4040: A second chance at prom — This time to put books on wheels

By: Kissa Kasifa

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%, up from 72% in 2014.

But beneath the statistics, the story is more complex. Literacy gaps remain wide, especially in primary schools where children are expected to grasp the basics of reading and writing.

Many schools lack libraries, classrooms are overcrowded, teachers are overstretched, and lesson time is frequently lost. A World Bank study reports that 30% of teachers are absent nationwide, leaving struggling learners behind.

The results are sobering. According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), only 35% of Primary Three pupils can read and understand a story meant for Primary Two. A 2023 Uwezo report shows that reading skills among P3 pupils have 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 school, challenges persist: in 2021, Uwezo found that 23% of Primary Seven learners still struggled to read material designed for Primary Two.

The digital divide deepens the challenge. UBOS estimates youth digital literacy at just 20%, limiting access to e-learning, online reading, and research opportunities.

To help address these challenges, the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040), a youth-led charity, established the Angaza Resource Centre in Kibuli in 2023. The Centre hosts four schools weekly, serving over 200 children with ICT, literacy, and life skills training, while also engaging more than 30 teenagers during school holidays.

Over 100 teachers have been trained in ICT, phonics, and early learning assessment, equipping them with practical tools to improve instruction.

The Centre builds on 4040’s Angaza Outreach Programme, where volunteers deliver literacy, numeracy, and life skills sessions directly to underserved schools in Kibuli.

Yet the need far exceeds current reach. Transport costs and long distances keep many schools away, while the Centre’s space limits the number of learners it can host at a time.

Putting books on wheels

This year, 4040 is preparing to take a bold new step: the Mobile Library Project.

“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.”

Mr. John Mbayo, a teacher 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."

To launch the project, 4040 will host its first-ever Prom-themed fundraiser on Saturday, September 27, at the Angaza Resource Centre. 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 all in support of the Mobile Library.

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 more than 3,500 children, donated thousands of books, and helped construct vital infrastructure such as dormitories and libraries mostly through local resource mobilisation, which sets the organization apart.

The Mobile Library marks its next frontier. It aligns with the Ministry of Education and Sports’ emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and ICT as cornerstones of the national curriculum. 4040 aims to close literacy gaps and inspire a lasting culture of learning among Uganda's next generation with this new initiative.