The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance joined the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to celebrate International Girls in ICT Day at the National ICT Innovation Hub, joining global efforts to inspire greater participation of girls and women in the technology sector. The event, aligned with this year’s theme “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” underscored Uganda’s commitment to bridging the digital gender divide and empowering young women as leaders in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
The celebration brought together students from schools including Kitante Hill School, Trinity College Nabbingo, Nabisunsa Girls’ S.S., Kibuli S.S., and Our Lady of Good Counsel Gayaza, alongside educators, government officials, and tech partners. Highlighting the urgency of addressing gender disparities in ICT, speakers emphasized that girls and women remain underrepresented in STEM roles and leadership positions.
“The digital gender gap is real but not irreversible,” said Hon. William Nyombi Thembo, UCC Executive Director, during the event. “Let’s equip girls with the tools, skills, and confidence to lead in STEM.” The remarks echoed the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) global call for members to foster girls’ socio-economic empowerment through technology-driven initiatives.
Aligned with Uganda’s national vision, the government has prioritized ICT skilling programs, innovation hubs, and university incentives for girls pursuing STEM fields. As part of this year’s Girls in ICT Day activities, Uganda organized events across five regions—Arua, Gulu, Mbale, Mbarara, and Kampala—engaging secondary school girls in hands-on tech workshops, mentorship sessions led by Greenbridge School of Technologies, and competitions focused on real-world ICT solutions.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT, delivered a keynote address urging collective action to ensure young women are “not left behind in the digital age.” She stressed the importance of positioning girls as innovators and leaders, stating, “Through digital skilling programs and innovation hubs, we are building a future where every girl can lead Uganda’s digital transformation.”
An all-women panel of tech pioneers shared insights on gender equity, digital inclusion, and strategies to empower the next generation. The panel included Marcella Karekye, Director at GCIC, Sherifah Tumusiime, Founder and CEO of Zimba Women, Gorretti Byomire, Lecturer in the Dep. of Information Systems at MUBS, and Vivian Ddambya, Digital Transformation Architect — moderated by Rebecca Mukite, Division Head of Communication and Infrastructure Services at UCC. They highlighted the critical role of STEM education in driving innovation and economic growth, while participants explored emerging technologies and pathways to ICT careers.
The event also showcased Uganda’s progress in establishing innovation hubs nationwide, which aim to provide accessible platforms for girls to experiment with technology. These efforts align with broader goals to ensure digital inclusion and equity, enabling girls to transition from tech users to creators and problem-solvers.
As Uganda advances its digital agenda, stakeholders reiterated the need for sustained investment in girls’ ICT education and mentorship. By dismantling barriers and amplifying opportunities, the nation aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where young women lead the charge toward an inclusive digital future.
International Girls in ICT Day, observed annually on the fourth Thursday of April, is a global initiative led by the ITU to promote gender equality in technology. Uganda’s nationwide activities reflect its dedication to turning this vision into reality—one girl coder, innovator, and leader at a time.
