A total of 6,000 jobs in the information, Communication, and Technology (lCT) sector are projected to result from the ongoing Uganda-Japan (UJ)Connect project, implemented by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Dr Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the ICT Ministry, said UJ Connect is part of the government’s digital transformation roadmap.
Under this initiative, which began in
February, Ugandan businesses and
youth are matched with Japanese
companies to create employment
opportunities and enhance the
capacity of local innovators.
Mr Amos Mpungu, the principal
ICT officer at the Ministry, said
there is visible progress over the
past six months.He highlighted the project’s four pillars as policy, capacity building,business matching, and startup
acceleration. The business matching component has already seen six Ugandan firms sign contracts with Japanese companies, which is expected to increase job creation as the need for more workforce arises.
Dr Zawedde reported that since 2022, a total of 539,900 Ugandans have been employed, directly and indirectly, through six key innovations developed by Ugandans.
These innovations include the Business Registration System,Integrated Health Information Management System, Electronic Document Record Management System, Electronic Government Procurement System, and the Education Management information System.These systems have improved transparency, accountability, and
service delivery, generating approximately shs93.6 billion over
the last three years.
To further accelerate the ICT sector, the National ICT Innovation Hub in Kampala was revamped in January 2022.
The hub has since hosted 49 innovators &Entrepreneurs,employing321 individuals.It provides infrastructure support,including computers and internet connectivity, along with mentorship and business advisory services.
The hub has also conducted 122 training sessions, benefiting 9,666 participants, and supported more than 500 beneficiaries through mentorship and internship programmes.
In addition, the government established three regional ICT Innovation Hubs at Kabale, Soroti, and Muni universities, funded by the National ICT Initiative Support Progranmme.
These hubs support local innovators with training and digital skilling.
Two National ICT job fairs held in 2022 and 2023 opened up 10,163 opportunities for youth including jobs, internships,apprenticeship&scholarships.
The Digital Transformation Roadmap, launched by President Museveni in August last year,Outlines five pillars as
infrastructure, digital services,cyber security, digital skilling, and
innovation and entrepreneurship.
Running from 2023 to 2028, the roadmap aims to create 300,000 jobs as the government extends internet connections to 600 health centers and all 146 district headquarters, empowering
individuals, businesses, and communities to fully participate in
the digital economy.source Daily monitor.