Uganda’s communications regulator, the UCC, has highlighted a project designed to boost digital inclusion for people with disabilities, saying it is also creating fresh opportunities for businesses in the technology sector.
Speaking at a meeting in Kampala, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo underlined the significance of the “ICT4 Persons with Special Needs (PWSNs) Endline Project”. He noted his early involvement with the initiative, which aims to break down barriers to information and communication technology for individuals with disabilities.
Mr Thembo said the UCC had always aimed for “communication for all, which also means leaving no one behind”. He explained that the project was finding innovative solutions to challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing technology.
The UCC has been working with the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and Eight Tech Consults. Together, they conducted a national study in 2022 on how people with disabilities use ICT, which then informed a three-year partnership to tackle identified gaps.
Mr Thembo told the gathering that the project was a chance to show what had been achieved and to get feedback from various groups, including government, charities, the private sector, and people with disabilities themselves.
He stressed that the initiative was in line with the UCC’s goal of digital inclusion and would help shape future decisions. He also pointed out that the government sees ICT as a key way to boost the economy and society. The UCC, through its Universal Access Fund, is focusing on specific actions to promote digital inclusion for people with disabilities.
The project aligns with national plans like the National Development Plan III and the Digital Transformation Roadmap, as well as global Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr Thembo outlined several key achievements, including:
Identifying more than 40,000 people with special needs.
Adding a simple mobile phone code (25565#) on the National Digital Observatory for users of basic mobile phones.
Providing digital skills training to over 10,000 people with disabilities.
Helping to create 35 websites for district-level disability organisations.
Developing a National Digital Observatory mobile app and website.
Creating a strategy for ICT innovation, development, and access for people with disabilities.
Mr Thembo thanked NUDIPU and Eight Tech Consults for their work together, as well as the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for their support. He urged all involved to “work towards fostering an impactful participation of PWSNs in the socio-economic transformation of our country.”
Ms Esther Kyozira, the CEO of NUDIPU, highlighted the tangible benefits of the UCC’s support, saying it had allowed them to set up high-tech centres in the Kiboga and Bugweri districts. These centres are equipped with assistive technologies to train people with disabilities in digital skills and provide safe spaces for learning and innovation. She called for greater awareness and strengthening of the National Observatory as Uganda’s main source of data on people with disabilities.
