UCC through UCUSAF empowers persons with disabilities with digital skills
UCC and UCUSAF officials with some of the disabled beneficiaries of the digital skills programme
In an era increasingly driven by digital transformation, access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has become essential for full participation in modern society. However, for many Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda, the digital divide remains a significant barrier. In order to bridge this existing gap, the Uganda Communications Communication (UCC) under its Universal Service Fund umbrella also commonly known as UCUSAF (Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund), partnered with the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) in collaboration with Eight Tech Consults Limited to bridge this divide and empower PWDs through innovative ICT-driven initiatives.
This second phase of programme aligns with the core mandate of UCC to facilitate the development of the communications sector through infrastructure development as well as ensuring communication for all. It also reflects UCUSAF’s objective of promoting equitable access to communication services and ICT tools across all demographics, especially the special minority groups such as PWDs.
The program’s specific objectives are to promote awareness, access and usage of ICTs among persons with disabilities, promote digital literacy skills development, and promote the development and uptake of innovative digital assistive technologies. By achieving these objectives, the program seeks to boost inclusiveness in the governance, business and social life, citizen participation, employment and continuous learning while reducing the widening digital divide. The program’s goals are centred around empowering PWDs to fully participate in the digital economy and society.
During the first phase of the project, implemented between 2021 and 2024, significant milestones were achieved. These included profiling over 60,000 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), developing a National Digital Observatory, accessible through a mobile application and a website, introduction of a USSD code to enable access to the Observatory for feature phone users, providing digital skills training to over 10,000 PWDs, establishing websites for 35 District Unions, among other accomplishments.
Recommendations from the first phase, then informed the implementation of phase 2 (ongoing) program, which kicked off with an intensive digital skilling training in 28 districts across the country, impacting over 900 PWDs. The trainings are designed to introduce PWDs to essential digital tools and platforms with a special focus on the use of assistive technologies tailored to their unique needs. Trainees were introduced to critical technologies that enhance accessibility and usability affected by their hearing and mobility.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed their profound gratitude to the Commission and UCUSAF for what they described as a life-changing opportunity. For instance, beneficiaries in Isingiro district couldn’t suppress their excitement about the programme. One of them said,
“It was my first interaction with digital tools. I also kindly request UCC to help and support us with assistive devices so that we can keep practicing.” Apart from skilling, this project also aims to upgrade the PWDs observatory and integrate other inclusive platforms, profile over 40,000 PWDs across the country and support about 100 PWDs with employability skills especially the blind and heard of hearing.
UCUSAF’s inclusive digital initiative represents more than just training, it is a bold statement that no one should be left behind. This initiative therefore marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide for Persons with Disabilities in Uganda. By promoting digital inclusion, this project not only enhances the lives of the PWDs but also contributes to a more equitable and prosperous society. Source UCC website
