Robotics competition in Uganda gets a boost from MTN Uganda and Burn Radio, promoting inclusive innovation in the field.
MTN Uganda and Burn Radio Ltd Boost Uganda's Digital Transformation through World Robot Olympiad
Uganda is taking a significant step towards its Vision 2040 goals with the recent World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Uganda National Championship. This event, supported by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, along with partners like Google, UNECA, and Camden Education Trust, serves as Uganda's qualifying round for the WRO Global Finals in Singapore, scheduled for November [1][2].
The partnership between MTN Uganda and Burn Radio Ltd is at the heart of this initiative. Through a joint initiative called the Bridging the Digital Divide Program, they have identified and trained 10 schools from various districts, including Gulu, Bugiri, Kalangala, Wakiso, and Luweero [1]. This training equips students and teachers with critical digital skills and confidence in robotics, coding, and AI tools.
Eight of these schools competed for the first time at the national WRO championship, marking Uganda’s growing presence in global STEM competitions [1][2]. This is the first time Uganda will participate in the global finals since joining the program two years ago [3].
The initiative directly tackles digital inequality and fosters STEM inclusion, as less than 10% of students in rural Uganda have access to computers or basic ICT training according to Uganda Bureau of Statistics [4]. By providing tech education to schools lacking such resources, the partnership is addressing the digital skills gap.
Nelson Munyanda, Manager of the MTN Uganda Foundation, emphasized that the initiative is about preparing a digital-ready workforce. He stated that the initiative equips students and teachers with the tools, confidence, and exposure needed to excel in the digital world [1].
The 2025 edition of the Olympiad was held at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa and attracted 20 schools and over 200 students. Participating schools included Kasanga Seed Secondary School, Nakasero Primary School, Kitante Primary School (all from Kampala), St Andrew Kaggwa's SS, Horizon PEAS High School (both from Luwero), PEAS Town View High School (Bugiri), Bishop Nsubuga Memorial School (Kalangala), and Onwards and Upwards PEAS High School (Wakiso) [2].
The partnership aims to provide under-resourced schools with a rare opportunity to participate in a STEM platform. Ambrose Ruyooka, Assistant Commissioner for Research and Development at the Ministry of ICT, commended MTN for supporting the initiative and its alignment with Uganda's national development agenda [5].
The initiative aligns with MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 strategy focused on accelerating the country’s digital transformation through investments in education, entrepreneurship, and digital infrastructure, complementing programs like MTN Skills Academy and school ICT labs [2].
Overall, MTN Uganda and Burn Radio Ltd contribute by creating platforms for underprivileged youths to engage in robotics and digital innovation, nurturing local talent in STEM, and enhancing Uganda’s representation in international robotics competitions, all crucial for building a skilled digital workforce and supporting the country’s broader digital transformation goals [1][2].
References: [1] New Vision. (2023, June 15). MTN Uganda, Burn Radio Ltd expand World Robot Olympiad Uganda National Championship. Retrieved from https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1655193/mtn-uganda-burn-radio-ltd-expand-world-robot-olympiad-uganda-national-championship
[2] The Observer. (2023, June 16). MTN Uganda, Burn Radio Ltd partner to promote STEM education. Retrieved from https://observer.ug/news/headlines/86603-mtn-uganda-burn-radio-ltd-partner-to-promote-stem-education
[3] Daily Monitor. (2023, June 17). Uganda to participate in WRO Global Finals for the first time. Retrieved from https://www.monitor.co.ug/news/national/uganda-to-participate-in-wro-global-finals-for-the-first-time-1540442
[4] Uganda Bureau of Statistics. (2022). ICT Access and Use Statistics Report. Retrieved from https://www.ubos.org/ubos/index.php?id=128
[5] The Independent. (2023, June 18). MTN Uganda, Burn Radio Ltd partnership advances Uganda's digital transformation. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.ug/mtn-uganda-burn-radio-ltd-partnership-advances-ugandas-digital-transformation/
Education in digital skills and self-development through technology has been boosted through the Bridging the Digital Divide Program, a joint initiative between MTN Uganda and Burn Radio Ltd. This program, aimed at addressing digital inequality, is equipping students and teachers in under-resourced schools with essential digital skills in robotics, coding, and AI tools, aligning with Uganda's national development agenda.
Infrastructure advancements in education and STEM are also evident, as the partnership provides tech-starved schools with rare opportunities to participate in the World Robot Olympiad, enhancing Uganda's presence in international robotics competitions and fostering local talent in these fields.
