Huawei Technologies Uganda has unveiled its inaugural 2025-2026 Huawei ICT Competition, a nationwide initiative aimed at nurturing local technology talent and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry demands.
The high-profile launch took place at State House, Nakasero, officiated by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet K. Museveni. The event drew government officials, Chinese diplomats, Huawei executives, and aspiring young technologists from across the country.
With the theme “Connection, Glory, Future” and the slogan “I.C. The Future”, the program will engage universities, training centres, and technology enthusiasts to strengthen Uganda’s ICT ecosystem. The competition offers structured training, exposure to industry-level challenges, and platforms to foster digital transformation.
The launch also honoured Ugandan students who excelled in the 2024-2025 global finals held in Shenzhen, China, and the 2025 Seeds for the Future training program. Teams from Gulu University, Muni University, Kabale University, and Cavendish University clinched second-place awards in the Cloud Track and Innovation categories, demonstrating innovation, skill, and determination on the global stage.
Among those recognized was Ms. Michelle Kapsanduy Chemutai, a trailblazer who became the first female instructor in Africa to earn the Huawei Certified ICT Expert (HCIE) certification in Internetworks. She achieved the feat after passing her written exam in November 2024, completing intensive training, and excelling in the lab exam in May 2025.
In her address, Janet Museveni praised the students resilience and drive to excel, noting that Ugandan youth have consistently shone in Huawei programs both locally and internationally. She expressed gratitude to Huawei and the People’s Republic of China for their sustained investment in Uganda’s human capital.
Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Zhang Lizhong, congratulated the winners and commended Huawei’s role in bridging the country’s digital skills gap. He highlighted the alignment of such initiatives with broader China-Uganda cooperation frameworks, including FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Huawei Eastern Africa Multi-Country Regional CEO, Mr. Dong Xuefeng, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting innovation and digital growth in Uganda, while applauding the Ministry of Education’s collaboration in shaping impactful programs.
Globally, the Huawei ICT Competition has grown into one of the largest talent development platforms, with the 9th edition attracting more than 150,000 students from over 2,000 institutions across 80 countries. Ugandan participants can compete in three tracks-Network, Cloud, and Computing, with winners advancing to regional contests in South Africa and the global finals in Shenzhen in May 2026.
Top performers will receive cash prizes, certificates, and potential internships or employment opportunities with Huawei and its partners. Registration is open through the Huawei Talent portal and via QR code.