Oyam, Uganda | WOUGNET has launched a new digital inclusion project in Oyam District to provide free internet access and digital skills to underserved communities.
The initiative, called Enhancing Digital Inclusion in Northern Uganda, is piloting a rural broadband model that connects schools, hospitals, markets, and farmers’ groups.
Peter Ongom, the project officer, said the team is setting up Digital Empowerment Centres with free computers and distributing smartphones to help locals access online services.
“We’re targeting key places like hospitals, schools, market centres, and farmers’ cooperatives,” Ongom said. “We want people to have the tools and skills to use the internet effectively.”
The first digital literacy training was held in Oyam Town Council.
It introduced participants to basic digital technologies, device components, and communication infrastructure.
Community members expressed appreciation for the training, Dorothy Achola, chairperson of Ajuri Oil Seed Farmers Cooperative, said the session helped her understand how digital tools can improve farming and marketing.
Ronald Omara, a youth from Oyam Town Council, said the project will help students do research without buying data bundles.
Evelyn Akello, also from Ajuri Cooperative, added that free internet will help farmers reach wider markets and access farm inputs more easily.
WOUGNET plans to continue training and expand the project to more areas in the district.