Innovation
MTN Spark Hub Handed Over to Kabale University
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, together with its partners, joined the leadership, students, and wider community of Kabale University on 23rd April 2026 for the official handover of the MTN Spark Hub in Kabale, marking a significant step in extending Uganda’s digital innovation infrastructure to the Kigezi sub-region.
The facility, established in partnership with MTN Uganda Foundation and Centenary Technology Services, will support digital skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students and the surrounding community.
Speaking at the handover, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Aminah Zawedde, emphasised that the initiative is part of a deliberate effort to decentralise innovation and expand opportunities for young people across the country. “We set up hubs in universities because they have the capacity to protect and motivate,” she said, adding that “this isn’t just for students; it is for the youth of Kigezi.”
The MTN Spark Hub is designed as a platform where young people can access practical training, participate in innovation programmes, and build solutions in areas such as data science, cybersecurity, and software development. With modern equipment, reliable connectivity, and collaborative workspaces, the facility enables users to learn, experiment, and connect to opportunities beyond their immediate environment.
For many participants, the impact is already clear. “Before this, we had ideas but limited access to the tools and environment to develop them,” said one participant from the innovation accelerator programme. “Now we can build, test, and even connect to real markets. It changes how we think about our future.”
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader digital agenda to equip its predominantly young population with relevant skills and pathways to employment. It also supports the government’s push to expand opportunities beyond Kampala by establishing regional hubs that bring infrastructure and programmes closer to communities.
Professor William Bazeyo, Trustee on the MTN Foundation Board, emphasised the importance of inclusivity, noting that “from students to surrounding communities, the MTN Spark Hub opens doors to opportunity, innovation, and digital skills that empower inclusive growth.” He urged the university to ensure the facility remains accessible to the wider community, including local entrepreneurs and innovators.
Peter Kahiigi, Chief Technology Officer at Centenary Technology Services, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative, stating that “the vision for the MTN Spark Hub speaks to the heart of the nation, promoting inclusion and equipping all Ugandans with digital skills.”
Kabale University Vice Chancellor, Professor Joy Kwesiga, described the hub as a transformative addition to the institution. “This hub bridges the gap between learning and application. It gives our students and the wider community the opportunity to develop practical solutions, build enterprises, and contribute to national development,” she said.
Dr. Zawedde also acknowledged the continued support of MTN Uganda Foundation and the role of Centenary Technology Services in delivering a functional facility, noting that collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector remains central to driving impact.
As Uganda advances its digital transformation agenda, the MTN Spark Hub at Kabale University provides a practical platform for innovation, skills development, and access to emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
The facility, established in partnership with MTN Uganda Foundation and Centenary Technology Services, will support digital skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students and the surrounding community.
Speaking at the handover, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Aminah Zawedde, emphasised that the initiative is part of a deliberate effort to decentralise innovation and expand opportunities for young people across the country. “We set up hubs in universities because they have the capacity to protect and motivate,” she said, adding that “this isn’t just for students; it is for the youth of Kigezi.”
The MTN Spark Hub is designed as a platform where young people can access practical training, participate in innovation programmes, and build solutions in areas such as data science, cybersecurity, and software development. With modern equipment, reliable connectivity, and collaborative workspaces, the facility enables users to learn, experiment, and connect to opportunities beyond their immediate environment.
For many participants, the impact is already clear. “Before this, we had ideas but limited access to the tools and environment to develop them,” said one participant from the innovation accelerator programme. “Now we can build, test, and even connect to real markets. It changes how we think about our future.”
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader digital agenda to equip its predominantly young population with relevant skills and pathways to employment. It also supports the government’s push to expand opportunities beyond Kampala by establishing regional hubs that bring infrastructure and programmes closer to communities.
Professor William Bazeyo, Trustee on the MTN Foundation Board, emphasised the importance of inclusivity, noting that “from students to surrounding communities, the MTN Spark Hub opens doors to opportunity, innovation, and digital skills that empower inclusive growth.” He urged the university to ensure the facility remains accessible to the wider community, including local entrepreneurs and innovators.
Peter Kahiigi, Chief Technology Officer at Centenary Technology Services, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative, stating that “the vision for the MTN Spark Hub speaks to the heart of the nation, promoting inclusion and equipping all Ugandans with digital skills.”
Kabale University Vice Chancellor, Professor Joy Kwesiga, described the hub as a transformative addition to the institution. “This hub bridges the gap between learning and application. It gives our students and the wider community the opportunity to develop practical solutions, build enterprises, and contribute to national development,” she said.
Dr. Zawedde also acknowledged the continued support of MTN Uganda Foundation and the role of Centenary Technology Services in delivering a functional facility, noting that collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector remains central to driving impact.
As Uganda advances its digital transformation agenda, the MTN Spark Hub at Kabale University provides a practical platform for innovation, skills development, and access to emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
The author is a Communications Officer at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
