Uganda Advances Digital Inclusion with UCC Oversight of ICT and Broadband Initiatives

The Board of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)  recently completed a one-week field visit to inspect digital inclusion projects supported by the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) across Eastern Uganda. The initiative forms part of the Board’s oversight mandate to evaluate the functionality, utilization, sustainability, and overall impact of Commission-funded interventions aimed at bridging the digital divide.

The delegation, led by Board Chairperson Dr. Charity Basaza Mulenga and accompanied by UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo, assessed projects designed to expand inclusive access to ICT infrastructure, connectivity, digital skills development, and assistive technologies.

Promoting digital inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs) was a key focus. At the Regional PWD ICT Resource Centre in Jinja, implemented in partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), the Board engaged with beneficiaries and reviewed assistive technologies such as braille embossers, magnification devices, and screen readers, all intended to ensure equitable access to ICT services.

The delegation also evaluated community broadband access through the Public Access Centre (PAC) at Jinja Public Library, one of 120 centres established nationwide. These centres provide affordable broadband access and promote digital literacy, supporting youth, job seekers, and entrepreneurs while facilitating access to e-government services. The PAC model highlights the transformative role of shared digital infrastructure in local communities.

In the education sector, the Board visited several institutions benefiting from the ICT-in-Education programme, including St. Gonzaga Secondary School in Kagoma, the solar-powered ICT lab at Bubiita Seed Secondary School in Bududa, and Mbale School for the Deaf. These visits reflected UCUSAF’s integrated approach to infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainability, with particular attention to hard-to-reach and special-needs institutions, ensuring that all learners are included in Uganda’s digital transformation.

The Board also inspected an ICT lab at Jinja Civil Service College, aimed at strengthening digital capacity within the public service. Discussions emphasized the importance of institutional ownership and effective utilization as key pillars for the long-term sustainability of Commission-supported facilities.

Broader oversight engagements included visits to the Jinja Remote Spectrum Monitoring Site, the UCC Mbale Regional Office, and Spotlight on Africa, among other facilities. The field visits provided first-hand insights into the performance and impact of UCUSAF-supported initiatives, which will inform future programmes, regulatory interventions, and sustainability frameworks as UCC continues its strategic commitment to inclusive digital transformation.