A total of 100 youth from Kotido district have acquired skills in ICT and multimedia following a five-day training program that concluded yesterday.
The training, by the Uganda Communications Commission executed through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), aimed to empower young people from underserved villages in the district.
The initiative is part of the national digital skilling program, aligning with Uganda’s digital vision and National Development Plan III. It seeks to bridge the digital divide, improve employability, and foster innovation among the youth.
Gloria Auma Anyango, one of the grandaunds, shared a reflection on her journey, stating that it was her first-hand experience with the computer, online applications, and digital tools.
Anyango said that now she has learned how to use emails, design multimedia content, and explore opportunities for online entrepreneurship.
“I used to fear computers, even switching one was a challenge,” Anyango said. “Now I create documents, research online, and even apply for jobs through digital platforms.”
Anna Mercy Ilukol shared the same experience, asserting that the training has opened her mind to think beyond her imagination.
Ilukol noted that the urban youth had been missing opportunities that they could not access because of limited digital skills.
Ilukol testified that now she can equally create digital content, manage social media accounts, and explore more online.
Juma Salin Chemutai, the team leader, noted that the training fostered leadership and teamwork among the youth. He observed that the participants actively engaged with practical exercise and collaborated effectively.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, officials emphasized the importance of digital literacy in today’s economy and encouraged the youth to utilize their newfound skills to contribute to the country’s development.
Hosea Jemba, the lead trainer from 256 Films, observed that the youth were incredibly motivated and they have mastered skills that many adults struggle with through their creativity and teamwork.
Gideon Kawooya, another trainer, said that the training has enhanced the youth’s prospects for employment and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to the district’s economic growth and development.
“This is proof that rural youth can compete with their urban peers. With guidance and the right resources, they can produce professional-quality content and even start their own digital businesses,” Kawooya reiterated.
John Magyezi Lukooki, the deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kotido, commended the participants for their commitment and encouraged them to use their newly acquired skills to drive community development.
Lukooki urged the youth to apply the skills they have learned, not just for personal gain but to transform their communities. He stressed that the government and partners like UCC are investing a lot to empower the youth, and these efforts should be taken seriously.
This training is part of a nationwide UCC/UCUSAF initiative equipping youth with digital literacy, content creation, mobile video editing, social media optimization, and online safety. Similar cohorts in other districts host over 100 participants per cycle, reflecting the programme’s scale and national significance.
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