Funding opportunities and free digital skills programs for Ugandan students and professionals
Every year, thousands of Ugandan students and professionals miss out on life-changing opportunities simply because they do not know where to look. Meanwhile, millions of shillings in scholarships go unclaimed, and free training programs run with empty seats.
This guide compiles the current active scholarships and training programs for 2026. All information is verified and up-to-date as of May 2026.
Major Scholarships for 2026-2027 Academic Year
1. Muljibhai Madhvani Foundation Scholarship – Shs750 Million Fund
The Madhvani Foundation has announced a Shs750 million scholarship package for the 2026-2027 academic year, targeting Ugandan students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies .
Key Details:
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Value | Full tuition support |
| Duration | 2026-2027 academic year |
| Type | Merit-based + financial need |
| Theme | “Torch of Legacy” |
Eligible Fields of Study:
- Agriculture
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Human Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Architecture
- Commerce
- Actuarial Science
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science & Technology
- Hotel Management
- Veterinary Medicine
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a Ugandan national
- Undergraduate applicants must have completed first year of study at a Ugandan university
- Minimum CGPA of 3.0 (no retakes in any subject)
- Postgraduate applicants must hold a first degree in an eligible discipline
- Must demonstrate financial need
How to Apply:
Visit the Muljibhai Madhvani Foundation website for application forms. The scholarship committee considers gender balance, regional representation, and disability status among equally qualified candidates.
Deadline: Applications typically open mid-year for the following academic year. Check the Foundation’s portal for specific dates.
2. Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship – Shs3.85 Billion Programme
The Airtel Africa Foundation has committed Shs3.85 billion to the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship, a four-year scholarship programme supporting high-achieving students from low-income households pursuing STEM courses .
Key Details:
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Value | UGX 3.85 billion (approx. USD 1.024 million) |
| Number of Beneficiaries | 20 students |
| Duration | Four-year programme |
| Start Date | February 2026 |
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Laptop
- Monthly stipend
- Data plan
- Structured mentorship throughout academic journey
Eligible Disciplines:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Partner Universities:
- Makerere University
- Kyambogo University
- ISBAT University
- Uganda Christian University
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Selection Process:
The fellowship attracted more than 300 applications after its launch in December 2025. Following a competitive vetting process led by recruitment firm Q-Sourcing Servtec, 20 students were selected based on academic merit and demonstrated financial need .
Current Status: The first cohort has already been selected and commenced studies in February 2026. Future application cycles will be announced on Airtel Uganda’s platforms.
Free Digital Skills Training Programs
3. Uganda Digital Pathways Initiative – Target: 200,000 Youth
Launched by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Kataaha Museveni, on 22nd March 2025, this ambitious initiative aims to transform Uganda into East Africa’s premier digital skills hub by equipping 200,000 youth and professionals with digital and cybersecurity skills by 2027 .
Programme Structure:
| Phase | Timeline | Target | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | May 2025 | 20,000 participants | IT fundamentals |
| Phase 2 | December 2025 | 80,000 participants | Specialized career tracks + industry certifications |
| Phase 3 | 2026 onwards | 100,000 participants | Workplace integration, business partnerships, freelancing |
Specialized Career Tracks:
- Technical cybersecurity
- IT compliance
- IT Helpdesk
- Tech sales and marketing
Partners:
- Deborah’s Impact Projects Africa-Uganda (DIPA-U)
- Africa World Train Center (AWTC)
- Office of the First Lady of Uganda (OFLU)
- Makerere University (College of Computing and Information Sciences)
How to Apply:
Pre-register using the link: https://www.africaworldtraincenter.org/digital-pathways
Current Status: Phase 3 is ongoing in 2026. New participants are encouraged to pre-register.
4. Huawei ICT Academy – Free Training for 1,000+ Ugandans Annually
Huawei Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Makerere University to train and certify Ugandan ICT professionals free of charge through the Huawei ICT Academy .
Key Details:
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Annual Target | 1,000+ Ugandans |
| Start Date | June 2026 |
| Location | Makerere University (Center for Innovations and Professional Skills Development) |
| Cost | Free of charge |
Certification Paths Offered:
- Routing and Switching (R&S) certification
- Wireless LAN certification
- Physical Security certification
- Storage certification
- Cloud computing training and certification
Track Record:
Through its partnership with Makerere University, Huawei has already trained and equipped:
- 350 students from Makerere University
- 200 students from other universities
- 1,300 total students through online applications
Equipment Support:
Huawei has supported the College of Computing and Information Sciences with equipment worth US$30,000 (approximately Shs113 million) and pledged US$15,000 (approximately Shs56 million) annually for capacity building .
How to Apply:
Contact the Center for Innovations and Professional Skills Development at Makerere University. Training commences in June 2026.
5. Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) – Free Training Across Uganda
The Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) is a national initiative aimed at strengthening digital skills and digital literacy across the country .
