New ICT Hub Launched in Kasese to Boost Digital Skills for Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities in Kasese District are set to gain improved access to crucial digital skills with the recent launch of a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Hub. This initiative is designed to promote digital inclusion, enhance educational prospects, and create new employment avenues for the community.

The establishment of the hub is the result of a partnership between the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and the International Development Institute (IDI) Uganda, supported by funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The facility will offer a range of programs, including computer literacy training, vocational skills development, and digital empowerment initiatives. These are tailored to equip individuals with the necessary competencies to thrive in the contemporary digital economy.

Recognizing the historical marginalization faced by persons with disabilities in accessing education, employment, and technology, the hub aims to create an inclusive learning environment with accessible ICT facilities.

Dr. Sinmyung Park from IDI Uganda highlighted that the hub is part of a larger strategy to ensure that advancements in technology do not leave persons with disabilities behind. “This ICT Hub is intended to provide persons with disabilities with practical digital skills that will improve their access to education, employment and economic opportunities while strengthening their participation in society,” he stated.

Lilian Namukasa of NCPD added that the project extends beyond providing equipment to fostering empowerment and social integration. “Digital literacy is now a basic necessity. Through this facility, persons with disabilities will be able to acquire the knowledge and confidence required to compete in today’s digital world,” she remarked.

Local leaders, including Peter Baluku of KADUPEDI, have welcomed the hub as a significant step towards equal opportunities. Officials from Kasese Municipal Council have pledged to protect the facility and its equipment, ensuring it serves the disability community and the wider public for years to come.

The hub will also be accessible to the broader community, promoting shared learning and social inclusion. The launch was preceded by a workshop emphasizing the importance of enforcing the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020, to complement digital inclusion efforts.

Stakeholders are optimistic that the ICT Hub will become a vital center for innovation and empowerment in the Rwenzori region, fostering a more inclusive society.

Source: Nile Post