KAMPALA— At the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), something extraordinary unfolded. It wasn’t just a graduation ceremony—it was a declaration of empowerment, inclusion, and hope. The event marked the closure of the Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired (ICBVI) training program, and it brought together changemakers from Uganda and beyond.
For the participants—visually impaired and partially sighted trainees—it was not just about learning to navigate a computer. It was about breaking barriers that society, systems, and sometimes even families place on them.
“You Are Pioneers”
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, delivered heartfelt remarks, calling the trainees “true pioneers.” Her words weren’t hollow praise. In a country where approximately 2.8 million people live with moderate to severe visual impairment, and 14 percent of citizens aged five and above live with a disability, these graduates are trailblazers of a more inclusive digital Uganda.
“Your unique abilities do not hinder or restrict your actions,” Dr. Zawedde said, her voice filled with pride. She reminded everyone present that inclusion is not charity—it’s a necessity.
A National Need Meets a Human Story
Statistics from a 2023 survey by Sightsavers International reveal the urgency: 160,000 Ugandans are blind, and visual impairment remains the most common form of disability in the country. For these citizens, access to digital tools isn’t just about convenience—it’s about survival, education, jobs, and dignity.
The ICBVI program, launched in collaboration with international partners including the ITU and special needs advocates, is a timely response to this digital exclusion.
Policy on Paper, Action on the Ground
Uganda has robust legislation supporting people with disabilities—from the Persons with Disabilities Act (2020) to international commitments like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Yet, laws can only go so far without implementation. This training, part of Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, brings policy to life.
Imagine a Uganda where digital literacy reaches 80 percent of its citizens, where every household has access to a device, and all government services are online. These are not distant dreams—they’re national targets. Programs like ICBVI ensure that these targets include everyone.
Beyond Skills: A Future Reimagined
What makes this initiative remarkable is its ripple effect. Trainees are not just learners—they’re now trainers. Equipped with digital skills, they are ready to educate others, create opportunities in their communities, and help bridge Uganda’s digital divide.
Through the Parish Development Model, 10 percent of funds are earmarked for persons with disabilities. The government’s message is clear: inclusion must be felt at the grassroots. Whether it’s through training or access to microfinance, every citizen deserves a seat at the table.
A Call to Keep Going
Dr. Zawedde concluded with a call for unity—across government, private sector, civil society, and academia—to continue this journey of digital inclusion. Her final words echoed with conviction:
“Let us create a Uganda where technology serves everyone, where inclusion is the standard, and where opportunity is universal.”
For the graduates of the ICBVI program, this is just the beginning. They walk away not just with certificates, but with purpose—and a mission to ensure no one is left behind in Uganda’s digital future.
