Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), in partnership with MTN Uganda, has launched the Kabalagala Youth Centre, a new training hub aimed at equipping young people with practical and digital skills to enhance their employability and promote job creation.
The centre was officially unveiled on Monday as part of MTN Uganda’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care 2025, an annual employee volunteerism campaign running under the theme “Connecting at the Roots – Connecting Communities through Digital Tools.”
The initiative reflects a growing commitment by KCCA and its partners to address youth unemployment and the increasing challenges of rural-urban migration and refugee integration in Kampala responding to urban youth pressure
According to Jonathan Ebuku, an officer at KCCA’s Employment Services Bureau, the city continues to grapple with an influx of young people driven by rural-urban migration and a surge in university graduates lacking hands-on skills.
“KCCA realized the need to establish training centres that offer digital and vocational skills to young people, including videography, cosmetology, and other practical courses,” said Ebuku.
The training programs, which run for periods ranging from two to eight months, are designed to accommodate both refugees and youth living in proximity to the centre. Classes are conducted in shifts—morning and evening—to increase access and flexibility. Upon completion, trainees receive certificates and are linked to job opportunities through KCCA’s Employment Services Bureau.
Expanding Access to Free Skills Training
Daniel Kaseregenyi, Deputy Director for Gender and Community Development at KCCA, said the Kabalagala Youth Centre is one of three such centres operated by the authority, alongside another in Kyanja.
“All our centres offer free training services to young people. After completing their courses, we provide startup kits and help them access capital through our partner financial institutions,” he explained.
Kaseregenyi noted that these centres are not only transforming individual livelihoods but also contributing to broader community development by promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment.
As part of this year’s Y’ello Care campaign, MTN Uganda is investing in digital tools and resources for the Kabalagala Youth Centre. Key contributions include a fully equipped computer lab with free internet access for a year, a creative studio for music and content production, and training workshops focused on digital literacy and business mentorship.
MTN Uganda says it has also supported environmental and sustainability initiatives at the centre, such as tree planting, garbage recycling, solar installations, and rainwater harvesting systems.
These projects aim to promote green jobs and enhance the centre’s long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the launch, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge said the campaign addresses more than just connectivity—it tackles deep-rooted social and economic inequalities.
“The digital divide is not just a technology issue—it’s a social and economic one,” Mulinge said. “This year’s campaign is about delivering real solutions to real problems in the communities we serve. We’re focusing on areas where digital access can unlock long-term opportunities.”
Mulinge emphasized the value of partnerships in achieving impact at scale, noting that MTN is working with several organizations—including ATC Uganda, KCB Bank, Roofings Group, and Transsion—to expand digital inclusion in underserved communities.
MTN is also rolling out similar interventions across other regions of Uganda. In the Greater Central region, the company has partnered with the Nnabagereka Foundation to promote youth agribusiness in Luwero. In the western region, MTN is supporting digital tourism and HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives in Tooro Kingdom.
In the north, the telecom firm is working with the Ker Alur Kingdom to fight teenage pregnancies through digital education programs. Meanwhile, in eastern Uganda, it is collaborating with local leaders in Busoga Kingdom to strengthen vocational skills and promote youth empowerment through technology.