Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, today officiated at the closing ceremony of the Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired (ICBVI) Training of Trainers at #InnovationHubUg
The skilling program is being implemented by #UICTug in partnership with #ITU to equip trainers with foundational skills and knowledge to support visually impaired individuals in acquiring basic computer literacy. In her remarks, Dr. Zawedde applauded the program as a model of empowerment and resilience, aligning with Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap.
She emphasized that no one should be left behind in Uganda’s digital journey especially the visually impaired, who continue to face some of the most persistent barriers to digital access.
What You Need To Know:
The Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have concluded an eight-day specialized training program dubbed, Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired (ICBVI).
The program’s goal was to empower 30 visually impaired, partially sighted and sighted youth and adults with practical digital skillsfrom using screen readers to handling word processing tools - helping them build confidence, pursue employment opportunities and thrive in today’s digital economy.
REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY – MINISTRY OF ICT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE AT THE CLOSURE OF INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER BASICS FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (ICBVI) TRAINING
SALUTATIONS.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde - Permanent Secretary – Ministry of ICT and National Guidance
The Principal, UICT;
Partners from the International Telecommunication Union, National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB), Faculty of Special needs – Kyambogo University
Our honored trainers from Italy - Prof. Cristian Bernareggi and Ms. Roobi Roobi; Mr. Sada Kaane from DTC Senegal
Our treasured trainees - visually impaired and partially sighted; and sighted assistants;
It gives me great pleasure to join you at this important ceremony of the Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired (ICBVI) training of trainers program, by UICT in partnership with ITU (NORAD & STFOUNDTION) under the Digital Transformation Centres’ Initiative.
Today, we are not merely recognizing a training; we are celebrating empowerment, inclusion, and resilience.
Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to UICT, ITU, and our distinguished trainers: Prof. Bernareggi, Ms. Roobi Roobi, and Mr. Sada Kaane for their unwavering commitment to this transformative initiative.
To the trainees: you are true pioneers, and you have shown the world that your unique abilities do not hinder or restrict your actions.
STATISTICS ON DISABILITY AND SPECIFICALLY VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN UGANDA
Ladies and Gentlemen,
According to the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey in Uganda – 2023, by Sights savers International, 0.4% of Ugandans (160,000 people) are blind, while moderate to severe visual impairment is at seven percent, an equivalent to 2.8 million people.
Furthermore, Uganda’s general disability prevalence has increased to 14% among persons aged 5 and older, with difficulty in seeing remaining the most common type of disability at a 7.2% prevalence rate.
This training directly responds to the pressing national need to equip our visually impaired community with the digital skills critical for thriving in today’s economy.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND COMMITMENTS
Uganda has made significant strides toward disability inclusion:
The Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020 enshrines the right to accessible ICT services, education, and employment.
Uganda ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the African Union Protocol on disability rights.
Tax exemptions have been granted on assistive technologies to promote access.
Special quotas have been introduced for the admission of students with disabilities into public universities.
Efforts like the National Special Grant and the accessibility directive for TV programming continue to promote equal opportunities across all sectors.
In addition, Uganda ratified the Marrakesh Treaty, ensuring access to published works for persons who are visually impaired or print-disabled. ICT becomes the lead tool to drive conformance and compliance to this treaty.
FIT – FOR – PURPOSE INTO THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ROADMAP
This training is aligned with Uganda’s broader vision under the Digital Transformation Roadmap launched by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. The roadmap aims to build an inclusive digital economy by promoting universal access to ICTs, enhancing digital literacy, and bridging the digital divide, especially among marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities. Programs like this one are crucial steps toward realizing our aspiration of "A People-Centered, Inclusive Digital Uganda with targets of universal access to internet – 95% of the population; Digital Literacy 80% among citizens; device access- at least one device per household and 100% e-Government services online." We believe that no one should be left behind as we accelerate towards a future defined by innovation, access, and opportunity for all citizens.
The Government of Uganda is fully committed to ensuring that every citizen regardless of physical ability, location, or gender benefits from the opportunities of the digital economy.
By empowering the visually impaired with practical ICT skills transferable to others (ToTS), this program enhances personal livelihoods, provides a sustainable way to continuously learn, and contributes to national development, social inclusion, and economic resilience.
This initiative (ICBVI training) is proof that, with collaboration, vision, and compassion, we can close the digital gaps that have historically excluded many from fully participating in modern society and above all a step toward realizing the digital transformation aspirations, ensuring that as Uganda advances technologically, no one is left behind.
THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT MODEL (PDM) INITIATIVES
Moreover, under the Parish Development Model (PDM), the government has allocated 10% of PDM funds directly to Persons with Disabilities, including those who are visually impaired.
This policy ensures that disability-inclusive economic empowerment is rooted at the parish level, enabling persons with disabilities to access microfinance, participate in development projects, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The Government of Uganda is determined to build localized opportunities so that every citizen, regardless of physical ability, can fully participate in national development.
CONCLUSION
Today, through this training, you have acquired digital skills that will transform your future. You are now ambassadors of digital inclusion equipped to teach others, shape communities, and contribute to Uganda’s national vision of a knowledge-based economy.
I commend UICT and its partners for their foresight and leadership in promoting inclusive digital skilling.
Let us continue working together; government, private sector, academia, and civil society to create a Uganda where technology serves everyone, where inclusion is the standard, and where opportunity is universal.
Congratulations to all, and may the spirit of inclusion guide our digital future.
REMARKS BY THE PRINCIPAL – UGANDA INSTITUTE OF ICT (UICT) AT THE CLOSURE OF INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER BASICS FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (ICBVI) TRAINING
SALUTATIONS.
Dr. Fredrick.E. Kitoogo - Principal – UICT
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance – our Chief Guest
Representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Partners from the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB), and the Faculty of Special Needs Education – Kyambogo University
Our distinguished trainers from Italy – Prof. Cristian Bernareggi and Ms. Roobi Roobi; and Mr. Sada Kaane from DTC Senegal
Our esteemed trainees – the visually impaired, partially sighted, and their sighted assistants
INTRODUCTION
Today, we come together to celebrate a significant milestone — the successful exection of the Introduction to Computer Basics for the Visually Impaired (ICBVI) training program.
This initiative, implemented in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union under the Digital Transformation Centres Initiative, reaffirms UICT’s unwavering commitment to inclusive and transformative digital empowerment.
Allow me to particularly commend the tireless dedication and professionalism of Prof. Cristian Bernareggi, Ms. Roobi Roobi, and Mr. Sada Kaane. Your mentorship has profoundly impacted our trainees and reinforced UICT’s vision of being a centre of excellence in ICT training, innovation, and inclusion.
ABOUT THE TRAINING
At UICT, inclusion is not a slogan — it is a practice. This training exemplifies our institutional mission to leave no one behind in the digital revolution. By equipping visually impaired and partially sighted individuals with foundational ICT skills, we are enabling new pathways to employment, education, innovation, and independence.
This cohort has trained 30 participants — visually impaired learners, partially sighted individuals, and their sighted assistants. The ripple effect from this effort will undoubtedly extend to communities, institutions, and future learners across Uganda.
This is more than a training. It is a declaration that digital skills are a human right and that a truly inclusive digital transformation is not only possible but necessary.
CHALLENGES: Summary Action Plan for UICT
While we celebrate today’s success, we also acknowledge the structural and systemic challenges ahead. UICT has developed a Strategic Action Plan to address the following areas:
Access to Assistive Technologies
Allocate budget lines for assistive technology in institutional planning
Forge partnerships with global tech providers for affordable or donated tools
Infrastructure Gaps
Prioritize accessible digital infrastructure and stable internet in training facilities
Trainer Capacity
Implement ongoing instructor training programs
Develop mentor-mentee models and collaborate with special needs education institutions
Accessible Learning Content
Establish a Digital Accessibility Taskforce
Produce localized, screen-reader compatible, audio-visual learning materials
Low Awareness and Cultural Stigma
Organize Inclusion Days and national public awareness campaigns
Collaborate with NUDIPU, UNAB, and academia on joint advocacy
Financial Sustainability
Establish a Digital Inclusion Endowment Fund
Explore long-term institutional and private-sector funding models
Policy Gaps
Advocate for the adoption and implementation of national ICT accessibility standards
Position UICT as a policy influencer and technical reference point in inclusive ICT
CONCLUSION
As I conclude, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to all who made this training possible:
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for its policy leadership and continued support;
The International Telecommunication Union for its technical partnership under the Digital Transformation Centres Initiative;
Our distinguished trainers and facilitators for their invaluable contribution;
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for its strategic support in advancing inclusive access to ICT services;
And most importantly, our courageous trainees for embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and purpose.
Your collective efforts reaffirm that with the right skills and the right support, disability is not inability. This milestone serves as a powerful reminder that digital empowerment must be inclusive, intentional, and unrelenting.
It is now my honour and privilege to invite our Chief Guest, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, to deliver her remarks.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the Permanent Secretary.
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