Uganda to Make Internet Connectivity Accessible to Refugee Communities
The Ugandan government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is working on a project to provide internet connectivity in refugee camps. The initiative aims to equip refugees with digital skills and language competency to enhance their employment prospects. The Universal Digital Acceleration Program, which includes the internet connectivity project, will commence in Uganda's financial year 2023/2024 and run for five years. The program is expected to benefit last-mile communities, such as refugee camps, by providing them with internet access. The government's efforts for digital transformation align with its Vision 2040 plan, which aims to enhance Uganda's strengths across various sectors, including information and communication technology (ICT). Challenges such as inadequate network coverage, subpar services, and expensive cellphones hinder Uganda's ICT potential. The Digital Transformation Program focuses on improving ICT infrastructure, promoting ICT usage, advancing digital literacy, fostering innovation, and enhancing digital services. The government plans to address these challenges by reducing smartphone import taxes, expanding fiber deployment, improving cybersecurity, enhancing digital skills training for educators, supporting the IT sector's growth, and ensuring accessibility to digital services for all citizens, including vulnerable groups.
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