Objective: To enhance digital inclusion in Oyam District, Northern Uganda, by connecting the unconnected communities and empowering them through comprehensive digital literacy training and the establishment of Digital Empowerment Centers.
Specific objectives:
i)To pilot an affordable next-generation broadband connectivity solution for rural and underserved areas in Uganda to impact service delivery, agriculture, education, and gender equality.
ii)To develop an affordable and scalable Rural Connectivity Broadband framework in Oyam district, Northern Uganda.
To advance digital inclusion and close the gender digital divide in unserved and underserved communities of Northern Uganda, particularly in Oyam District, WOUGNET is piloting a Rural Broadband Connectivity Model. This initiative employs a collaborative and participatory approach to promote inclusive internet access and the effective use of digital tools.
The project involves establishing free wireless broadband access points in key community spaces such as schools, hospitals, market centers, local government offices, and farmer groups. These will be supplemented by ICT Digital Empowerment Centers (DECs), to provide free access to computers, smartphones, and other digital resources. In addition to infrastructure, the project integrates comprehensive digital literacy training to build ICT skills among rural communities. This is further enhanced by activities such as gender-focused trainings, needs assessments, technical site surveys, and the development of a community knowledge base portal.To ensure long-term impact and sustainability, WOUGNET is building a network of Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) and Community ICT Extension Officers, while working closely with local government and key stakeholders to strengthen community ownership and resilience.
Funder: Internet Society Foundation under the Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technology (BOLT) program
Duration: 2025 – 2026