PADER, Oct. 8, 2026: A total of 407 youth and women from Pader and Lamwo districts have graduated from a digital and financial literacy programme aimed at equipping them with practical skills to participate in the digital economy.
The three-week training was delivered through the MTN Internet Bus, a mobile computer laboratory that takes computers, internet access and trainers to communities, helping overcome barriers related to distance, cost and access to digital services.
The graduation ceremony at Angagura Sub County headquarters in Pader was the second under the sixth phase of the MTN Uganda Foundation’s Digital Literacy Programme, implemented in partnership with Maendeleo Foundation. The first graduation under the phase was held last month at Makerere, Kikoni, in Kampala.
Since its launch in 2022, more than 7,000 people have received training through the Internet Bus, with over 90% completing the programme.
The training covered basic computer skills for business, online safety, artificial intelligence and financial literacy. Participants were also trained in money management, informed financial decision-making and the safe use of digital financial services.
“Digital inclusion is not only about access to technology. Trainees also need the skills and confidence to use it productively,” said Peter Ochen, General Manager, Financial Operations at MTN Uganda.
Gloria Ayaa, one of the graduates, said the programme had improved her ability to use computers and access information online.
“I have learnt how to use a computer, search for information on the internet and communicate online. I plan to use these skills to improve my work, continue learning and look for more opportunities online,” she said.
The graduation also featured a regional skills competition. Four top-performing trainees — Salume Amito, Ken Okee, Simon Peter Openyrwot and Willy Ojok — received a laptop, tablet, Kabode smartphone and MiFi device respectively to support continued learning and connectivity.
Moses Mwaka, LC V Councillor for Atanga Town Council in Pader District and chief guest, said digital skills will be important to Uganda’s economic transformation.
“Such an ambition requires people with the right skills to participate in the modern economy,” Mwaka said.
Graduates were encouraged to continue learning through the free online MTN Skills Academy and pursue further skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities through MTN ACE.
The programme forms part of MTN Uganda Foundation’s efforts to expand digital inclusion and enable more Ugandans to participate in the digital economy.
