Kagina rallies youth innovators to monetise innovations at Nakawa ICT hub

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Young innovators in the field of information technology have been urged to take advantage of the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa to turn their ideas into income-generating activities.

The call was made by Allen Kagina, a board member of the MTN Foundation, during a tour of the innovation hub in Nakawa on March 31, 2026.

According to Kagina, the hub is equipped with infrastructure that includes professional-grade microphones, broadcast arms, a mixing console, monitors, as well as computers, internet access and working spaces that young people can utilise before progressing into standalone businesses.

“Is it interesting to see how many young people are here, to see them commit their time and not wait. Coming to action through the innovation hub, that is what transformation is all about,” Kagina said.

Kagina added that young innovators who may not have access to the hub in Nakawa should take advantage of regional ICT hubs in universities such as Soroti University, Gulu University, Muni University, Kabale University and Busitema University.

The hub is part of MTN Uganda’s ACE programme, through which MTN supports the Uganda National ICT Innovation Hub to transform it into a world-class facility capable of nurturing the next generation of Ugandan innovators, entrepreneurs and digital talent.

Kagina (center) examines some of the latest equipment.

Other partners involved include Centenary Bank through its Centre-Tech, which serves as the implementation partner delivering the programme across two phases. Phase One has been completed, and the focus has now shifted to infrastructure, skills development and incubation at the national hub in Kampala.

So far, over 32,000 individuals have been trained through the programme to a standard recognised by the market. Of the 32,125 individuals trained, 12,248 are women, while 96 are persons with disabilities. The programme has prioritised inclusion as a core element of its design.

Fifteen start-ups have emerged through the incubation track, while 20 entities are now certified as compliant with Uganda’s data protection and privacy regulations.

Winston Abanaitwe, the senior manager for accreditation at the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, added that the hub is also supporting the TVET sector through internship placements.

This enables young people to develop innovations that offer solutions to various challenges, demonstrating the strong working relationship between government and the private sector through public-private partnerships.

Beneficiaries speak out

During the tour, some beneficiaries shared their experiences, noting that the hub has not only created employment opportunities for them but has also connected them to businesses across the country.

They said the hub has provided logistical support, helped train other innovators in the agriculture sector, and enabled people to pay rent in a more structured way.