Uganda's next generation
of builders starts here.

STEAMEngine is a free after-school technology programme for secondary students aged 13 to 18, covering eight technology domains, enabling them to build real projects and earn verifiable credentials without any charges - ever.

Technology Domains

13–18

Years Old

Any

School

Free

Always

Exceptions

2026

Coming to Uganda

The Programme

What is STEAMEngine?

STEAMEngine is a free, after-school technology learning programme designed for secondary students between the ages of 13 and 18 in Uganda. It is open to every student, irrespective of school, region, or background. There is no fee to apply, no fee to participate, and no fee to graduate. The only selection criterion is interest.

The programme operates through two delivery channels working in parallel: a flagship physical hub where students gather to build alongside peers, mentors, and facilitators; and a structured digital channel that extends the programme's reach into schools and communities across the country, giving more students access where they are.

What students do in the programme is build things. Real projects, in real technology domains, with real outcomes: code, prototypes, films, devices, apps, datasets. They graduate with verifiable credentials and portfolios that travel with them into university admissions and the labour market.

Free

Always. No fees, ever.

Technology domains

Real

Projects · Verifiable credentials

Eight Domains

Choose what you want to build.

Students explore and build across eight areas of real-world technology. Each domain is defined by what you can build, not by a syllabus.

Robotics & Physical Computing

Build and program physical systems that sense, decide, and act in the real world.

AI & Data Science

Understand, build, and deploy AI models. Extract real insight from real datasets.

Game Development

Design and build interactive digital experiences from concept to publication.

Web Development

Build websites and web applications, from basic pages to full-stack systems.

Programming Fundamentals

Master computational thinking and software engineering principles that underpin everything.

Mobile App Development

Design and build applications for mobile devices, from prototype to deployment.

Digital Media Production

Create films, documentaries, podcasts, and digital content that tells real stories.

Electronics

Design circuits, build devices, and understand the hardware that powers the digital world.

A Quick Question

If you could build anything, what would it be?

Tell us in one sentence. The best ideas get featured.

Who Is This For

Whether you are a student, a school, or an organisation, there is a place for you in STEAMEngine.

For Students

Build what you have always wanted to build.

If you are 13–18 and curious about technology (robotics, AI, games, films, code), STEAMEngine is for you. Bring an idea, leave with the skills and the credentials to take it further.

For Schools & Teachers

Bring world-class technology learning to your students.

Partner with STEAMEngine to give your students access to a structured programme in eight technology domains, at no cost to your school or your students.

Tell us about your school →

For Organisations

Invest in Uganda's deep technology pipeline.

Whether you contribute technology, content, capital, or career pathways, STEAMEngine is the most direct route into the next generation of Ugandan technology talent.

Explore partnership →

For Facilitators

Teach the next generation what you know.

If you have deep technology skills and want to work with curious young people, this is a paid, professional opportunity to do meaningful work.

Apply as a facilitator →

For Mentors

Lend your experience, on your time.

Senior practitioners contribute episodically: one talk, one review, one office hour. Significant impact, manageable commitment.

Become a mentor →

Partner With Us

Five ways to partner with STEAMEngine.

Each partnership archetype unlocks a different kind of support and a different kind of value to the programme.

01 / Technology

Technology Partner

Technology companies that provide equipment, infrastructure, and technical resources. Your products become the tools through which Uganda's next generation learns to build.

02 / Innovation

Innovation Partner

Organisations that set real-world challenges for students, contribute domain content, and co-create learning experiences. Bring a problem. Watch Uganda's next generation solve it.

03 / University

University Partner

Universities and higher education institutions that create formal pathways for STEAMEngine graduates. Recognise the portfolios and credentials our students build.

04 / Industry

Industry Partner

Companies and organisations that signal the talent and skills Uganda's technology sector needs, opening pathways for students into practical experience and careers in technology.

05 / Impact

Impact Partner

Development organisations, foundations, and impact investors supporting the programme's expansion across Uganda's regions. Fund the next hub. Fund the next cohort. Fund the next region.

Interested in partnering? Get in touch

Government Partnership and Patronage

An investment in Uganda's future.

STEAMEngine is delivered in partnership with the Office of the President of Uganda. A clear signal that Uganda's leadership is investing in the next generation of technology builders.

The Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, Office of the President (STI-OP) is the patron of STEAMEngine. STI-OP's mandate is to coordinate and support the science, technology, and innovation agenda of the Republic of Uganda. STI-OP's patronage of STEAMEngine reflects a national commitment to building an indigenous technology workforce, one that designs and builds for Uganda, and competes globally.

This is an institutional partnership that opens doors across government, education, and industry, and that holds the programme to a public standard of delivery. STEAMEngine is delivered by Sankofa Lab on behalf of the partnership.

Patron

Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat

Office of the President · Republic of Uganda

Implemented by

Strategic partners

Ministry of ICT and National Guidance

Republic of Uganda

National ICT Innovation Hub

An agency of the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance

Programme Updates

Uganda's next generation
of builders starts here.

What is STEAMEngine?