The Digital Change Agents Initiative was established in 2020 to address Uganda’s digital divide by equipping local communities with practical digital skills and leadership capacity. Recognizing that technology is transforming societies worldwide, the initiative ensures that rural and underserved communities can access and benefit from digital opportunities.
The program officially launched on 30th July 2020 via an online Zoom session, in a partnership between the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology (UICT). Its initial focus was to train community instructors, who would become Digital Change Agents, empowering them to deliver digital skills training within their communities.
Our Journey
The initiative began with a group of early Digital Change Agents trained by UICT and supported by UCC. These first instructors were tasked with:
- Training other community members in digital literacy.
- Demonstrating practical ICT skills that could be applied in business, education, and daily life.
- Promoting online safety, innovation, and civic engagement.
By leveraging a train-the-trainer model, each Digital Change Agent multiplied their impact, reaching thousands of community members across Uganda. The approach combined online training via video conferencing, hands-on sessions in school ICT laboratories, and community mobilization through local leaders.
Today, the initiative continues to expand, fostering digital literacy among women, youth, teachers, and marginalized groups across the country.
Mission
“To empower underserved communities in Uganda with essential digital skills and leadership capacity to unlock opportunities for growth, innovation, and social inclusion.”
Vision
“To build a digitally inclusive Uganda where every citizen can access, use, and benefit from technology to improve their lives and communities.”
Core Values
- Community Empowerment: Training local champions who understand and respond to their community’s needs.
- Inclusivity: Ensuring equal access to digital skills for all, especially women, youth, and marginalized groups.
- Practical Learning: Emphasizing hands-on applications such as e-commerce, communication, and online safety.
- Collaboration: Working with government, educational institutions, and development partners.
- Sustainability: Ensuring skills continue to spread and impact communities long after initial training.
Objectives
- Provide accessible digital education to underserved communities.
- Build local capacity through a sustainable train-the-trainer model.
- Promote digital responsibility, innovation, and civic engagement.
- Strengthen community resilience through technology-based opportunities.
- Align with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
Our Approach
- Online & Physical Training: Combining online video conferencing with school ICT laboratories to reach diverse communities.
- Certified Curriculum: Participants receive training materials of recognized standard and certification from UICT.
- Community Mobilization: Local leaders support mobilization and engagement.
- Practical Skills Focus: Trainees gain ICT skills that enable them to work with facilities or run their own ICT-based businesses.
Impact Highlights
- 500+ Digital Change Agents trained nationwide.
- 40,000+ community members empowered through certified digital skills training.
- Strengthened participation of women, youth, and teachers, promoting inclusion.
- Collaborations with Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), ICDL Foundation, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Cisco Networking Academy, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA), National ICT Hub, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, MTN Uganda, Huawei, schools, and local institutions, creating a sustainable training ecosystem.