The Bridge Institute of Information Technology was alive with joy and pride as news spread that one of its own, Rebecca Karungi, had been selected to travel to Ethiopia to present a paper on “Safe Practices of Access to Clean Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation.”
Rebecca, a recent graduate with a National Certificate in ICT, earned this prestigious opportunity through UN Women’s “Girls Can Code Initiative” , a program designed to empower female ICT students with digital skills and leadership pathways. Four students from Bridge participated and successfully obtained certificates. After the training, participants were encouraged to form networking groups, from which candidates were chosen to present internationally. A valid passport was a critical requirement, and Rebecca’s readiness distinguished her from the rest.
Her selection was further strengthened by her outstanding performance during the training organized by UN Women at Mountains of the Moon University in partnership with Bridge Institute of Information Technology. Demonstrating preparedness, documentation, and commitment, Rebecca stood out as the only student chosen from the Rwenzori region. Alongside another student from Jinja, they will proudly represent Uganda at the fully funded, one‑week presentation series in Ethiopia.
Reflecting on the relevance of her ICT background, Rebecca explained: “It is related because we use digital tools for marketing, research, and mobilization. Technology helps us amplify voices, share knowledge, and design solutions that reach communities faster and more effectively.” She emphasized that ICT is not just about coding—it is a powerful enabler in advancing awareness and solutions for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
When asked how she intends to use this opportunity to benefit her community upon return, Rebecca spoke with conviction: “The skills I gain will help me support my community. Just yesterday, I found in my research that three children had died due to diarrhoeal diseases linked to poor sanitation here in Fort Portal. This shows the urgency of extending clean water and hygiene services to underserved areas.”
Rebecca is scheduled to travel on 5th February 2026 and expressed deep gratitude for the chance to represent her community, her institution, and her country. With humility, she agreed to share photographs to document her journey, which will be featured in an upcoming article.
The Bridge team concluded the conversation with heartfelt congratulations, celebrating Rebecca not only as a student but as a changemaker whose work will ripple beyond classrooms into communities that urgently need solutions.
