL qualification is recognized in more than 100 countries and enables cross-border employment opportunities. “A refugee in Uganda with ICDL certification has the same recognition as someone in Ireland, the UK, or Singapore, which translates into real job prospects locally, regionally, and internationally,” he said.
For participants, the program has been life-changing. Keith Monica Diing, a South Sudanese refugee from Kiryandongo settlement, shared that she had always dreamed of becoming a software engineer but could not afford ICT training until this opportunity. “With ICDL, I completed nine modules and realized that technology isn’t as hard as people say,” she said. Similarly, Peter Martin Adelibo, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, expressed gratitude for the skills he gained: “I now know how to protect myself online from hackers and can communicate professionally using online tools.” With such testimonies and affirmations, I guarantee that the rising number of participants reflects the growing demand for digital skills among youth, refugees, and host communities. By bridging the digital divide, Uganda is setting a new benchmark in digital inclusion and refugee empowerment, positioning ICT as a powerful tool for social and economic transformation.
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By Winfred Nankanja
Communications and PR Associate
National ICT Innovation Hub