The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has issued a public caution to teenage tech activist Nyanzi Martin Luther, warning that his NGO, Apex Digital Skills, must steer clear of political involvement following reports of engagement with the European Union for potential funding.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the current Minister of ICT and National Guidance, stated that while the government supports youth innovation, NGOs must not be used as tools for political mobilization. “We welcome digital skilling and youth empowerment. But once organizations, especially those run by young people, begin engaging with political entities under the disguise of development, we take interest,” Baryomunsi said in a press address on Monday.
Apex Digital Skills, founded in 2022 by Nyanzi Martin Luther when he was just 13, aims to provide ICT training and digital literacy to underprivileged communities, especially targeting youth in urban and semi-urban areas. The initiative has grown quickly, attracting attention from civil society groups, local leaders, and now international bodies such as the EU. Nyanzi, now 15, has not commented on the statement but has previously maintained that Apex Digital Skills is nonpartisan and focuses on community development through ICT. Sources close to him say he is prepared to work with government regulators to clarify the NGO’s mission and ensure transparency.
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As Uganda’s civil space becomes increasingly regulated, youth-led initiatives like Apex are finding themselves at the intersection of innovation, politics, and scrutiny. Whether this warning marks the start of closer monitoring or just a cautionary message remains to be seen. The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, under Dr. Baryomunsi’s leadership, is responsible for overseeing Uganda’s digital transformation, media regulation, and the strategic promotion of information and communication technology. The Ministry has previously issued guidelines requiring NGOs in the tech space to remain neutral, particularly as Uganda heads into the tense pre-election period ahead of 2026.
This latest warning reportedly follows reports that Nyanzi had reached out to the European Union, seeking technical and financial support for Apex’s expansion. Government officials are said to be concerned that foreign partnerships could introduce indirect political influences, especially if the NGO’s activities begin overlapping with opposition mobilization or civic agitation.
While no official investigation has been launched, the ministry is expected to review Apex’s activities to ensure compliance with existing regulations. “It’s important that these organizations are used for their intended purpose—development, not politics,” Baryomunsi emphasized.
written by @enock katamba
- Mr. katamba Enock: Professional designer with experience in web designing who started this activity in 2022 at Kyambogo University . Contact me on : (+256-758287080)
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