In a significant milestone for digital education, Airtel Uganda and UNICEF have connected the 130th school to high-speed internet as part of their joint initiative to empower 200,000 in-school and out-of-school learners across Uganda.
The announcement was made during the commemoration of the UNESCO International Day of Digital Learning at Kasengejje Secondary School in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.
This Matters
The initiative, launched in 2021, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing free internet access to schools and learning platforms.
So far, 130 primary and secondary schools have been connected, benefiting 41,000 learners and 1,800 teachers.
By June 2025, the partners plan to connect an additional 71 schools and youth community centers, bringing the total to 200 schools nationwide.
Related: Airtel Empowers Women and Girls in Nakaseke to Celebrate International Women’s Day
What Leaders Are Saying
Janet Museveni, Uganda’s First Lady and Education Minister, emphasized the importance of digital learning in today’s education system.
Represented by Dr. Jane Egau Okou, the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, she stated:
“Digital learning enables a more individualized approach, improving learning outcomes. It supersedes location and time, offering flexibility that traditional methods cannot.”
She applauded Airtel and UNICEF for their efforts, calling the initiative a game-changer for Uganda’s education sector.
Airtel’s Commitment to Education
Soumendra Sahu, Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, reiterated the company’s commitment to empowering learners.
“No child should fail homework in any household with a smartphone. We are breaking barriers to equitable education and giving children opportunities to reach their full potential,” Sahu said.
He highlighted Airtel’s robust 4G+5G network as a key enabler of this transformation, ensuring teachers can access modern online resources to deliver impactful lessons.
Related: Airtel Money Rewards Parents and Guardians in Back-to-School Campaign
UNICEF’s Vision for Uganda’s Future
Thomas Meyerer, Deputy Representative for Operations at UNICEF, underscored the partnership’s rationale:
“By increasing access to quality education, we can bridge the urban-rural gap and prepare children for a digital economy. This initiative is about creating a brighter future for Uganda’s population.”
Meyerer noted that digital literacy not only enhances academic success but also prepares students for future employment, contributing to the country’s economic and social development.
The Bigger Picture
This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate technology into Uganda’s education system, ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital age.
With each school connected, the dream of equitable education becomes more attainable.
