UCC Empowers 10,000 Ugandans with Special Needs Through Digital Skills Program
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has achieved a milestone in digital inclusion by training over 10,000 persons with special needs (PWSNs) in ICT skills under its three-year ICT4PWSNs initiative.
Launched through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), the project aimed to bridge the digital divide for one of the country’s most underserved communities.
Project Highlights and Impact
Speaking at a dissemination forum at UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo noted that the project was informed by a 2022 baseline study and implemented in collaboration with NUDIPU and Eight Tech Consults.
“This initiative profiled over 40,000 persons with special needs and equipped 10,000 of them with digital skills and tools,” Thembo said.
Key achievements include:
- Development of 35 district union websites for improved regional accessibility
- Launch of a National Digital Observatory platform with a USSD code (25565#) to aid access via feature phones
- Provision of assistive technologies to schools for inclusive learning environments
A Vision for Inclusive Technology
Thembo emphasized the Commission’s commitment to “communication for all,” aligning the project with:
- Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap (2023/24–2027/28)
- Uganda Vision 2040
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
“This project began when I was overseeing the Universal Access Fund. It’s deeply personal, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come,” Thembo remarked.
The Broader Context
Uganda’s population includes over 5.4 million persons with disabilities, representing about 12.4% of the population, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Many face systemic barriers to education, employment, and digital participation due to low digital literacy and infrastructure challenges.
A Call to Action
Thembo urged the government, civil society, and private sector to go beyond one-off initiatives and prioritize inclusive digital development.
“Persons with special needs must not only benefit—they must be empowered to contribute to the digital economy,” he stated.
The event was attended by senior UCC leaders, media, and disability rights advocates, including UCC board member Ms. Hawa Tuuku.
Conclusion: Pushing for a Digitally Inclusive Uganda
UCC’s digital inclusion project marks a significant step forward, but the work isn’t done. As Thembo emphasized, the digital revolution must include every Ugandan, regardless of physical ability.
