Phase II of the ICT for Persons with Disabilities Program Officially Kicks Off

We are excited to announce the official launch of Phase II of the ICT for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Program. On 20th May 2025, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), in partnership with the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and Eight Tech Consults Ltd, held an inception meeting to kickstart this transformative initiative.

The Inclusive ICT Project is a pioneering initiative part of the Uganda Communications Universal Services Access Fund (UCUSAF) programs that reflects Uganda’s broader vision of digital equity. By embedding accessibility and inclusivity into the digital transformation agenda, the project sets a strong precedent for socially responsible innovation.

The project also aligns with Uganda’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by ensuring that marginalized populations are not left behind in the digital era.

This second phase builds on the achievements of Phase I and is designed to significantly expand the program’s reach and deepen its impact in bridging Uganda’s digital divide for persons with disabilities.

Strategic Interventions in Phase II

Phase II introduces a comprehensive set of interventions to ensure greater digital inclusion, empowerment, and sustainability. These include:

Upgrading and expanding the PWD Digital Observatory to enhance monitoring and data-driven decision-making.

Integrating the observatory with other service platforms to improve accessibility and service delivery for PWDs.

Profiling an additional 40,000 PWDs across Uganda, collecting accurate demographic and digital inclusion data.

Training 1,000 PWDs—with a focus on blind and deaf participants—in essential digital skills.

Identifying and supporting 100 PWDs with job-readiness and employability training programs.

Facilitating linkages with employers, including follow-ups on job placements.

Designing and prototyping 3 new ICT innovations tailored to the unique needs of PWDs, ensuring co-creation and usability testing with the PWD community.

Producing 1 policy brief and 2 scientific research papers focused on digital inclusion for PWDs.

Organizing 3 knowledge dissemination workshops to share insights and promote best practices.

Documenting lessons learned to guide scale-up and influence national advocacy.

Conducting grant writing and resource mobilization workshops for NUDIPU and its partners.

Creating a sustainability framework to ensure the long-term success and integration of digital inclusion initiatives into national development strategies.

A Joint Commitment to Inclusive Digital Transformation

During the inception meeting, all stakeholders reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in Uganda’s digital transformation journey. Representatives from UCC and NUDIPU emphasized the urgency of accessible ICT solutions for marginalized groups, while Eight Tech Consults outlined the technical roadmap for implementation.

Phase II is a bold step toward empowering Uganda’s PWDs with the digital skills, tools, and opportunities they need to thrive in the digital economy.

Stay connected for updates as we roll out training sessions, innovations, and community engagements across the country.

For more information on the Inclusive ICT Project or to access the National PWDs Observatory, please visit: https://ict4personswithdisabilities.org/news