By Mark Kawalya
MTN Uganda, in collaboration with the Belgian Development Agency Enabel, handed over a fully equipped ICT laboratory to Uganda Technical College, Kyema, an institution found in Masindi district. The giveaway is intended to boost Uganda’s ICT-enhanced learning and skills acquisition.
As part of the second phase of the Enable-MTN ICT for Vocational Institutions programme worth UGX 297, 254, 237, the facility will be instrumental in providing diploma-level courses in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, water engineering and architecture.
The facility has a 10-computer lab, uninterrupted power supply, power stabilization, and high-speed internet connectivity for one year.
Other institutions that have benefited from the programme include Kasese Youth Polytechnic and Hoima Millennium Business School.
MTN Uganda’s head of commercial, Mr. Andrew Tusubira, said ICT labs improve learning skills in vocational education institutions. This is done by promoting and strengthening teacher training plus improving learning skills as students gain access to new techniques.
“As MTN Uganda, we recognize our incredible responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind in the profound evolution to a digital future,” he said. “We know that access to affordable communication has the power to change lives and bridge inequalities, and this is why we focus on increasing access, particularly in vocational educational institutions,” he said.
Tusubira added that MTN believes that deepening the access and use of ICT will accelerate the reduction in data and voice costs but also raise the standard of living in communities.
This is happening at a time when the Government of Uganda is fast tracking its digital vision for 2040. This is aimed at empowering Ugandan citizens as the government works towards universal inclusion, economic progress, sustainable development, and poverty eradication using digital innovation.
Masindi District Deputy CAO Mr. Owilli Robert Abia, who was the chief guest, offered thanks to both MTN Uganda and Enabel for offering ICT support to Uganda’s technical institutions to enhance students’ digital skills.
“ICT has become part of the educational system globally, especially in the technical and vocational training institutions. This is due to the need to offer the appropriate skills that resonate with the changes in the labour market,” he said.
The partnership between Enabel and MTN Uganda is part of a broader global initiative aimed at using technology to drive innovation and development. Through similar initiatives, the Belgian Development Agency has been working with various partners in different African countries to promote development and improve the lives of people through technology-driven solutions.
