This week, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance took a significant step towards bridging the digital divide by conducting needs assessments for the establishment of ICT and Digital Entrepreneurship Skills Development Community Centers in Kamuli and Pallisa districts, located in Eastern Uganda. These districts have been selected as pilot sites for an initiative that is part of the government’s broader Digital Transformation Roadmap, which seeks to enhance digital literacy and foster economic growth across the country.

The Ministry’s approach emphasizes active community engagement to ensure the centers address the unique needs of their respective populations. Ministry technical officers Irene Karungi Sekitoleko and Doreen Gift Bujjingo are collaborating with local leaders, district officials, and community representatives to gather critical insights that will shape the design and programming of the centers.

“This approach ensures buy-in from all stakeholders and establishes a strong foundation for a sustainable, impactful project,” said Irene Karungi Sekitoleko.

The pilot centers aim to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), women, and youth by equipping them with essential ICT skills to leverage technology for economic empowerment and social transformation.

The needs assessments are a crucial step in aligning the centers’ objectives with community priorities, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness. Once refined and tested, the initiative will be scaled to other local governments across Uganda as part of the Ministry’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to digital opportunities.

By focusing on skill development, the Ministry envisions creating a digitally literate population capable of driving innovation and contributing to national development. As the pilot progresses, it is expected to have a transformative impact on Kamuli and Pallisa, setting a blueprint for fostering inclusive environments where all community members can thrive in the digital economy.