University students, recent graduates and young technologists have until October 16 to apply for one of 40 places in the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Testbed Hackathon 2026, which will challenge participants to build AI tools that make the internet safer for children.
The two-day hackathon will run on November 5 and 6 at the UCC Testbed and Innovation Hub at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) in Nakawa, UCC said in a public notice dated September 30.
Running under the theme “Innovating Safer Cyber Spaces for Children through Artificial Intelligence,” the challenge focuses on two areas. The first covers protection tools such as content filtering and parental controls. The second covers systems for reporting and responding to online harms and connecting users with child protection services.
Selected participants will work in teams to build prototypes, with build sessions, technical mentorship and pitch coaching, ending in final demonstrations before a panel of judges.
The hackathon is being organised for UCC by a partnership of netLabs!UG, the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU), the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre and NextGen Restyling Uganda.
Participants will get to use the National Communications Testbed for Emerging and Future Technologies, a UCC facility at UICT where researchers, students and startups can build and test ideas in 4G and 5G, AI and machine learning, the Internet of Things, software development and virtual reality.
Who can apply
The call is open to university students, recent graduates and technologists. UCC is particularly looking for applicants with skills in AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, mobile networks, software development, embedded systems, IoT and related fields. Women are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online by scanning the QR code on UCC’s public notice. The deadline is 5:00pm on Friday, October 16, 2026.
| Event | UCC Testbed Hackathon 2026 |
| Dates | November 5 and 6, 2026 |
| Venue | UCC Testbed and Innovation Hub, UICT Nakawa |
| Places | 40 |
| Deadline | 5:00pm, October 16, 2026 |
For more details, contact UCC on its toll-free line 0800 222 777, email info@ucc.co.ug or visit www.ucc.co.ug.