Key Details:
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of Centres | 95 nationwide |
| Target Audience | Youth, women, PWDs, entrepreneurs, small businesses, rural communities |
| Cost | Free |
| Partners | Cisco Networking Academy, HP LIFE, STMicroelectronics Foundation |
Training Areas:
- Digital awareness
- Cybersecurity
- Entrepreneurship
- Networking
- Data analytics
- Digital business skills
- Computer and mobile device usage
Internationally Recognized Certifications:
Participants can access globally recognized certifications through partnerships with Cisco Networking Academy, HP LIFE, and the STMicroelectronics Foundation .
How to Apply:
Visit any of the 95 Digital Transformation Centres nationwide or contact UICT at Plot 9-21 Port Bell Road, Nakawa.
Current Intake: August 2026 intake is ongoing.
6. ICDL Certification at Kampala International University (KIU)
Kampala International University (KIU) is empowering students with globally recognized digital skills through the International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL) , formerly known as the International Computer Driving License .
Key Details:
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | Kampala International University (KIU) |
| Certification | ICDL (International Certification of Digital Literacy) |
| Modules Available | 26+ modules, beginner to professional levels |
Key Features:
- Internationally recognized certification
- Over 26 modules ranging from beginner to professional levels
- Progressive learning path from basic to advanced digital competence
- Sponsorship available for KIU guild leaders
Why ICDL Matters:
Peter Maina, Regional Manager – ICDL Africa, noted: “Technology is like a knife, you can use it for good and for bad as a weapon. Technology is here to stay, so you need to understand it because it is here to make our work easier.”
Fred Bwambale, ICDL Trainer of Trainers, added: “The certification you get after ICDL training prepares you for the workplace with an internationally recognized certificate” .
How to Apply:
Contact KIU’s School of Mathematics and Computing for enrollment information.
7. UPPC Print School – Tech-Driven Curriculum
The Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) Print School has rolled out a revamped curriculum introducing certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Analysis .
Key Details:
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Campuses | Entebbe and Kampala |
| Intakes | January, April, August (3 times per year) |
| Programme Length | 1-month intensive OR 6-month professional apprenticeship |
| Assessment Body | Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) |
| Track Record | 100+ technicians graduated in past year |
Programme Offerings:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) certification
- Cybersecurity certification
- Data Analysis certification
- Desktop Publishing (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Digital printing (colour management, workflow optimisation)
- Computer repair and technical engineering
- Offset machine operations
- Post-press processes
Flexible Learning Options:
- Entebbe Campus: Daily evening practical sessions
- Kampala Campus: Evening and weekend classes for working professionals
How to Apply:
Enrollment is currently open for the upcoming intake. Contact UPPC Print School at either campus.
Comparison Summary Table
| Program | Type | Value/Offering | Target | Deadline/Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madhvani Foundation Scholarship | Undergraduate/Postgraduate | Full tuition (Shs750m total fund) | STEM fields | Applications open mid-year |
| Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship | Undergraduate (4 years) | Tuition, accommodation, laptop, stipend (Shs3.85bn total) | 20 students | Cohort 1 selected; watch for next cycle |
| Uganda Digital Pathways Initiative | Training | Free digital and cybersecurity skills | 200,000 youth | Ongoing (Phase 3) |
| Huawei ICT Academy | Certification | Free ICT training and certifications | 1,000+ annually | Starts June 2026 |
| DTC (UICT) | Training | Free digital skills at 95 centres | Nationwide | August intake ongoing |
| ICDL at KIU | Certification | International certification (26+ modules) | KIU students and public | Contact KIU |
| UPPC Print School | Training/Certification | AI, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis | Youth and professionals | January/April/August intakes |
Strategic Advice for Applicants
For Scholarship Applicants
- Start early – Most scholarships require extensive documentation including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of financial need.
- Maintain a strong CGPA – The Madhvani Foundation requires a minimum CGPA of 3.0 with no retakes .
- Apply even if you think you might not qualify – Many scholarships go to applicants who simply showed up and tried.
For Training Program Applicants
- Free does not mean low quality – Programs like Huawei ICT Academy and DTC offer internationally recognized certifications.
- Consider location and schedule – UPPC Print School offers evening and weekend classes specifically for working professionals .
- Complete the full program – Certifications hold more value than attendance certificates.
General Advice
- Bookmark official program websites and check regularly for updates
- Prepare your documents in advance (transcripts, ID, recommendation letters)
- Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances
- Be wary of scams – legitimate programs never ask for “application fees”
The Bigger Picture
The investment in ICT education in Uganda is significant. The Airtel fellowship alone represents an annual commitment of approximately Shs195 million for the current cohort .
According to the World Bank, Uganda’s ICT sector contributes about 9 percent to national GDP and is expanding at an annual rate of 14.8 percent. However, industry research by the GSMA indicates that the sector’s full potential—estimated at an additional Shs14.6 trillion by 2030—is constrained by a shortage of skilled professionals .
These scholarships and training programs are not just charitable giving. They are strategic investments in Uganda’s digital future.
Are you applying for any of these opportunities? Have questions about eligibility or application processes? Share in the comments below, and let us help each other succeed.
