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Munguzo Jean Kapera’s Path to Empowering Communities Through Technology

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From the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, an entrepreneur has emerged from humble beginnings, redefining what it means to empower communities through technology. His name is Munguzo Jean Kapera. Munguzo, is a moniker that means “Pillar” in his native language, symbolizing his unwavering resolve to support and uplift the most vulnerable.

A Congolese from the volatile South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Munguzo arrived in Uganda as a refugee in 2017. What followed was not a story of despair, but a narrative of vision, persistence, and transformation. Amidst the scarcity of resources and overwhelming challenges of survival, Munguzo tapped into the power of technology, carving a path not only for himself but for an entire community often left on the fringes of society.

“When I arrived in Uganda as a refugee, life was harder than I could have ever imagined. Everything was different, and switching from the French education system to the English one was a struggle I was not prepared for,” he recalls.

Recognizing the Need for Reliable Information

Munguzo’s entrepreneurial journey began long before he founded his tech venture, CAMPUS Digital Hub. It started with a pivotal realization: refugees, especially in Nakivale, were plagued by a lack of critical information. Miscommunication was rife, and many, especially the most vulnerable, fell victim to scams or missed out on vital opportunities due to the absence of accessible information.

“In the Nakivale refugee settlement, I saw people suffer every day. People were being scammed because they lacked knowledge and access to the right information. Some invested their little savings into fake online money-making schemes or cryptocurrency scams and ended up losing everything,” said Munguzo.

Many residents were unaware of food distributions, healthcare services, or employment opportunities, and some even lost their meager savings to fraudulent online schemes. A lack of English proficiency made it even harder to navigate these challenges, leaving many isolated and uninformed. It was within this environment of chaos and uncertainty that Munguzo’s vision began to take shape. He realized that in the age of digital innovation, technology could bridge these gaps and become the catalyst for real change.

“Surprisingly, I was one of those affected. I could not even understand the information being shared because of the language barrier. I felt helpless and isolated, but deep inside, I knew I had to do something,” he reflects.

As he immersed himself in the world of tech, Munguzo began teaching himself English through online resources. His thirst for knowledge led him to explore the world of technology, diving into YouTube tutorials and tech videos. His breakthrough moment came during the COVID-19 lockdown when a movie sparked a passion for technology that would change his life and, by extension, the lives of many others. With limited resources, he made the most of the free internet at Rokespot, downloading tutorials to study in his spare time. A borrowed laptop, courtesy of his mentor and friend Fiston Muganda, became his window to the world of coding, digital skills, and the burgeoning tech landscape.

 “Even though life was difficult and resources were scarce, I made a decision: I would teach myself English. I started learning English through YouTube videos. I was lucky to have a friend, who I now consider my brother, Fiston Muganda, who mentored me and guided me along the way.” He reiterates.

Munguzo’s early days in tech were shaped by mentorship and a relentless drive to learn. As he honed his digital skills, he became more involved in his community, volunteering with organizations such as Unidos, Full Circle Learning Uganda, and Open Portal Network. These experiences honed his skills and ignited a sense of purpose, empowering him to train thousands of refugees and marginalized individuals in digital literacy. His time as a trainer for Unleashed Potentials in Motion and Starthub Africa further solidified his reputation as a leader in tech education. Over the course of eight months, Munguzo trained more than 170 youths in digital skills and freelancing, helping them build confidence and hope for a better future. It was clear to him that technology was not just a tool but a bridge to opportunity.

CAMPUS: Bridging the Information Gap

However, despite his success in these initiatives, Munguzo couldn’t ignore the underlying problem: the lack of reliable information that plagued the refugee settlement. He realized that no matter how many skills were taught, without access to vital information, his efforts would be limited. That is when the idea for CAMPUS (Connect, Assist, Mentor, Provide, Uplift, and Support) was born—a tech-driven initiative to bridge this information gap. The first major project under the CAMPUS umbrella was Connect Refugee, an innovative mobile app designed to provide refugees and underserved communities with access to essential information. This app, currently in its prototype phase, offers offline access and is multilingual, ensuring that no one is left behind due to language or connectivity barriers.

The vision behind CAMPUS is clear: to use technology to empower the disenfranchised and provide them with the tools they need to thrive. By 2027, Munguzo and his growing team aim to reach 5,000 individuals, offering them access to life-changing resources through both the Connect Refugee app and the broader CAMPUS initiative. Through this venture, Munguzo is on a mission to create a sustainable, scalable impact that will equip marginalized populations with the knowledge and skills to build better futures for themselves and their families.

“Some of the youths I trained through Unleashed and Starthub Africa have now joined me as teammates in strengthening CAMPUS. Together, we are working to create a community where everyone has access to opportunities and resources,” he reveals.

As Munguzo a holder of a diploma in Business and IT looks to the future, he sees a growing movement—one where technology and innovation are the keys to unlocking opportunity. His story is not just one of personal triumph but of collective empowerment, built on the belief that with the right tools and resources, anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can rise above adversity. In his words: “No matter where you come from or what language you speak, there is hope. With hard work, dedication, and a little bit of courage, we can make a difference.” And with CAMPUS, Munguzo is not just envisioning change—he is making it happen.

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