PinkCode Uganda, a female-founded non-profit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering technology space is on a mission to address the skills gap in the digital domain with a gender-wise approach, ensuring equal access to technology and its opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender or socio-economic background. The organization’s core values include teamwork, integrity, continuous learning, excellence, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
At the core of PinkCode Uganda’s mission lies a bold and transformative vision: to foster a world where everyone has equal access to technology and the skills needed to harness its potential. The organization’s programs are designed to create an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn, innovate, and grow. “Technology is a tool that enables Innovation by empowering people to take control of their lives, whether through access to information, skill development, or digital tools,” Caroline Mbabazi, Executive Director and Co-founder of PinkCode Uganda told PC Tech Magazine.
The digital domain is a fast-growing sector that holds immense potential for economic growth, innovation, and social progress, providing creative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from healthcare to education to environmental conservation. However, despite its promise, significant barriers persist in this field including lack of digital skills, regulatory and political challenges, social and security concerns as well as economic and gender inequalities among many.
PinkCode Uganda recognizes these challenges and is committed to addressing them head-on. By taking a gender-wise approach to digital skilling, the organization is creating a level playing field where everyone—regardless of gender—can thrive in the digital age. “We believe that technology can be a powerful tool for positive change by providing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for underserved communities,” says Dorothy Kabarozi, Programs Director and Co-founder of PinkCode Uganda. “But for it to truly fulfill its potential, it must be inclusive and accessible to all.”
PinkCode Uganda offers skilling programs and training to underserved communities, especially women and girls. They also support primary, secondary, and university learners who are passionate about digital technology. Additionally, they provide mentoring programs for software developers and engineers, equipping them with soft skills and modern software engineering approaches.
Programs and Initiatives
PinkCode Uganda has launched several initiatives to bring its mission to life. These programs are tailored to address the unique needs of Ugandans in the tech space while fostering an inclusive learning environment. Among the flagship initiatives are:
- Digital skills training
The organization offers comprehensive training programs in areas such as coding, web development, data analysis, and digital marketing. These courses are designed to equip participants with the practical skills needed to excel in the digital economy. The training sessions are conducted in an inclusive and supportive environment, ensuring that one feels empowered to learn and grow.
- Cyber guardians project
In an era dominated by digital connectivity, the Cyber Guardians Project addresses online safety for children, aiming to protect them from a myriad of online risks like cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. The Cyber Guardians project aims to address this critical issue by implementing a comprehensive online safety initiative focused on awareness and advocacy, multi-stakeholder engagement, digital literacy education, promotion of balanced screen time, and establishment of a model incident reporting system.
This project’s primary goal is to ensure a safer digital environment for Ugandan children by promoting responsible screen time and internet usage. “We have to safeguard the children’s innocence and physical well-being as they explore, learn, and interact online, while also upholding our society’s moral fiber,” says Cleopatra Kanyunyuzi, Development Director and Co-founder of PinkCode Uganda. “This allows children to benefit from the digital world while still enjoying their childhood.”
The project is under implementation in both primary and secondary schools in Uganda and the impact of the project is evident with the increased knowledge on digital safety among the students and the testimonies of children making wiser safety decisions while using devices of different kinds.
- Women in Tech
PinkCode Uganda is tackling one of the most pressing challenges: the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry. Women often face a combination of structural, societal, and cultural challenges that hinder their entry and advancement in technology-related careers. These obstacles range from limited access to education and resources to deeply entrenched gender biases that perpetuate stereotypes about women’s capabilities in technical fields.
The organization particularly addresses the skills gap of the young female computer and software engineers who have to overcome several challenges to make it in the tech profession and advance their careers. There are fewer women in senior Tech roles which means fewer mentors and role models for aspiring female Tech professionals. Without strong mentorship, it becomes even harder for women to navigate career growth, salary negotiations, and leadership opportunities.
PinkCode Uganda actively engages in advocacy efforts to promote gender equality in technology. By collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions, the organization works to address systemic barriers and create a more inclusive tech ecosystem. The organization has initiatives that focus on getting young girls into coding and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and advocates for equal pay as well as work-life balance for female engineers.
The impact of PinkCode Uganda’s work is evident in the stories of the individuals it has touched.
- Mentorship programs
PinkCode Uganda is committed to providing young people with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in their careers and foster growth, skills development, and confidence across various domains. To achieve this, they offer mentoring programs to different age groups including school-going children, young adults, and adults. The mentoring programs are conducted through structured guidance, hands-on learning experience,s and peer collaborations.
PinkCode Uganda equips less experienced software developers, computer engineers, and software engineers with the soft skills and modern software engineering approaches needed to succeed in the industry, as well as connecting them with seasoned professionals. The goal is to help mentees enhance their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry best practices.
- Outreach Programs
To reach underserved communities, they conduct outreach programs in rural and marginalized areas. These initiatives focus on raising awareness about the importance of digital literacy and providing hands-on training to those who may not have access to traditional educational opportunities. In addition, they support SMEs owned by women by offering digital literacy, financial literacy, and business development skills.
While they have achieved remarkable success, the journey has not been without challenges. Funding constraints, societal resistance, and the digital divide in rural areas are just a few of the hurdles the organization faces. However, these challenges have only strengthened its resolve.
The founders highlight the importance of collaboration in overcoming these obstacles. “We cannot do this alone,” says Mbabazi. “Partnerships with the private sector, government, and other non-profits are crucial to achieving our goals. By working together, stakeholders can create a more inclusive and empowering technology space for all.”
In addition to its core activities, PinkCode Uganda has partnered with organizations like MTN Uganda to support educational initiatives. For instance, during MTN’s ’30 Days of Y’ello Care’ campaign in 2024, PinkCode contributed to digital skilling in schools and educated teens on digital online safety to combat internet abuse and bullying.
They once again partnered with MTN Uganda on the “Helping Children Be Children” campaign that was relaunched in December 2024 at Maendeleo Foundation in Mukono. During this event, very insightful information about digital safety for children was shared during a panel discussion with several stakeholders including Uganda Police.
#MTNFoundation, in partnership with the @MaendeleoFoundation & other key stakeholders, is officially launching the second edition of the #HelpChildrenBeChildren campaign. We are committed to safeguarding children in the digital space, creating awareness & promoting online safety. pic.twitter.com/tebieL8Sod
— MTN Uganda (@mtnug) December 18, 2024
They also took part in the Ekisaakaate Kya Nnabagereka 2025 at Janan Secondary School, Bombo Campus, under the theme “Integrating Culture with Technology,” where they facilitated digital literacy and online safety sessions for the children (Abasaakaate).
As PinkCode Uganda continues to expand its reach and impact, it serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. The organization’s work underscores the importance of addressing the digital skills gap and promoting gender equality in technology.
