Bridging the Digital Divide: Uganda's Bold Step Towards Empowering Female Tech Leaders
June 6, 2025, 4:04 pm
In a world increasingly driven by technology, Uganda is taking significant strides to empower its young women. The recent launch of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) at Wanyange Girls' Secondary School in Jinja marks a pivotal moment. This initiative, a collaboration between UN Women, the Government of Uganda, and the African Union Commission, aims to equip girls with essential digital skills. It’s not just about coding; it’s about crafting a future where women are not just participants but leaders in the tech landscape.
The AGCCI is a beacon of hope. Since its inception in 2018, it has trained thousands of girls across Africa in ICT and STEM fields. Now, Uganda is expanding this program nationally, a clear commitment to nurturing future female tech leaders. The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. In Uganda, only 26% of women are online, compared to 45% of men. This stark digital gender gap highlights the need for immediate action.
The launch event was a celebration of potential. It featured a live coding demonstration, showcasing the skills that participants would acquire. The first group of 60 girls completed a 10-day intensive training, receiving certificates that symbolize their new capabilities. This is more than a training program; it’s a movement aimed at transforming lives.
Dr. Joyce Abaliwo Mulebeke, the State Minister for Gender, Women, and Children Affairs, emphasized the importance of investing in girls. She spoke of them as future creators and innovators, capable of shaping Uganda’s digital future. Her words resonate deeply. Education is the key to economic empowerment, and this initiative opens doors that were previously closed.
The headmistress of Wanyange Girls' Secondary School, Ms. Deborah Basekanakyo, described the Coding Hub as a "groundbreaking opportunity." It is a safe space for learning and innovation, a sanctuary where girls can explore their potential without fear. This hub is not just a physical location; it represents a shift in mindset. It encourages girls to dream big and equips them with the tools to turn those dreams into reality.
UN Women’s Uganda Country Representative, Paulina Chiwangu, highlighted the urgency of closing the digital gender gap. The statistics are alarming, but they also serve as a rallying cry. The AGCCI aims to change the narrative. Through coding boot camps, mentorship, and hands-on learning, participants will gain skills in web development, programming, design thinking, and robotics. These are not just skills; they are lifelines in a digital world.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond individual girls. It has the potential to transform communities. When women are empowered, families thrive. When families thrive, communities flourish. This ripple effect can lead to broader societal change, fostering an environment where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
As Uganda embraces digital transformation, the AGCCI serves as a vital platform. It ensures that girls are not merely consumers of technology but also creators and leaders. This shift is crucial. The future of technology should reflect the diversity of its users. By empowering young women, Uganda is taking a bold step towards a more inclusive digital landscape.
The initiative also aligns with global goals. It contributes to gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By investing in girls, Uganda is investing in its future. The AGCCI is a testament to the belief that when girls succeed, everyone benefits.
In conclusion, the launch of the AGCCI in Jinja is a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards digital inclusion. It is a call to action for girls to seize opportunities and for society to support them. The initiative embodies hope, ambition, and the promise of a brighter future. As these young women learn to code, they are not just learning a skill; they are learning to shape their destinies. The digital world awaits, and Uganda is ready to rise.
The AGCCI is a beacon of hope. Since its inception in 2018, it has trained thousands of girls across Africa in ICT and STEM fields. Now, Uganda is expanding this program nationally, a clear commitment to nurturing future female tech leaders. The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. In Uganda, only 26% of women are online, compared to 45% of men. This stark digital gender gap highlights the need for immediate action.
The launch event was a celebration of potential. It featured a live coding demonstration, showcasing the skills that participants would acquire. The first group of 60 girls completed a 10-day intensive training, receiving certificates that symbolize their new capabilities. This is more than a training program; it’s a movement aimed at transforming lives.
Dr. Joyce Abaliwo Mulebeke, the State Minister for Gender, Women, and Children Affairs, emphasized the importance of investing in girls. She spoke of them as future creators and innovators, capable of shaping Uganda’s digital future. Her words resonate deeply. Education is the key to economic empowerment, and this initiative opens doors that were previously closed.
The headmistress of Wanyange Girls' Secondary School, Ms. Deborah Basekanakyo, described the Coding Hub as a "groundbreaking opportunity." It is a safe space for learning and innovation, a sanctuary where girls can explore their potential without fear. This hub is not just a physical location; it represents a shift in mindset. It encourages girls to dream big and equips them with the tools to turn those dreams into reality.
UN Women’s Uganda Country Representative, Paulina Chiwangu, highlighted the urgency of closing the digital gender gap. The statistics are alarming, but they also serve as a rallying cry. The AGCCI aims to change the narrative. Through coding boot camps, mentorship, and hands-on learning, participants will gain skills in web development, programming, design thinking, and robotics. These are not just skills; they are lifelines in a digital world.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond individual girls. It has the potential to transform communities. When women are empowered, families thrive. When families thrive, communities flourish. This ripple effect can lead to broader societal change, fostering an environment where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
As Uganda embraces digital transformation, the AGCCI serves as a vital platform. It ensures that girls are not merely consumers of technology but also creators and leaders. This shift is crucial. The future of technology should reflect the diversity of its users. By empowering young women, Uganda is taking a bold step towards a more inclusive digital landscape.
The initiative also aligns with global goals. It contributes to gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By investing in girls, Uganda is investing in its future. The AGCCI is a testament to the belief that when girls succeed, everyone benefits.
In conclusion, the launch of the AGCCI in Jinja is a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards digital inclusion. It is a call to action for girls to seize opportunities and for society to support them. The initiative embodies hope, ambition, and the promise of a brighter future. As these young women learn to code, they are not just learning a skill; they are learning to shape their destinies. The digital world awaits, and Uganda is ready to rise.