By Mark Kawalya
A new project has been launched in Uganda with the aim of enhancing citizens digital rights and representation. The ‘Recentering the Civic Internet through Partnership (ReCIPE) Project,’ is an initiative of Oxfam in collaboration with the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG). It is funded by the European Union (EU) and is valued at UGX 1.2 billion (€270,000). This three-year initiative, running from 2024 seeks to use technology to empower Ugandans. It will ensure their voices are heard in the digital realm.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister of ICT and National Guidance, officially launched the project at a press briefing in Kampala. He expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential to contribute to the country’s ongoing digital transformation. He also emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting its success. “As I launch the ReCIPE Project, I feel excited as a Minister responsible for ICT that Oxfam and the CCG are adding a building block on this journey of Uganda’s digital transformation,” Baryomunsi said during the press briefing held at the Fairway Boutique Hotel in Kampala.
The ReCIPE Project will be implemented across 10 countries, including Uganda, and is designed to support civil society organizations, activists, and community representatives. Other countries where the project is implemented include Bolivia, Cambodia, El Salvador, Kenya, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Senegal, Somalia and Tunisia. It aims to enhance digital literacy, increase influence in decision-making processes. Additionally, it will foster collaboration with other stakeholders on issues related to digital rights. The project targets technology companies and government agencies to promote the development and enforcement of effective laws and policies on digital rights.
Ms. Judith Atim, Head of Programs at CCG, highlighted the importance of digital rights as an extension of human rights. She emphasized that the project will promote freedom of expression, enabling individuals to freely access, create, and share information online.
Dr. Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of CCG, expressed confidence about the project. She stressed that the Internet should serve as a shared public resource. It should reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves.
The ReCIPE Project aligns with Oxfam Uganda’s strategic goals of promoting inclusive and accountable governance systems. It also supports the Ugandan Government’s broader digital transformation agenda, as outlined in the Digital Vision 2040 and other related initiatives.
Oxfam Uganda’s Director, Francis Shanty Odokorach, reiterated the project’s focus on shaping policies and legal frameworks that govern digital spaces, ensuring they are inclusive, equitable, and representative of all Ugandans. He emphasized that the project is not just about technology but about creating a digital ecosystem where everyone can participate and thrive.
While digital technologies offer significant opportunities for advancing human rights, they can also pose risks and exacerbate inequalities. The ReCIPE Project aims to address these challenges by reaching over 10 million internet users in Uganda, where internet penetration remains below global standards due to high costs and inadequate infrastructure.
