In a push to expand digital literacy in Uganda’s informal sector, more than 300 people in Amuria district have completed training under the Digi-Truck project, a government initiative launched to equip small-scale traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs with modern skills.
The project, formally known as the Digitization of the Informal Sector (Jua Kali) Enterprises for Productivity and Job Growth, was unveiled in March 2023 by President Yoweri Museveni in Kiruhura district. It aims to train at least 10,000 people nationwide.
On September 5, 2025, 350 trainees graduated in Orungo sub-county after a month-long program. Implemented by the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) in partnership with Huawei Technologies Uganda, the project uses a mobile classroom housed in a truck fitted with computers, solar power and air conditioning.
Each truck session accommodates 20 learners at a time. So far, 8,192 Ugandans have benefitted. During graduation, MGLSD permanent secretary Aggrey Kibenge urged participants to use their skills to embrace digital transformation.
“Your determination and hard work have brought you to this milestone,” he said in a speech delivered by ministry representative Arthur Matsiko.
“By embracing digital literacy, you will take a significant leap toward securing a place in today’s highly dynamic business environment. Knowledge and skills are powerful tools that will unlock endless possibilities.”
Kibenge praised the collaboration with Huawei and local leaders for making the project possible, saying that empowering people at the grassroots with digital knowledge opens doors to opportunities, improves productivity, and drives economic growth.
Area MP and minister of Foreign Affairs Gen Abubaker Jeje Odongo congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to put their new skills to practical use.
“These trainings will continue in other parts of the country,” he said, applauding the program for empowering citizens.
The Chinese ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, also commended the initiative, crediting Museveni for championing its launch.
“China will continue strengthening collaborations with Uganda in ICT and digitization of the economy,” he said, noting that more than 600 Ugandans traveled to China last year for specialized training.
The graduates expressed their gratitude through a skit performed at the ceremony, pledging to use their new knowledge productively. For many, it was their first time learning to use a computer—a step they say will change both their personal lives and their businesses.
Although every project is welcome, this one is a white elephant. Hon. Jeje and development partners, please focus projects on the backbone of Teso economy; livestock and crop farming before going digital. Please restock, build milk cooling plants where ordinary folks can sell their milk, build agro-processing plants/factories, find markets for produce etc. How will digitalization help my poor Orungo/Amuria/Teso aunt, uncle, brother/sister etc? This project is targeting a very small section of the population.
Today, digitisation is as basic as reading and writing. One needs it irrespective of what they do. It’s not a stand alone. So Joe ,stop discouraging people from today’s basic literacy.
Samson, thank you for your comment. However, I maintain my earlier views. Digitalization is great. I am digital myself, but I started by selling milk to get school fees. I don’t see how Orungo peasant who sleeps under a grass-thatched roof and with no electricity can benefit from a computer that he/she is taught to press for just a few hours. Please prioritize things based on reality and context.
I was born and raised in Teso, but not anywhere near Orungo/Amuria. Although I don’t follow issues in Orungo, I see politics in this. Why was digitalization project launched in very rural Orungo?
I know this project is not government-led. However, if I may ask, what pillar of the PDM model is digitalization? To me, PDM despite its flaws, has attempted to reach peasants in villages.