A new digital learning hub has been opened at Katwe Noor Secondary School in Kampala to improve access to technology, internet connectivity and digital skills for students and surrounding communities.
The facility was established through a partnership between American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Stanbic Bank Uganda, the Stanbic Kenya Foundation and Katwe Noor Secondary School.
Known as the Katwe Noor Digital Community, the hub is part of ATC’s Digital Communities programme, a global initiative that creates connected learning spaces in underserved areas.
The programme seeks to expand access to education, digital literacy and career development opportunities, with a target of positively impacting at least two million people worldwide by 2030.
The centre will provide students and nearby residents with access to computers, internet services, online educational resources and digital learning tools. The partners say the facility is intended to support learning, innovation and economic empowerment.
The launch brought together government officials, business leaders, school administrators and community representatives, all of whom highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing Uganda’s digital divide.
Speaking at the launch, Alfred Bogere, Director for Engineering and Communications Infrastructure at UCC, who represented executive director Nyombi Thembo, said digital access is becoming increasingly important for education, innovation and participation in the modern economy.
“As regulators and policymakers, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment that supports connectivity expansion, affordable access, innovation and responsible digital development,” Bogere said.
He noted that Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap aims to create a well-connected country where technology improves service delivery, drives innovation and expands opportunities for citizens.
According to ATC Uganda, the company has established 83 digital communities across the country over the past six years.
These include 58 computer hubs in schools and communities, as well as 25 Electronic Medical Records hubs in health facilities, benefiting more than 100,000 people.
ATC Uganda chief executive officer Dorothy Ssemanda said the initiative goes beyond providing connectivity infrastructure.
“Connectivity becomes truly meaningful when it changes lives. Through the Digital Communities programme, we are investing not only in infrastructure but also in human potential,” Ssemanda said.
She said improved digital access can open doors to education, entrepreneurship, information and economic opportunities.
Stanbic Bank Uganda executive director Sam Mwogeza said the project aligns with the bank’s efforts to promote youth empowerment, digital literacy and community development.
Through its Positive Impact Agenda, Stanbic has committed up to Shs1 trillion in financing to support businesses owned by women, young people and farmers.
Mwogeza said these interventions are aligned with the bank’s priorities of financial inclusion, enterprise development, job creation, infrastructure investment, climate resilience financing and corporate social investment.
“The youth remain a central pillar of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. At Stanbic Bank, we recognise that empowering young people means investing in their education, skills, creativity and access to opportunities,” he said.
