Empowering Girls with Digital Skills: UN Women Expands AGCCI ICT Hubs to Eastern and Western Uganda

To empower more girls with digital literacy and technology skills, UN Women Uganda, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, with support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), officially inaugurated two new African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) ICT Hubs — at Wanyange Girls’ Secondary School in Jinja (Eastern Uganda) on October 23, and Kyebambe Girls’ Secondary School in Fort Portal (Western Uganda) on October 30, 2025.

The new hubs, each equipped with 60 desktop computers, mark an important step toward expanding access to digital education for girls and ensuring they are not left behind in the rapidly evolving world of technology. The initiative equips young women with essential skills in coding, robotics, animation, web design, and digital safety — preparing them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

At the launch in Wanyange, the Commissioner for Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Hajat Safina Musene, commended the partnership for investing in the potential of young women.

“This programme is breaking barriers for girls and demonstrating that technology is not just for boys. It’s for every young person with the creativity and curiosity to innovate. As government, we are honored to partner with UN Women on this important transformative initiative,” she said.

In Fort Portal, students at Kyebambe Girls’ Secondary School expressed excitement as they explored the new computers and learning software. The hub will serve as a learning center for girls from surrounding schools in the mid-western region.

“Before this, I had never used a computer. During the boot camp, my life changed positively as I became more interested in the IT field. I’m now more confident in coding, designing websites, and even dream of building one to support my father’s retail business,” said Bonitah Shakillah, a senior five student from Fort Portal Secondary School, during the inauguration.

The African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), spearheaded by UN Women in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to train and inspire adolescent girls across Africa to pursue ICT careers. In Uganda, the programme contributes to national goals under the Digital Transformation Roadmap and aligns with UN Women’s efforts to close the gender digital divide.

Speaking during the Kyebambe event on behalf of Dr. Paulina Chiwangu, UN Women Uganda Country Representative, Ms. Adekemi Ndieli, the Deputy Country Representative, highlighted the importance of equipping girls with skills for the future.

“Digital skills are today’s gateway to opportunity. By expanding AGCCI hubs to more regions, we are ensuring that girls from rural and urban areas alike have equal chances to participate in and lead Uganda’s digital future,” Ndieli said.

The two inaugurations bring to four the total number of AGCCI ICT Hubs established in Uganda, joining existing hubs in Lira (Lango Region) and Moroto (Karamoja Region), where participants received laptops at the end of their boot camps in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Through these centers, thousands of girls are gaining the confidence, creativity, and technical know-how to innovate and lead.

Since 2018, AGCCI has reached over 2,000 girls across Africa, with Uganda proudly participating since Phase II. Under Phase III, the programme has already reached 240 young women, marking significant progress in scale and sustainability.