In a bid to bridge the digital divide, leading telecom infrastructure provider ATC Uganda, in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, has launched a Digital Community at San Giovanni School, Kanungu.
This brings the total number of Digital Communities set up by ATC to drive digital inclusion to 42 across the country.
A Digital Community is a digitally connected space equipped with computers and internet providing instructor-led computer lessons and digital skilling to underserved communities with an aim to improve quality of life in the communities providing free internet access and various digital resources to the local community, benefiting students and residents alike.
ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Ssemanda while speaking at the launch said these Digital Community centres are placed across the country within our host communities. “We have been running a Digital Community program to equip communities with digital skilling by offering 20 computers, high speed internet, a tutor to provide instructor led lessons. This initiative is part of our broader mission to improve the quality of life for Ugandans, and the Kanungu Digital Community is another step in fulfilling that goal,” Ssemanda said.
“Kanungu is one of our host communities and this school is particularly special because its a host to over 400 students and is open to the community and this Digital Community launched at San Giovanni is one of 42 such centers launched by the company nationwide,” she said.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, , who officiated the event, commended ATC Uganda for its partnership in advancing digital inclusivity. “We are grateful to ATC Uganda for its efforts in in establishing a digital community an ICT learning centre at San Giovanni School to provide ICT skills to students and members of the community,” Hon Baryomunsi said.
He noted that the new facility would play a pivotal role in improving educational outcomes by providing students with access to online learning materials, research tools, and virtual classrooms.
“As government we shall continue working with partners like ATC Uganda for purposes of Digital transformation in our country. I appeal to the students to properly utlise the established community centre to excel in their academics and also encourage the community members to enrol to acquire digital skills,” he emphasised.
Statistics from the UCC Market Report for June 2024 show that Uganda has made notable strides in telecom, where mobile subscriptions stand at 38.5 million, and 16.4 million people actively use mobile internet. Such efforts directly support governments Digital Transformation Road map goal of providing internet access to 90% of the population by 2026.
The San Giovanni School Digital Headteacher Mr Dennis Tukamushaba shared that the Digital Community Center is the first major intervention the school has seen since its inception. He expressed optimism that the center would significantly boost ICT learning for the students and the community.
ATC Uganda’s ongoing expansion of Digital Communities across the country underscores its commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of Ugandans. With access to digital resources, helping to create a more inclusive and connected society, enabling communities to thrive in the digital age.
