Summary:
- Christopher Yikii, Senior ICT Officer at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, explained that the distribution is part of a broader pilot project targeting selected communities across Uganda.
KABALE: The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, through the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has donated tablets to residents of Nyakabungo village in Buhara Sub-county, Kabale District.
This donation is part of a government pilot project aimed at improving connectivity and access to information in underserved communities.
The tablets, accompanied by solar panels to facilitate charging in areas with limited electricity access, were provided under the Universal Service Access Fund (USAF), formerly known as the Rural Communications Development Fund (RCDF).
Christopher Yikii, Senior ICT Officer at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, explained that the distribution is part of a broader pilot project targeting selected communities across Uganda.
The initiative aims to promote the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in low-income areas, helping bridge the digital divide between rural and urban populations.
“Our primary goal is to enhance connectivity and improve access to information in rural communities,” Yikii stated. “This will not only empower residents but also ensure they are not left behind in the digital age.”
During the handover ceremony, Gordon Manzi, the Principal Assistant Secretary for Kabale District, noted that Nyakabungo village was selected due to its strategic location and alignment with the project’s criteria.
The village’s proximity to the Rwanda border made it a focal point for the initiative.
Manzi praised the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for its efforts, emphasizing the positive impact the tablets will have on the community’s well-being and service delivery.
He highlighted the growing role of digital platforms in government programs, such as the Parish Development Model, where beneficiaries receive funds electronically.
“I urge the recipients to use these tablets responsibly and to become examples for other communities,” Manzi said.
He also warned against losing or selling the devices, noting that each tablet is equipped with serial numbers for tracking purposes.
Joseph Baryamujura, Chairperson of Buhara Sub-county, expressed optimism about the potential for development in the region, particularly with Nyakabungo village located at the heart of Rwene Parish, which is slated for an upgrade to town council status.
“These tablets will contribute significantly to the development of our area, helping residents access information, services, and opportunities that were previously out of reach,” Baryamujura remarked.
