Ugandan university students with ambitions in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and networking have another opportunity to put their skills to the test on the global stage, following the launch of the Huawei ICT Competition 2026–2027 at Kyambogo University.
Huawei Technologies Uganda, in collaboration with Kyambogo University’s Faculty of Engineering, hosted an awareness and registration activation aimed at encouraging students to participate in the 11th edition of the international competition.
Held under the theme “I.C. The Future,” the competition seeks to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and practical industry experience while preparing young innovators for careers in an increasingly technology-driven world.
For students looking to move beyond theoretical learning, the competition offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, access professional training and compete against some of the world’s most promising young ICT talents.
Three tracks, One global opportunity
The Huawei ICT Competition features three major practice tracks, allowing students to explore different areas of technology based on their interests.
The Network Track focuses on data communications, cybersecurity, wireless networks and data centre networking. The Cloud Track covers cloud computing and artificial intelligence, while the Computing Track introduces participants to open-source technologies, including openEuler, openGauss and Kunpeng.
Students will access self-paced learning materials through Huawei’s talent platform, complemented by instructor-led training sessions.
Beyond the practice tracks, the competition includes an Innovation Competition, where participants apply technology to real-world challenges, and a Teaching Competition designed for lecturers and instructors.
From Kyambogo to Shenzhen, China
Registration for Ugandan participants remains open until mid-December 2026, with preliminary examinations scheduled for December and national finals expected in January 2027.
Successful students will form teams of three, supported by an instructor, before undergoing intensive bootcamp training ahead of the Southern Africa regional finals in March 2027.
The strongest teams will advance to the global finals in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for May 2027, where top-performing teams stand to win cash prizes ranging from RMB 5,500 to RMB 15,000.
The competition provides an international platform for students to demonstrate their technical abilities, exchange ideas and build connections with emerging innovators from around the world.
Beyond Competition, a Gateway to Careers
Speaking during the activation, Dr. Dickson Mugerwa from Kyambogo University’s Faculty of Engineering encouraged students to embrace opportunities that build practical ICT skills and strengthen their competitiveness in the global job market.
He also acknowledged Huawei’s continued support through its ICT Academy, ICT Competition and Campus Recruitment Programme.
For Amon Nasasira, a Kyambogo University student who previously represented Uganda at the regional finals, the benefits are personal.
“Participating in the Huawei ICT Competition up to the regional finals was a transformative experience,” he said, crediting the practical networking and cloud skills gained for helping launch his ICT career.
Nasasira hopes to return stronger and reach the global finals this time around.
As Uganda continues its digital transformation journey, initiatives like the Huawei ICT Competition offer young people more than international recognition. They provide a pathway to the practical skills, industry connections and opportunities needed to compete in the global technology economy.
For aspiring Ugandan tech innovators, the journey from university lecture rooms to the global stage could begin with a single registration.
