Kampala — Huawei technologies a, Chinese global information and communication technology (ICT) company has launched a competition that will enable university students develop android soft ware applications which will in turn help address the country's needs.

"Such initiatives are meant to promote local talent among Ugandan students and they are also a way of fostering development of Uganda's ICT system", said Mr. Yang Yang, the Huawei Uganda chief executive officer during the launch of the Huawei Android Application Challenge (HAAC) in Kampala recently.

The universities to take part in the competition include Kampala International University, Kyambogo and Makerere University. Delivering his speech, the State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Hon. Nyombi Thembo said that most Ugandans can now access internet on either their phones, at work or home. He said that the government is making efforts to increase students' access to ICTs in both higher institutions of learning and secondary schools.

The Ministry of Education recently changed the A- level syllabus to include computer science on arts students' combinations in order for learners to get basic computer skills before joining university. Apart from the challenge, Huawei has partnered with Makerere University to boost ICT in the university, the company will send 10 students and tutors for a one week specialized training in ICT at the Huawei Training Center in Nairobi.

"Uganda has many investment opportunities and ICT is one area. There is potential in Uganda. It has a high population and a market that is growing fast because of the oil prospects therefore the need for more technology," said Mr. Yang.