By Mark Kawalya
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance have signed different Memorandums of Understanding with the Kingdom of Buganda in a move aimed at promoting technological innovations, productive internet usage and digital literacy.
The MoU between the Ministry of ICT and the Kingdom that was signed last month was launched at an event at Bulange Mengo. Buganda is a Bantu kingdom found in central Uganda and is the largest of the traditional kingdoms found in East Africa, with its people making up over a quarter of Uganda’s population.
Signing the MoU seeks to establish a partnership between the two parties in order to deepen the access and uptake of ICT. Additionally, it is hoped the MoU will enhance access to accurate information and boost usage of ICT infrastructures like resource centers and computer access laboratories. A tenet included in the MoU is a move to digitalize cultural content to boost tourism.
The ministry was represented by State Minister for ICT and National Guidance Joyce Nabbossa, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Aminah Zawedde. Acting Executive Director Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo represented the UCC while Buganda Kingdom was represented by Owek Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa the second Deputy Katikkiro.
Buganda Kingdom has, in its five-year strategic plan (Namutayiika 2018-2023) made it a priority to focus on education and sensitize the people of Buganda on technology and digital literacy. In particular, a core strategy is to leverage ICT to boost living standards.
The UCC’s Kaggwa, noted during the event that deciding to enter into the partnership between UCC and Buganda Kingdom was easy because the objectives of both parties were well aligned.
“I wish to commend the leadership of Buganda Kingdom for being visionary,” she said. “It is evident that to make our young people competitive in the job market and in the global village, ICTs are critical.”
She reiterated that access and the overall improvement of ICTs is instrumental in managing common economic and social problems.
“However, the significance of ICTs for development depends on how they can be integrated into the livelihood strategies of the people,” the Ag. Executive Director said.
“It is therefore imperative that all stakeholders jointly strive to increase the opportunities for utilizing ICTs and ICT solutions by communities, including the poor, users in remote areas, and other disadvantaged groups.”
