UCC COLLABORATES WITH NUDIPU AND EIGHT TECH CONSULTS TO ENHANCE DIGITAL SKILLS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN UGANDA

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Uganda Communications Universal Service Access Fund (UCUSAF) are teaming up with the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and Eight Tech Consults Ltd to enhance digital skills among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda. This collaboration is part of a three-year phased program aimed at bridging the digital divide for PWDs, now in its third phase.

^{Caption: Secretary of Jinja District Union Top Left, NUDIPU staff center top and ChairPerson of Jinja District Union Top right}

Recently, NUDIPU and Eight Tech Consults completed a critical needs assessment to support this initiative. Phase One focused on creating a National PWD Digital Observatory for better data management and service access. Phase Two emphasized raising awareness, fostering ICT innovation, and increasing technology access for PWDs. Phase Three seeks to expand digital literacy training and increase awareness of ICT access and usage, specifically targeting PWDs with physical, visual, hearing and speech impairments.

Studies show that over 60% of PWDs in Uganda lack basic ICT skills, with low ownership of internet-enabled devices—only 24.7% own smartphones, 4.7% own laptops, and even fewer have tablets or desktops. Most PWDs use these devices primarily for entertainment and communication, underscoring the urgent need for tailored digital literacy training.

_{Caption: Eight Tech personnel having an informant interview with chairperson Oyam District Union}

The comprehensive needs assessment covered 26 districts, focusing on digital literacy proficiency, access to assistive technologies, and existing knowledge management among PWDs. Through purposive random sampling, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, the assessment engaged 306 stakeholders, including PWDs, leaders of PWD organizations, and local government officials.

The resulting report will highlight critical digital skilling needs and provide recommendations for customized digital literacy training programs, set to be delivered in July and August 2024 across Uganda. This collaborative effort by UCC, UCUSAF, NUDIPU, and Eight Tech Consults is a major step toward digital inclusiveness, aiming to equip PWDs with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world and enhance their quality of life.