Call for Projects: Strengthen ICT Learning in Ugandan Secondary Schools

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), invites eligible organisations or consortia to implement Phase III of the National e-Booster Programme during FY 2026/27. The selected partner will deliver an integrated programme that accelerates high-potential ICT innovations, conducts a national assessment of Uganda’s ICT innovation ecosystem, and documents and disseminates knowledge through case studies and learning products. The call is re-advertised in the provided document; a submission deadline is not specified in the supplied text. UCC, through UCUSAF, is mandated to promote universal access to communications services and technologies and to support initiatives that advance digital inclusion, innovation, and socioeconomic development. In line with Uganda Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the Digital Transformation Roadmap 2023/24–2027/28, and the UCUSAF IV Strategic Plan 2023/24–2027/28, UCC continues to strengthen Uganda’s digital ecosystem through innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The National e-Booster Programme is designed to identify, nurture, and support locally developed ICT innovations that respond to national development challenges while creating opportunities for enterprise growth, employment, and digital transformation. Phase III is intended to build on the achievements and lessons of Cohorts I and II by delivering an integrated package of innovation acceleration, ecosystem evidence generation, and knowledge documentation and dissemination. This document describes the scope and deliverables expected from the successful implementing partner. A specific total funding pool, award value, or “up to”/“maximum” amount per recipient is not specified in the supplied excerpt. Applicants should refer to the full official call document for financial details, if included. Based on the provided text, the programme benefits include strengthening Uganda’s innovation ecosystem capacity, improving the evidence base for policy and investment decisions, preserving programme knowledge, and increasing the contribution and visibility of locally developed digital solutions to inclusive and sustainable national development. Phase III is implemented through an integrated approach with the following components: This call targets a documented gap in Uganda’s ICT innovation ecosystem: promising locally developed innovations often struggle to move beyond prototype or pilot stages due to limited access to incubation, mentorship, business development support, investment readiness, and market linkages. It also aims to address the lack of a comprehensive national picture of the ICT innovation landscape—information that is needed for evidence-based planning, investment prioritisation, and policy decisions. Phase III therefore combines (1) acceleration support for high-potential innovations, (2) an evidence-generating national ecosystem assessment and database, and (3) structured knowledge capture from prior cohorts to improve learning, replication of best practices, and future programme design. The supplied text does not include the complete application instructions (such as submission method, required documents, the application portal/link, and the exact deadline). Not specified in the source excerpt provided. To apply, applicants should follow the instructions and templates in the official UCC/UCUSAF PDF (the source document referenced at the top of the article). For accurate compliance, review the full sections after the cut-off in the excerpt (including the remainder of “Eligibility of Applicants” and any later sections covering “How to Apply,” “Application Requirements,” “Deadline,” and “Submission Process”).

1) Who is offering the National e-Booster Programme Phase III proposals?

UCC (Uganda Communications Commission) is offering the call through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF).

2) What does Phase III of the National e-Booster Programme include?

It includes (a) ICT innovation acceleration services, (b) a nationally representative assessment of Uganda’s ICT innovation ecosystem plus a National ICT Innovation database, and (c) knowledge management and learning, including a case studies book in print and digital formats.

3) What sectors are prioritised for supporting ICT innovations?

The document lists agriculture, health, education, financial inclusion, tourism, transport, energy, governance, environment, and community development.

4) Can a consortium apply?

Yes. The assignment may be implemented by a single applicant or consortium. If applying as a consortium, one organisation must be designated as the Lead Applicant with overall responsibility for implementation and contractual obligations.

5) Where will the programme activities be implemented?

The scope described includes a national assessment across all regions of Uganda. The excerpt does not specify other geographic limitations for acceleration activities beyond the national focus.

6) What is the deadline to submit a proposal?

Not specified in the source excerpt provided. Applicants should check the full official PDF for the exact submission deadline, time, and time zone.

7) Is funding amount information available in the provided text?

No. The supplied excerpt does not include any award amount, budget ceiling, or funding pool details. Applicants should consult the full official call document for financial terms. Eligible applicants should review the complete official “CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE III OF THE NATIONAL E-BOOSTER PROGRAMME” document from UCC/UCUSAF to confirm full eligibility requirements, submission requirements, required documents, and the exact deadline and submission process. Once confirmed, structure the proposal around the three integrated components and the stated outcomes (acceleration, nation