Wakiso, Uganda: At least twenty-three young women with disabilities graduated from a three-week foundational Website Development training programme conducted at the Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB) Computer Hub in Namugongo.
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, May 22, at UNAB headquarters in Kira Municipality, attracted government officials, development partners, trainers from Refactory Academy, media representatives and members of the disability community.
Speaking during the event, UNAB Executive Director Dennis Tumwebaze described the graduation as a celebration of determination, resilience and renewed hope for young women with disabilities.
“Today is a day of celebration, achievement, and renewed hope,” Tumwebaze said. “We gather here at the UNAB Computer Hub to recognize the determination and success of young women who have completed foundational training in Website Development over the past three weeks.”
He noted that the training programme was designed not only to equip participants with technical knowledge, but also to empower them with confidence and opportunities in the digital economy.
“This training was not merely about learning how to use computers or write code. It was about unlocking possibilities. It was about proving that disability does not mean inability,” he said.
The programme, implemented in partnership with Refactory Academy, targeted young women with visual impairments in a bid to bridge gaps in digital skills access and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Tumwebaze observed that despite technology increasingly shaping modern life, many persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in accessing digital education and jobs.
Representing Wakiso District, Community Development Officer John Kyejjusa applauded UNAB and Refactory Academy for empowering young women through technology training.
Kyejjusa challenged the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to transform their lives through entrepreneurship, innovation and employment opportunities. “Do not stop here. Work harder to ensure that what you have learned is used to earn a living,” he urged.
Tumwebaze said the participants demonstrated resilience, discipline and courage throughout the training, adding that the certificates they received symbolised readiness to embrace future opportunities.
“You are ambassadors for inclusion in technology,” he told the graduates.
He further encouraged them to continue practicing and upgrading their skills, noting that the technology sector continues to evolve rapidly and requires continuous learning.
The UNAB boss also thanked Refactory Academy and the trainers for supporting the initiative and believing in the potential of young women with disabilities.
“To partners and stakeholders, investing in inclusive technology education is not charity, it is smart development,” Tumwebaze said. “When we empower women with disabilities through digital skills, we strengthen families, communities, and the nation as a whole.”
Refactory Academy Marcomms Lead Julia Nansubuga praised the participants for successfully completing the programme within three weeks, despite the training normally taking four weeks.
UNAB reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equal access to education, assistive technology, employment opportunities and digital inclusion for persons with disabilities across Uganda.
The organisation also pledged continued advocacy to ensure no young person is left behind in Uganda’s digital transformation journey.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
