UN Women, the Ugandan government, and the African Union Commission have launched the third phase of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) at Wanyange Girls’ Secondary School in Jinja.
The programme aims to teach girls digital skills, helping them pursue careers in coding, robotics, and tech innovation.
AGCCI, a continental project started in 2018, has trained thousands of African girls in ICT and STEM. Uganda is now expanding it nationwide to support more young women in tech.
Dr. Joyce Abaliwo Mulebeke, State Minister for Gender, Women and Children Affairs in Busoga Kingdom, said the initiative aligns with Uganda’s push for STEM growth. “Today, we are investing in girls not just as learners, but as future creators, coders, and innovators who will shape the digital future of Uganda and Africa,” she said.
She encouraged the girls to focus on education as a way to gain financial independence.
Deborah Basekanakyo, Headmistress of Wanyange Girls’ Secondary School, called the Coding Hub a “groundbreaking opportunity” for girls in Eastern Uganda.
“The hub is a safe space for learning, innovation, and transformation. Together, we must make this work,” she said.
Paulina Chiwangu, UN Women Uganda Country Representative, said there is a need to close the digital gender gap.
Grace Bulenzi, Programme Specialist for Gender Statistics, said: “Only 26% of women in Uganda are online, compared to 45% of men. This is more than a training programme, it’s a movement.”
The first group of 60 girls completed a 10-day coding boot camp at Wanyange Girls’ and received certificates at the launch.
The event included live coding demos, alumni success stories, and speeches from officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
