We live in a digital world, and for Uganda, much can be said when it comes to digital literacy. We still have parents relying on their children to teach and operate smartphones for them, we still have trouble with online services, and the internet connection? Still patchy more often than not. But more than the unreliable connections and tech phobia among older generations, there’s a wider issue: many young people still don’t have the digital skills necessary to make it in today’s economy. That’s where the conversation around digital literacy for youth in Uganda really begins.
Let’s face it: the world won’t wait for us to catch up. Digital transformation is happening everywhere, from farming apps that help monitor crops to e-commerce platforms selling handmade crafts across borders. If young Ugandans aren’t equipped with the tools to engage with these systems, we risk falling further behind economically and socially.
According to the UK-based Good Things Foundation, while the setting may differ, the trends are relatable across developing countries like our dear Uganda…
- 52% of people who are offline ask someone to use the internet for them
- 75% of people learn digital skills online, from friends (68%), and through work (66%)
- 34% of people want to be able to get digital skills support in a community setting
- 65% of young people not in education, training, or employment are much more likely to learn digital skills by themselves, or learn online (38%) compared to other young people
- 54% of Attendance Allowance customers felt able to apply for or manage benefits online alone or with someone helping, compared to 95% of Job Seekers Allowance customers
- 46% of Employment and Support Allowance customers said they would rely on help from others to apply for or manage benefits online
What is Digital Literacy, Really?
Digital literacy isn’t just knowing how to operate a smartphone or log in to Facebook, but rather about understanding how to navigate the internet, protect your data, use productivity tools, communicate online professionally, and utilize digital platforms for work, education, and everyday life. It’s the ability to think critically about the content you consume online and contribute meaningfully in digital spaces. To put it plainly, it is your ability to navigate and utilize/use digital tools and technologies.
In Uganda, a lot of youth access the internet mainly for entertainment, that is to say, streaming videos, TikTok, and WhatsApp chats. While that’s not inherently bad, after all, life without a little entertainment is a bit dull, it’s not enough. We need more meaningful engagement: learning, building, creating, and so far, projections haven’t been bad. For instance:
The new Ugandan curriculum, which emphasizes learner-centered approaches like personal research, self-study, and critical thinking, has proved effective in aligning education with digital realities, and indeed, for those of you with children using this curriculum, tasks like “can you help me research this”, “we were told to look for this,” have been more prevalent during homework sessions, forcing many parents to up their problem solving skills as well as internet research capabilities. For students to effectively study under this curriculum, they need strong digital literacy…basic internet navigation, online research skills, and familiarity with educational tools.
At the same time, the rise of remote work and gig-based opportunities has forced many Ugandans to upskill quickly. From virtual assistants to graphic designers and online tutors, more young people are realizing that tech literacy isn’t just helpful, it’s essential, and a much sought-after skillset in the job market. What used to be “extra skills” are now must-haves. Accessing global job markets or even local tech-enabled roles requires more than just internet access; it demands the digital confidence to show up and deliver online, which, at the very least, is reshaping how youth view the internet, from a source of fun to a platform for growth.
Why Digital Skills Matter for Uganda’s Youth
It’s simple: the job market is changing. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with digital competency, even for entry-level roles. Whether it’s using Microsoft Office, sending emails, or doing online research, these are now basic expectations. And when you add freelancing platforms, online businesses, and tech startups into the mix, it becomes clear that digital skills are not optional.
But that’s not all, the thing is, most of today’s services are provided online. Remember when passport processing required you to show up in queue hours before the offices even open? Electricity, water, and other utility payments? Banking services, company communication, business operations…we live a digital world today, and all these are now opting for a more modern approach. Passport processing is online, with more government services to follow. Utilities are paid for on the phone, banking services are available by mobile, companies pass information on websites and social media, and even tuition can be paid instantly on your mobile phone.
Digitizing government services (e-government) involves using technology to deliver services to citizens online, aiming for efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement.
In Uganda, the government entities that have digitized services include the finance ministry, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Asets Authority (PPDA – with initiatives such as e-procurement, online tax registration and payments and digital postal services…New Vision, Govt moves to localize digital services.
Thankfully, solutions are popping up. Digital skills training in Uganda is becoming more available, with local organizations and tech hubs leading the charge. Programs like the MTN Uganda Foundation’s initiative and Innovation Village’s youth training sessions are giving young people access to real-world ICT education.
How to Improve Digital Literacy in Uganda
If we want a digitally capable generation, we need to be intentional. Government bodies, private companies, and NGOs must work together to embed digital education into our systems, starting from primary school. But beyond formal education, community centers, libraries, and youth spaces can offer digital literacy workshops in Kampala and other regions to reach those who are out of school or in rural areas.
One proven way is to set up ICT labs and provide free or low-cost training to youth. These ICT programs for youth in Uganda can be game-changers. They not only teach technical skills but also build confidence, helping young people realize they can do more than scroll—they can code, design, manage projects, or even start online ventures.
Online Learning Platforms Uganda Needs to Explore
E-learning has also taken up global appeal, fueled by the COVID pandemic that prioritized personal and secluded interaction… Uganda is no exception. The pandemic made it clear that remote learning is a necessity. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and even local initiatives like Yaaka Digital Network are helping close this education gap. Promoting online learning platforms in Uganda can provide flexible, affordable access to knowledge, whether it’s graphic design, business skills, or computer programming.
However, these platforms work best when people know how to use them, which brings us back to our point: digital literacy is foundational. Without it, even the best resources go unused.
The Cost of Being Left Behind
For young Ugandans, missing out on digital skills doesn’t just mean fewer job opportunities. It also means being cut off from critical services like online banking, government portals, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities that exist digitally. It creates a divide where some move forward with global trends, and others are stuck.
That said, the fact that we’re even having this conversation shows progress. More youth are hungry to learn, and more organizations are stepping in to help. If we can keep pushing for inclusive, accessible, and relevant digital education, the next generation won’t just be users of technology, they’ll be creators. We are already seeing a tech focus in Uganda with all the innovations and ICT prioritizations.
Uganda’s future lies in how well we equip our young people today, because in a truly digital world, knowing how to use technology isn’t just useful, it’s survival.
Check out Kampala’s Top 5 Tech Hubs You Need to Know if You Are a Tech Enthusiast.
