Uganda has made notable strides in improving literacy. According to the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report, the national literacy rate now stands at 74%, a modest rise from 72% in 2014.
But beneath the statistics, the story is more complicated. The gaps remain wide, especially in primary schools where children are expected to learn the fundamentals of reading.
Many schools lack libraries or have few textbooks. Overcrowded classrooms, overstretched teachers, and lost lesson time hinder learning. A World Bank study reports that 30% of teachers are absent nationwide, leaving struggling learners unnoticed.
The results are alarming. According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), only 35% of Primary Three pupils can read and understand a story at the Primary Two level. A 2023 Uwezo report shows reading skills among P3 pupils declined further, from 22.4% to 18.5% in English and from 16.5% to 14.5% in local languages.
Even at the tail end of primary education, the picture is worrying. In 2021, Uwezo found that 23% of Primary Seven learners still struggled with reading material meant for Primary Two pupils.
Add to this the digital divide. UBOS estimates youth digital literacy at just 20%, severely limiting access to online reading, e-learning platforms, and research opportunities.
To address this, the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040), a youth-led charity, established the Angaza Resource Centre in Kibuli in 2023. It hosts 4 schools with over 200 children weekly for ICT, literacy, and life skills, and engages over 30 teenagers during holidays.
Additionally, the Centre has trained over 100 teachers in ICT, phonics, and early learning assessment, providing practical tools to improve instruction. It’s not just children who benefit.
This intervention is premised on 4040’s Angaza Outreach Programme where volunteers deliver literacy, numeracy and life skills sessions directly to children in underserved schools in Kibuli.
Still, many children remain out of reach. Transport costs and long distances keep entire schools cut off from the resources available at the Centre.
Moreover, the space can accommodate small numbers at a time.
Putting books on wheels
This year, 4040 is preparing to take the next bold step: a Mobile Library Project.
The Foundation is hosting its first-ever Prom-themed fundraiser on Saturday, September 27, at the Angaza Resource Centre.
“Our mobile library will be a moving hub of knowledge and opportunity,” says Gloria Mbabazi, Head of the Angaza Resource Centre. “It will bring books, computers, and digital resources directly to 20 more schools that lack libraries and labs, so children can read, learn, and dream big. It will also support teachers with vital resources and training.”
Mbabazi is keenly aware of the gap. “We talk a lot about access, but for some children, even getting to a book is a journey. This library will move for them, so their dreams don’t have to wait.”
Mr. John Mbayo, who teaches at Merowa Junior School in Kibuli, says, “With limited textbooks, many pupils share a single copy during lessons. A mobile library means every child can read for themselves, gain more practice, and perform better in exams.”
“Sometimes our teachers tell us to do research, but we don’t have enough books,” says 15-year-old Aisha. “If the library comes to us, I can finish my assignments faster and learn new words.”
Billed as “A Second Chance at Prom,” the event promises glamour, nostalgia, and philanthropy. Tickets cost UGX 200,000 for singles, UGX 350,000 for couples, and UGX 550,000 for a group of three. Guests will enjoy live performances, karaoke, dance and memorable reunions.
Building a legacy of literacy
Since 2012, 4040 has grown into one of Uganda’s most vibrant youth-led charities, with more than 600 volunteers. Over the past decade, it has reached over 3,500 children, donated thousands of books, and helped build critical infrastructure such as dormitories and libraries.
Most of the milestones have been achieved by local resource mobilisation which sets 4040 apart.
The Mobile Library is its next frontier. It also dovetails with the Ministry of Education and Sports’ emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and ICT as cornerstones of the national curriculum.
By putting books and digital tools on wheels, 4040 hopes to close literacy gaps while inspiring a culture of learning.