Introduction
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), invites suitably qualified organisations, firms or consortia to submit proposals for the implementation of the ICT and Multimedia skilling for Youth to foster innovation and creativity in the digital economy project for FY 2026/2027.

The programme seeks to equip 500 youth firsts underserved and unserved communities with practical ICT and digital multimedia skills that enhance employability, promote innovation and creativity and enable youth participation in Uganda's digital and creative economy.

Recognising the growing demand for digital competences across all sectors, the programme is designed to equip youth with skills in areas such as computer literacy, multimedia production, digital communication, and graphics design. It also aims to promote the development of the entrepreneurial and effective use of emerging digital technologies. The programme will also expose participants to opportunities while the creative industries, digital innovation ecosystems and online labour markets.

UCC/UCUSAF seeks to partner with competent organisations or consortia that possess the technical expertise, institutional capacity, and experience required to deliver high-quality digital skills training, mentorship and youth empowerment programmes. The implementing partner will be responsible for delivering practical, market-driven training that prepares beneficiaries for self-employment, self-employment and participation in the digital economy.

General Objective
To equip youth in the project districts with practical ICT and multimedia skills that promote innovation, digital content creation, entrepreneurship and employment, thereby contributing to improved livelihoods and participation in Uganda's digital and creative economy.

Specific Objectives
The programme seeks to:

1. Equip at least 500 youth in five (5) districts of Otong, Rukungiri, Gulu, Kasese, and Buikwe with practical ICT and multimedia skills using industry-relevant tools and technologies to enable them to participate effectively in Uganda's digital and creative economy.
2. Develop participants' competences in multimedia production, digital content creation, digital marketing, graphics design, photography, videography, animation and other emerging digital opportunities to enhance their creativity, innovation and productivity.
3. Equip youth with digital entrepreneurship and business skills that enable them to provide market-driven digital skills, carrier guidance and exposure to employment, self-employment and business creation.
4. Promote innovation, creativity and responsible digital citizenship through hands-on learning, practical projects, industry exposure and participation in hackathons, bootcamps and other competitions.
5. Increase awareness and utilization of opportunities in the digital economy by equipping participants with skills for remote work opportunities, online work, freelancing and digital enterprise development.
6. Recognize and certify participants who successfully complete the training programme to enhance their employability and professional development.
7. Provide mentorship, career guidance, networking opportunities and linkages to employment, online work platforms and entrepreneurship support to facilitate their transition into the labour market.

Project Activities

1. Implement the project through a competitive, performance-based grant arrangement, with fund disbursements linked to the achievement of agreed milestones, deliverables and performance indicators.
2. Conduct a baseline assessment to identify digital skills gaps and labour market needs and mobilise eligible youth, including women, persons with disabilities, refugees and other vulnerable groups.
3. Develop and deliver practical, industry-responsive training in ICT and multimedia skills, including digital design, photography, videography, animation, digital marketing, social media management, content development, e-commerce, digital entrepreneurship and responsible digital citizenship, using hands-on and project-based learning approaches.
4. Provide mentorship, career guidance, networking opportunities and linkages to employment, online work platforms and entrepreneurship support to facilitate their transition into the labour market.
5. Establish a robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework to monitor implementation, measure results and generate evidence to inform programme improvement and future digital skilling interventions.
6. Strengthen collaboration with government, academia, industry, private sector and development partners to promote sustainability.
7. The Applicant (both Lead and co-applicant in case of a consortium) shall demonstrate experience in implementing similar projects at scale, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
8. The Applicant (both Lead and co-applicant in case of a consortium) shall demonstrate experience in providing business development and investment support to youth, including incubation, mentorship and access to finance.
9. The Applicant (both Lead and co-applicant in case of a consortium) shall present a clear sustainability strategy, including partnerships, resource mobilisation and other strategies to ensure continuity and long-term impact beyond the grant period.

Application Timeline
The grant application is open from 28th September 2026 to 12th October 2026.

A pre-grant application meeting will be held on-line on 2nd October 2026 at 11:30am. The meeting link is below:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_326392440337814167%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b9c7ce8a-7e57-4e8f-9b47-7c0e7b8c22a9%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%228b75a6ee-077f-459d-a5ce-2bff00f76111%22%7d

Detailed statement of requirements: https://www.ucc.co.ug/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/CALL-FOR-PROPOSALS-FOR-THE-GRANT-FOR-ENHANCING-YOUTH-ICT-AND-MULTIMEDIA-SKILLING-IN-UGANDA-2026-2027.pdf

Applications must be submitted through the grant application portal at https://services.ucc.co.ug/web/ by 11:59 pm on 12th October 2026.

For inquiries, contact:
Telephone: +256 414 339000 / +256 312 339000
Email: ucusal@ucc.co.ug

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Uganda Communications Commission
Plot 42-44, Spring Road Bugolobi
P. O. Box 7376, Kampala
Website: www.ucc.co.ug
Email: ucusal@ucc.co.ug
X: @UCC_Official