Uganda’s smallholder farmers are set to gain a major boost in digital empowerment as the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), through its Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), launches the second phase of its Digital Skilling for Farmers Program in partnership with Eight Tech Consults Ltd.

Announced in March 2026, the initiative will train 2,140 smallholder farmers across 24 new districts throughout Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central Uganda.

It builds directly on the success of Phase I, which equipped 3,116 farmers in 26 districts with essential ICT skills.

The program aims to bridge the digital divide in rural communities by providing practical, transversal digital literacy training. Farmers will learn to access agricultural information, e-government services, digital markets, online learning platforms, and safe mobile money practices—skills aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan III and priorities from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

“The objective is to impart digital transversal skills to farmers that will enable them to harness innovations developed by government and the private sector to increase efficiency and productivity in their lives,” said Dr. Drake Patrick Mirembe, CTO of Eight Tech Consults Ltd.

Training rolls out in two rounds; the first from February to March 2026 covering districts such as Kakumiro, Adjumani, Alebtong, Dokolo, Apac, Buvuma, Bukedea, Bugweri, Busia, Mayuge, Kisoro, and Bundibugyo (1,070 farmers); the second from April to May 2026 including Kiryandongo, Nwoya, Otuke, Amuria, Soroti, Buikwe, Mubende, Ntoroko, Kitagwenda, Rukungiri, Rwampara, and Rakai (another 1,070 farmers).

Delivered over five days per district by local trainers and Community Change Agents, the program uses a localized 30-hour curriculum in languages including Luganda, Runyankore-Rukiga, Luo (Lango/Acholi), and Ateso.

It incorporates a digital needs assessment of 480 farmers, hands-on modules on internet use, cybersecurity, agricultural apps, and e-services, plus field visits to see digital tools in action.

Post-training support links participants to UCC-supported ICT Public Access Centers, with peer mentorship via Trainers of Trainers.

Expected impacts include enhanced access to markets and information, stronger ties to national farmer networks, and sustainable community digital learning hubs.

The effort draws on collaborations with the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE), District Farmer Associations, COMFARNET, WOUGNET, the Livestock Development Forum, NARO, and Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement.

“Our goal is to engineer an inclusive digital ecosystem that works with the realities of smallholder farmers,” said Ms. Fiona Nambogo, Project Manager at Eight Tech Consults.

Participants are already seeing benefits.

“I am happy that UCC brought the digital skilling close to Bugweri District… I am able to get most of the information I need while using my phone,” said farmer Nakaziba Salima from Bugweri.

A trainer added; “We have been able to look at the different ICT platforms where farmers are able to engage with our clients… and receive guidance,” said Mr. Joseph Lwevuze.

The program underscores UCC and UCUSAF’s commitment to extending communications access and digital inclusion to underserved rural areas, fostering productivity and economic growth in Uganda’s vital agricultural sector.