The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U), under the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP-GovNet), has launched a series of regional leadership engagements to enhance digital inclusion in refugee host communities. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Ugandans, including refugees and host communities, can actively participate in the country’s digital economy.
The first engagement was successfully held in Arua City, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from NITA-U, the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, the National Environmental Management Authority, and local government leaders from surrounding refugee-hosting districts such as Yumbe, Koboko, and Madi-Okolo. These discussions are designed to foster collaboration, raise awareness of the UDAP-GovNet project’s objectives, and enlist community support to ensure the success of digital initiatives.
Speaking at the engagement, Ms. Regina Kimera, Director of Finance and Administration at NITA-U, who also oversees this key component of the project, expressed gratitude for the continued support from stakeholders. She reaffirmed NITA-U’s commitment to advancing Uganda’s digital agenda, highlighting that through this initiative, the Authority aims to ensure that all Ugandans stay connected through digital inclusion, access education online, and utilize government services without traveling long distances.
Kimera further urged district leadership to allocate land for the construction of critical infrastructure, such as telecom masts and tele-centers, to accelerate digital access in refugee-hosting regions.
During the engagement, Arua District Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Swaib Toko, applauded NITA-U for spearheading digital transformation efforts. He emphasized the importance of integrating ICT into the newly rolled-out government curriculum and called on NITA-U to actively support its implementation to ensure a smooth transition.
Similarly, the Refugee Settlement Commander of Invepi Refugee Settlement in Terego District, Mr. Amaruma Manza Vincent, alongside other district leaders, commended NITA-U for its inclusive approach in engaging beneficiaries throughout the project implementation. They pledged full support to ensure the successful execution of ICT projects that will benefit both refugees and host communities.
Roger Kaija Irumba, Undersecretary at the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed deep appreciation to the government, through NITA-U and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, for its unwavering commitment to Uganda’s digital transformation. He highlighted that the project was about more than just infrastructure—it was about dignity and equipping every individual, regardless of status, with the tools to meaningfully participate in the digital economy.
On the other hand, Nicholas Ogwang, the Chief Administrative Officer of Arua District, noted that UDAP was a strategic initiative by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and NITA-U to bring services closer to the people. He emphasized that all financial transactions at local governments were now conducted online, making it essential to embrace digital transformation.
Expanding digital access in refugee communities
Under Component 3 of the UDAP-GovNet project, the initiative aims to advance digital inclusion for refugees through a multifaceted approach that includes improving internet connectivity in refugee-hosting districts, implementing digital skills development programs to enhance technological literacy, establishing e-waste management centers to promote environmental sustainability, and fostering linkages to financial and energy sector programs. These efforts collectively seek to address infrastructure gaps, empower refugees with essential digital competencies, mitigate e-waste challenges, and integrate displaced populations into broader economic and energy access frameworks, thereby fostering long-term resilience and inclusion.
To ensure the success of these efforts, stakeholder coordination with refugee management organizations such as the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, and district authorities will be critical. The engagement sessions will equip local leaders with the knowledge to monitor and evaluate project implementation while enlisting project champions to foster community buy-in.
Following the successful engagement in Arua, NITA-U will continue regional engagements in various refugee-hosting districts across the country, including Hoima, Mbarara, Adjumani, and Lamwo. These sessions will further solidify partnerships and drive Uganda’s digital transformation agenda forward.
See also: Ugandan Delegation Engages World Bank at Global Digital Summit in the U.S.
UDAP-GovNet is a government-led initiative implemented by NITA-U in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to enhance digital infrastructure, expand internet access, and promote e-governance across Uganda. Funded by the World Bank, the project is designed to bridge digital disparities and drive economic growth through technology adoption.
UDAP-GovNet aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan III, 2021/25, and the World Bank’s “Building Back Better” initiative, fostering economic resilience and strengthening digital governance for a more inclusive and connected Uganda.
