A section of learners being taken through basic computer training at the centre. Photo by Komakech Jimmy
Komakech Jimmy
Nwoya: The American Tower Corporation, Uganda National Oil Company, and Uganda Communications Commission recently installed a one-stop new ICT digital infrastructure for the community of Nwoya District.
The digital community is part of a broader initiative to roll out digital communities across the Albertine Graben, ensuring that communities hosting Uganda’s strategic energy investments are empowered through access to technology, digital literacy, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
Purpose of the Center
American Tower Corporation states its role is to extend digital access to places like Nwoya, enabling residents to learn computer skills, access the internet, and stay informed about global event.
The center addresses a documented gap according to the last UBOS census, Nwoya District had very low ICT uptake and therefore the facility is expected to gradually improve internet usage and communication across the district.
Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, the ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer, disclosed that connectivity alone is no longer sufficient unless it translates into meaningful opportunity for people.
She noted that since commencing operations in Uganda fourteen years ago, the Corporation has consistently invested beyond telecommunication infrastructure, supporting initiatives in education, healthcare and digital inclusion as part of its long-term commitment to the country’s development.
Proscovia Nabanja, the chief executive officer of Uganda National Oil Company –UNOC pointed that the partnership reflect UNOCs’ commitment to ensuring that Uganda’s’ Petroleum resources creates lasting value for host communities beyond energy production.
The success of Uganda’s oil and gas industry will not only be measured by the infrastructure we build but will be measured by the opportunities created for people, ” she adds.
Nabanja further revealed that digital literacy is becoming an essential skill across every sector of the economy, and investment in education and technology will ensure communities are better prepared for future employment and entrepreneurship.
Access and Registration
The center is free of charge and open to everyone. At the time of the launch, about 70 students had already been registered across three lots, with more continuing to sign up.
The fully fledged digital facility is housed in a building belonging to the Head teachers Association of Nwoya district Local Government, which had previously been an empty resource center following a granted permission from the association to equip it for community use.
Benefits for the Community
Richard Okumu Shadick, one of the beneficiaries and the chairperson of a Presidential Industrial Hub, testified that after just three days of training, he could print letters and prepare office reports, skills he previously lacked.
District leaders appeal for additional assistance beyond the ICT center
Despite the fascinating development, Nwoya’s primary education performance remains unstable, and many communities lack access to both primary and secondary schools.
Officials cited Nyamukino village as an area with no government primary or secondary school, where communities struggle to educate children through informal initiatives.
They requested infrastructure and capacity-building support from ATC, UNOC, and Windle International in strengthening the weak sector.
Jennifer Aloyo, Nwoya district vice chairperson appealed for a neonatal facility to care for premature babies. She explained that pre-term infants currently have to be transferred to Lacor Hospital in Gulu City or other distant health centers, and many do not survive the journey urging that a local neonatal unit at Anaka general Hospital would save lives once constructed, asked partners not to ignore future requests for help from the district.
Nwoya district assistant resident commissioner Michael Opwonya lauded ATC, UNOC, and UCC for the partnership. He framed the initiative within the global information age, citing how digital connectivity drives economies like India other regions.
He urged sub-county leaders to popularize the program and encouraged business people to use the facility for transactions and market research.
Call to Action
The district chief administrative officer of Nwoya appealed to the authority to open the facility on time cautioning users against vandalizing and looting accessories from the digital centre.
The Nwoya district digital community adds to the ATC Uganda’s’ growing national network of 83 digital communities, which have already impacted more than 100,000 Ugandans by providing free access to broadband internet , computers , digital literacy trainings , financial literacy programmes and career development opportunities.
The Initiative forms part of the ATC Uganda’s’ global Digital community programme which seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing underserved communities with access to technology , connectivity and digital skills through partnerships.
