AWS re/Start Uganda

Cloud skills for refugees in Uganda. Jobs for what comes next.

A free 12-week AWS training for 20 refugees, followed by certification and direct links to employers. Run by YAKO AI Hub with Terratalent and Arxia, as part of the AWS re/Start programme.

Sponsor or hire Apply for the next cohort
# cohort 2026
learners: 20
duration: 12 weeks
cost to learners: free
certification: AWS Cloud Practitioner
next: your first tech job

Why this programme

Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world. Many refugees have solid education but no access to advanced digital training, professional networks or certification.

At the same time, employers in fintech, telecoms and business process outsourcing struggle to find people with cloud skills. This programme connects the two: practical training, a recognised certificate and a path into the local job market.

  • Participants20 refugees
  • Priority groupsWomen (at least 50%), youth 18–35, urban displaced
  • LocationsKampala, Wakiso, Bweyale, Gulu
  • FormatOnline plus in-person practical sessions
  • CurriculumICT basics, Linux, networking, Python, AWS
  • Cost for participantsFree

Our targets

90%+complete the programme
75%+earn the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification
60%+find a job, internship or freelance work within three months
50%+of participants are women

From application to job

Training is only the middle of the journey. Mentoring and wellbeing support run alongside every step.

  1. Recruit

    Outreach with refugee community organisations, applications, interviews and selection.

  2. Train

    Hands-on learning in ICT, Linux, networking, Python and AWS, plus communication and job-readiness skills.

  3. Certify

    Exam preparation for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.

  4. Place

    CV and interview coaching, employer matching by Terratalent and Arxia.

How you can take part

Sponsor the programme

Fund training, certification and learner support. Your logo appears on this page and in programme materials.

  • USD 42,000 for the full cohort
  • USD 2,100 per participant
  • Regular impact reports
Talk to us about sponsoring

Hire graduates

Meet motivated, certified cloud talent. Offer an internship, a permanent job or a remote position.

  • Pre-screened candidates
  • Placement support from Terratalent and Arxia
  • Local and remote roles welcome
Register your interest

Join a future cohort

Are you a refugee in Uganda and want to start a career in cloud computing? Tell us about yourself.

  • Training is free of charge
  • Good English and strong motivation required
  • Full-time attendance for 12 weeks
Get notified about applications

Partners and sponsors

AWS re/Start

AWS re/Start is the cloud skills programme from Amazon Web Services that opens the door to IT careers for people from underserved groups. It provides the framework and curriculum for this training.

Programme partners

Our sponsors

Thank you to the organisations that make this training possible.

Meet the participants

The 20 people of the first cohort. Portraits are shared with their consent.

Who is behind it

The programme is led by YAKO AI Hub and was started by two people who want to bring young talent into good work.

Burkhard Volbracht

Terratalent GmbH, Berlin

[Short bio: role, experience in talent placement between Germany and Africa.]

LinkedIn

Grace Achire

Regional Manager, Arxia, Kampala

Previously worked with the Uganda Free Zones Authority, Uganda Women Investment Club, Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association and the International Social Marketing Association.

LinkedIn