We are establishing the region's first dedicated technology and innovation center -- seven world-class programs in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and more for 230,000+ underserved youth. The first of its kind north of Kampala.
Why does Northern Uganda -- home to more than 230,000 young people -- not have a single dedicated technology training facility? Outbox Hub, Innovation Village, and Makerere Innovation Center all sit in Kampala, over 400 kilometers away. For most families in the Acholi sub-region, that distance might as well be a continent.
The result: 67% youth unemployment, and an entire generation growing up without the digital skills that define the modern economy. Not because they lack talent or ambition, but because they lack access.
The Labwor STEM Hub was born from the conviction that geography should not determine destiny. We are building Northern Uganda's first dedicated technology and innovation center -- not a copy of what exists in Kampala, but something designed from the ground up for this community's specific needs, strengths, and aspirations.
Every young person in Northern Uganda deserves access to the same digital opportunities as someone in Kampala, Nairobi, or San Francisco.
The founding vision behind the Labwor STEM Hub
We are not starting from scratch. The tech hub model has been proven across Africa: iHub transformed Nairobi's tech scene. CcHub incubated Paystack in Lagos. Andela trained thousands of developers. We are applying that same playbook to a region where the need is greatest and the potential is enormous.
Every existing tech hub and innovation center in Uganda is located in Kampala. The Labwor STEM Hub will be the first dedicated facility serving the 10+ million people living north of the capital.
Founded by people from this region, designed with this community, governed by local leaders. This is not a satellite office of a Kampala organization -- it is built here, for here.
Technical skills alone are not enough. Every program integrates entrepreneurship training, soft skills development, mentorship, and career placement -- producing not just coders, but leaders.
While most hubs focus narrowly on software development, we cover the full spectrum of high-demand digital skills -- from AI and cybersecurity to robotics and design -- giving students real choice and the region real breadth.
Each program targets a high-demand, high-salary digital skill area -- chosen for maximum employability, remote work potential, and relevance to the challenges facing Northern Uganda and East Africa.
From fundamentals of Python and statistics to building, training, and deploying machine learning models. Graduates leave capable of creating AI solutions for agriculture, healthcare, and local commerce -- the sectors that drive Northern Uganda's economy.
As East Africa digitizes rapidly, the demand for security professionals far outstrips supply. This program trains analysts in threat detection, incident response, ethical hacking, and compliance -- skills urgently needed by banks, telecoms, and government agencies region-wide.
An intensive bootcamp taking complete beginners through front-end, back-end, databases, and deployment. Graduates build real-world applications and leave with a professional portfolio and the confidence to freelance or join development teams anywhere.
Hands-on training in electronics, embedded systems, IoT, and mechanical prototyping. Students design and build physical devices -- from solar-powered irrigation controllers to low-cost medical devices -- solving problems unique to rural communities.
Teaching data collection, cleaning, visualization, and statistical modeling. Graduates can turn raw data into actionable insights for NGOs tracking program outcomes, businesses optimizing operations, and governments making evidence-based policy.
User research, interface design, prototyping, graphic design, and video production. This program produces designers who can make technology accessible and beautiful -- and who can freelance globally from Northern Uganda on day one.
Linux administration, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), containerization, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure-as-code. One of the highest-paying and most in-demand skill sets in global tech, with strong remote work potential.
Technical training is only part of the equation. We invest in finding exceptional talent early, connecting students to mentors and role models, and giving them exposure to the wider world of technology.
Annual talent search across schools in the Acholi sub-region, identifying exceptional young minds in math, science, and creative problem-solving -- students who would otherwise go unnoticed.
Every student is paired with a working professional in their field -- from Kampala, Nairobi, Lagos, or the global diaspora. Weekly check-ins, career guidance, and a lifeline beyond the classroom.
Top-performing students visit tech companies, attend conferences, and participate in exchange programs with partner institutions across East Africa and beyond.
A 6-month program for graduates ready to build their own companies. Workspace, seed funding connections, go-to-market mentorship, and a community of founders solving local problems.
This is not a theory. The tech hub model has consistently delivered transformative results across the continent. We are bringing this proven model to the region that needs it most.
Young people who will gain access to digital skills training for the first time
Acholi sub-region population dataThe current distance to the nearest technology hub -- an insurmountable barrier for most families
Kampala is the closest optionPeople in Northern Uganda who stand to benefit from a locally-rooted tech ecosystem
Broader regional impactWe are in the foundational stage -- building partnerships, engaging the community, and preparing to launch. Here is our five-year path.
Vision established, deep community engagement across the Acholi sub-region, research into curriculum and facility needs, partnership outreach to funders and governments.
Hub facility development begins. First pilot programs launch with an initial cohort of 50-100 students across 3 programs.
All 7 core programs running at capacity, talent identification program active across 50+ schools, mentorship network established.
Satellite training locations in surrounding districts. Alumni network producing mentors and employers for new cohorts.
Startup incubation producing revenue, corporate training partnerships, and a generation of Northern Ugandan technologists building companies that employ others.
The hub will be located in the Acholi sub-region of Northern Uganda -- over 400 kilometers north of Kampala. This is one of the most underserved areas for technology education in all of East Africa. While Kampala is home to Outbox Hub, Innovation Village, and Makerere Innovation Center, not a single dedicated tech facility exists to serve the north.
Northern Uganda needs partners who believe that every young person deserves access to technology education. We have a clear model with proven results across the continent -- and four ways to get involved.
Organizations paving the way in Africa
$100,000+
$25,000 - $99,999
$5,000 - $24,999
Any amount
Whether you represent a foundation, a corporation, or simply care about the future of young people -- there's a place for you in this mission. The need is clear. The model is proven. The community is ready.
