The MTN Foundation, in partnership with Sense International, has commissioned a fully refurbished ICT Resource Centre at Kisoro Demonstration Primary School in Kisoro District, equipped with assistive learning tools to promote inclusive education for learners with visual impairments.
The facility, established under the MTN Digital Access Project, features 10 computers, assistive software, sound amplifiers, scanners, printers, and one year of fully sponsored internet access. The intervention seeks to bridge the persistent digital divide affecting learners with disabilities.
According to Nestor Niyonziza, an ICT teacher at the school, the donation represents more than gadgets. “These tools are gateways to knowledge, independence and equal participation in the digital world,” he said, emphasizing that learners thrive when given the right support.
Headteacher Stephen Habiyaremye commended the initiative, saying the lab will “open doors of opportunity for learners with visual impairments and other special needs, enabling them to access digital learning, research and communication on equal terms with others.”
Kisoro Municipality Principal Education Officer, Emmanuel Mugema, encouraged pupils to make maximum use of the facility, stressing that “the future belongs to those who are willing to learn and adapt.”
Kisoro Municipality Mayor Richard Ndyana added that the centre would boost competition and improve the quality of education among learners with disabilities.
Sense International Uganda Country Director, Edward Otim, reaffirmed the organisation’s mission to support children with deaf blindness through innovation and advocacy.
“This partnership was born out of a shared vision to ensure that children with disabilities are fully included in education systems. Learners, this is your time to shine, you have no excuse not to excel,” he said.
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MTN Uganda’s Regional Commercial Head – West, Andrew Tusubira, noted that access to technology should not be a privilege.
“This computer lab is more than equipment; it represents opportunity. Every learner, regardless of ability, deserves the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.” He said.
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The Kisoro centre is one of 11 ICT laboratories being established nationwide under Shs 1 Billion investment by MTN Foundation. Five of these are located in inclusive schools, including Mvara Secondary School (Arua), St. Francis School for the Blind (Soroti City), and Iganga Secondary School.
The initiative aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy, Uganda’s Vision 2040, and the national Digital Transformation Roadmap. Globally, it advances Sustainable Development Goals on Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships (SDG 17).
To date, MTN Uganda has set up more than 60 ICT labs across the country, transforming access to digital education in both mainstream and vocational institutions.
Kisoro Demonstration Primary School currently has over 650 pupils, including 149 learners with special needs, 32 of whom are deafblind. With tailored digital tools, the new ICT lab is expected to significantly bridge the learning gap between mainstream pupils and those requiring specialised support.
