Kotido, Uganda: The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), under the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, is conducting a five-day ICT and multimedia skilling programme in Kotido aimed at empowering youth with practical digital content creation, entrepreneurship and online safety skills. The training, now on day three, will run until Friday.
Local multimedia experts Jemba Hosea and Gideon Kawooya from Film256 are leading the sessions, taking trainees through a structured blend of digital literacy, hands-on multimedia work, and platform-specific communication strategies.
The programme walks participants from foundational digital skills to full multimedia production. Modules include mobile video shooting, short-form editing, radio and TV presentation, content planning, Facebook–WhatsApp–Twitter–Instagram optimisation, and basic monetisation pathways.
Each day combines demonstrations, practical drills, peer reviews and live presentations, ensuring participants leave with tangible products including short videos, edited clips, content plans and recorded broadcast segments.
Deputy RDC John Magyezi hailed the initiative as timely, noting that Kotido’s youth need practical digital skills to access income opportunities and counter misinformation.“This training is about more than phones and cameras; it is about giving our young people tools to earn, to tell our stories, and to protect our communities from misinformation,” Magyezi said.
He pledged district support for mentorship and market linkages, and encouraged participants to prepare showcase pieces that can attract local businesses and development partners.
Trainers Push for Discipline, Originality and Digital Safety
Trainer Jemba Hosea urged trainees to approach digital work with intentionality and professional focus. “Decide what you want your phone to do for you. Build a brand around a skill, be consistent, and protect your privacy,” he advised.
His colleague Gideon Kawooya guided participants through account security, identifying credible collaborators, drafting monetisation plans and approaching content like a commercial product.
“Start small, be innovative and treat your content like a product. Protect your accounts, separate personal from business, and always verify before you post,” he said, both emphasizing balanced storytelling, ethical reporting and avoiding content that causes reputational harm.
By mid-week, participants had produced short multimedia pieces, drafted content plans and practiced radio and TV presentation segments.
Key messages delivered to trainees included:
- Use technology intentionally; decide whether your phone creates value or causes harm.
- Be strategic; consume and produce content that adds value.
- Build a personal brand anchored in originality and consistency.
- Protect privacy; strong passwords, 2FA and secure accounts.
- Verify information to avoid misinformation and maintain ethical standards.
Over the final two days, participants will refine their portfolios, complete capstone projects and receive evaluations from trainers and district officials. UCC and the Ministry expect beneficiaries to leverage their new skills to access local markets and connect with development partners for mentorship and funding opportunities.
(daily express)