On Wednesday, the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance, in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has provided 170 households in the Kalungu District with free tablets. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to boost digital literacy and online learning in rural areas.
The government's program, active for several years, intends to offer access to digital resources and enhance children's education.
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In 2021, 140 households in Lamwo District received tablets. The program has expanded to include districts such as Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, Sembabule, and Rakai in the Greater Masaka region.
Dr Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT, stated that the tablets are primarily for children's education, providing them with access to digital learning resources.
Speaking at the distribution event, Dr Zawedde emphasised the government’s dedication to providing children in rural areas with the same digital learning opportunities as their urban counterparts.
This initiative is designed to expand children's minds in rural areas, enabling them to explore digital learning opportunities like children in cities.
Dr Zawedde also urged schools to consider implementing a small technology fee to assist parents in providing tablets for their children and mentioned the government's plans to introduce computers in rural areas to enhance digital literacy further.
She clarified that the tablets are intended strictly for educational purposes and not for parents' personal use. Each tablet includes six months of free internet data to support learning and access to online resources.
Bridging the Digital divide in rural communities
Edgar Alinaitwe, the initiative's team leader, noted that the tablets will improve education and support sectors like security, healthcare, and agriculture.
Kalungu District Chairperson Nyombi Mukiibi Kamaadi thanked the government for prioritising technological development in rural communities and urged support for installing innovative technology in government schools to enhance education further.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kalungu, Paddy Kayondo, encouraged residents to use the tablets responsibly, avoiding misuse for inciting unrest or spreading false information. Instead, he advised them to leverage the technology to improve agricultural practices and communication.
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Empowering education and development with technology
Many beneficiaries expressed that receiving a free tablet was an unexpected and exciting experience, describing it as a "dream come true".
Residents believe the tablets will significantly improve their communication, education, and business opportunities by enabling them to connect with relatives, access online markets, and acquire new skills through digital platforms.
With this initiative, the Ugandan government is making strides toward digital transformation, ensuring that even remote communities have access to technology. The program is expected to expand further.
