The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance earlier this week reaffirmed its commitment to building a people-centred, inclusive digital future with the successful closure of the Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired (ICBVI) training at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa.
The Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired (ICBVI) training is a program being implemented by the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to build a network of trainers equipped to empower visually impaired individuals with basic computer skills, ensuring their active participation in the digital economy. The program exemplifies the power of collaboration in bridging digital gaps and advancing Uganda’s digital transformation agenda to ensure that no one is left behind.
“At UICT, we proudly lead the Visually Impaired training—an inclusive digital skilling initiative with ITU,” said Dr. Fredrick Kitoogo, Principal at UICT. “Digital skills inclusion is our duty. Together, we shape Uganda’s digital future.”
This cohort successfully trained 30 visually impaired and partially sighted individuals, along with their sighted assistants, who gained foundational digital and ICT skills to navigate today’s digital world with confidence.
Led by a passionate team of international instructors, this training empowered participants with practical tools, from screen readers to email setup, while also training new local trainers to ensure the sustainability of inclusive digital education in Uganda.
Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde hailed the programme as more than a training, but a bold step towards digital equity and social transformation. In her remarks, she applauded the program as a model of empowerment and resilience, aligning with Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, which targets 95% internet access, 80% digital literacy, and full online government services. By focusing on marginalised groups like persons with disabilities, Uganda is ensuring no one is left behind in its digital journey, especially the visually impaired, who continue to face some of the most persistent barriers to digital access.
Highlighting national disability statistics, Dr. Zawedde noted that over 2.8 million Ugandans live with moderate to severe visual impairment, underscoring the urgency of such targeted interventions. She reaffirmed Uganda’s legislative progress, including the Persons with Disabilities Act, tax exemptions on assistive technologies, and special education quotas.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted how the Parish Development Model (PDM) earmarks 10% of funds for persons with disabilities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to localised, disability-inclusive economic empowerment.
In her concluding remarks, she called on all stakeholders government, private sector, academia, and civil society, to work together to build an inclusive, people-centered digital Uganda where everyone, regardless of ability, has access to opportunity. “Let’s create a Uganda where digital opportunities are accessible to all, and where inclusion is not an afterthought but the standard,” she remarked.
She also hailed the trainees and trainers’ dedication. “You are now ambassadors of digital inclusion,” Dr. Zawedde told the trainees, praising their resilience and the trainers’ dedication.
The closing ceremony was also graced by Dr. Niyisabwa Odette Tumwesigye, Head of the Visual Impairment Studies at Kyambogo University.
