Govt Launches Solar-Powered Labs to Connect Refugees with Jobs

Expanding Digital Opportunities for Refugees

The government, through the Ministry of ICT, has announced plans to establish solar-powered ICT labs in five districts that currently lack adequate internet connectivity. These new facilities aim to bridge the digital divide and connect graduates from the Refugee Skilling Program with global job opportunities.

This initiative will be launched ahead of the Remote Work Expo scheduled for September 2025. The announcement was made by Dr. Fredrick Kitoogo, principal of the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), during the graduation event of refugees at the National ICT Innovation Hub, Nakawa, on Thursday. The program is designed to encourage more women to participate in training, enabling them to work remotely and access international employment opportunities.

“As we look to the future, we are committed to targeted outreach to encourage more women to participate, investing in solar-powered labs to reach underserved areas, expanding to five new districts by 2026, and linking our graduates to global work opportunities,” Kitoogo stated.

Uganda continues to demonstrate African solidarity by hosting over 1.5 million refugees. The country’s policies guarantee the right to work and education, but true economic self-reliance remains hindered by the digital divide. This challenge is being addressed by the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, through the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), which is responsible for digital skilling under the Digital Transformation Roadmap.

The training program is being implemented in collaboration with the National ICT Innovation Hub, Engage Consults Limited, and ICDL Africa. Phase One, which ran from December 2024 to April 2025, targeted 600 refugees and refugee-led businesses. Out of these, 330 participants were enrolled in online training, representing an enrollment rate of 89.4%.

Over eight training modules, ranging from computer essentials to cybersecurity, digital marketing, and e-commerce, participants gained job-ready skills and achieved internationally recognized ICDL certification.

Building on this success, Phase Two reached 1,003 applicants, with 721 participants trained in person and 331 online. This resulted in an 85.9% certification rate, far exceeding the initial target of 500. In addition, 48 teachers were skilled, 137 refugee entrepreneurs were empowered, and there was an increase in female participation to 32%, nearly doubling the proportion from Phase One.

Dr Amina Zawede, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, officiated as the chief guest and assured the institute administration of government support through infrastructure development. She mentioned that they are currently working with the Uganda Communications Commission and Internet Service Providers to equip centers with solar-powered labs. She added that of the five targeted districts for expansion of internet connectivity, priority will be given to districts with high refugee density.

Commenting on the September 2025 'Remote Work Expo', Zawede said it will connect certified participants to global job platforms. “As the Ministry of ICT, we pledge sustained budgetary support and policy integration to make digital skills a pillar of refugee empowerment,” she added.