In the heart of Port Bell Market, 57-year-old Jane Nakitto carefully arranges colourful fabrics in her stall. But unlike two months ago, she now pauses to record sales on her phone, using a simple inventory app before accepting payment via mobile money.
“Before, I would lose track of what sold best. Now my phone tells me,” she says with a smile, holding up her smartphone. “My children were surprised when I showed them I could do this.”
Nakitto is one of 851 market vendors who graduated on Wednesday morning from a digital skills program that is quietly transforming Uganda’s traditional marketplaces into hubs of digital innovation. The program, a collaboration between Uganda’s ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the National ICT Innovation Hub, MTN Uganda Foundation, and Huawei Uganda, is equipping vendors with the technological skills to modernize their businesses.
Digital transformation in markets
The training sessions were held in Kamwokya Community Centre, Kamwokya market, Kamwokya Mosque, Kitintale market, Port Bell market, and Usafi market. Of the 851 graduates, 58 per cent are male (493), while 42 per cent are female (358), marking a significant step toward bridging Uganda’s digital gender divide.
Dr Aminah Zawedde, permanent secretary at the ministry of ICT & National Guidance, emphasized the program’s role in Uganda’s digital vision.
“This digital skilling initiative represents the practical implementation of our Digital Transformation Roadmap. When we see market vendors using digital tools to increase their incomes, we’re witnessing digital transformation that matters to ordinary Ugandans. This initiative aligns directly with the government’s commitment to ICT as a driver of national development.”
