KAMPALA, Uganda — Eighty-nine individuals have graduated with tech skills from Refactory Academy, Uganda’s leading software development academy, after completing a six-month training program.
The graduates, who come from various professions and include women, youth, and persons living with disabilities, completed training in areas such as software engineering, data science, and machine learning.
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Refactory Academy has trained approximately 700 young professionals over the past five years, achieving a remarkable 91% placement rate and driving innovation within the tech ecosystem.
The graduation ceremony coincided with the premiere of the Digital Skills Showcase 2024 at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Kampala. The event brought together over 300 attendees, including tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, policymakers, and educators.
Michael Niyitegeka, the Executive Director at Refactory Academy, said the Digital Skills Showcase is a call to action for all stakeholders to invest in skilling and innovation.
“Together, we can build a sustainable digital future that empowers individuals and transforms communities,” Niyitegeka said.
The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and innovative project demonstrations by Refactory alumni and students.
Benoni Katende, the Chief Technology and Enterprise Solutions Officer at NSSF Uganda, emphasized the importance of using technology to solve real-life problems.
“We can use technology to solve real-life problems, and that is when we will begin to see a difference,” Katende said.
Emmanuel Kodwo, a Senior Associate Researcher at Includovate and an alumnus of Refactory, stressed the importance of understanding the context in which developers operate.
“You cannot just sit in a room and develop a solution. As a developer, you need to understand the field for which you are creating a solution,” Kodwo said.
Winfred Claire Nakamatte, a midwifery professional turned software engineer, shared her journey and encouraged others to pursue careers in tech.
“A few months after completing my course in Midwifery, Refactory Uganda announced a call for young women to enroll in a one-year software engineering course. Today, I am very passionate about what I do and the change in career has positively impacted my life,” Nakamatte said.
