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Government vows to cut internet, device costs

by · The Observer

In a push to bolster Uganda’s digital economy, the government has pledged to revise the cost of internet services and digital devices, addressing a major barrier to digital accessibility.

Dr Aminah Zawedde, the permanent secretary for the ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), announced during last week’s Children’s day celebrations at the Golf Course hotel in the capital Kampala. The initiative seeks to make technology more affordable and accessible, particularly for children, as part of broader efforts to drive sustainable digital transformation.

As of January 2024, Uganda has 13 million internet users, trailing regional neighbors like Tanzania (21 million), Kenya (22 million), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (28 million). Despite progress, high costs for internet services and devices remain a significant challenge, limiting digital access for many Ugandans.

Dr Zawedde underscored the importance of affordability in achieving a truly inclusive digital economy.

“Access to technology is not a privilege but a necessity and a right,” she stated, highlighting the need to ensure that children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can access digital tools essential for education and economic participation.

Dr Zawedde emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing these costs as a cornerstone of its strategy for sustainable digitization.

“For us to digitize sustainably, we must be able to operate online, and the only way to do that is by leveraging devices,” she said, noting that affordability and accessibility are critical to fostering equitable technological growth.

She also stressed that safeguarding children’s rights and well-being is a shared responsibility between the government and parents, calling for concerted efforts to bridge the digital divide, particularly for marginalized communities. The government’s plans to make digital tools more accessible aim not only to increase Uganda’s competitiveness in the region but also to prepare its youngest citizens to thrive in the demands of a digitally-driven 21st century.

As Uganda advances its digital transformation, Zawedde highlighted both the opportunities and risks that technology brings, committing to safeguarding children while fostering their engagement in the digital world.

“We are fostering safe environments where children and young people can learn, explore and innovate,” she stated, pointing to government investments in innovation hubs and programs aimed at equipping youth with tools to address local challenges.

BALANCING OPPORTUNITY WITH SAFETY IN UGANDA’S DIGITAL LANDSCAPE

Dr Robin Nandy, UNICEF’s representative to Uganda, echoed these sentiments, describing children as not just the architects of the future but active participants in shaping the present. He emphasized the importance of providing digital tools for their personal and academic growth, noting that technology can transform lives and bridge educational gaps.

“They are the architects of a better world, and their voices deserve to be heard,” Nandy said while expressing optimism that collaboration among stakeholders will narrow the digital divide hindering many children’s access to opportunities.

While the digital world opens new horizons for learning and innovation, it also presents challenges, especially for vulnerable children. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), emphasized the transformative role of ICTs in education, enabling students to access global knowledge and extend learning beyond traditional classrooms.

However, he also cautioned against the potential dangers of the internet, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy risks.

“The internet can expose children to dangers such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, exploitation, and privacy breaches,” Thembo warned. He called on schools, educators, and community leaders to integrate online safety into daily conversations and curricula to protect children from digital harm.

The collective efforts of the government, stakeholders, and community leaders aim to ensure that technology serves as a tool for empowerment, growth, and creativity while minimizing its risks. These commitments reflect Uganda’s broader vision of fostering a digitally inclusive society where children can thrive safely and equitably.

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