By Our Reporter
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT and National Guidance Dr. Aminah Zawedde has urged education institutions to Impart Information Technology skills in visually impaired students to enable them compete fairly in the employment sector.
“This training is aligned with Uganda’s broader vision under the Digital Transformation Roadmap which 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” she said.
Ms Zawedde who made the remarks during closure of introduction to computer basics for the visually impaired (ICBVI) training at the Uganda Institute of ICT on Wednesday noted that equipping the visually impaired community with the digital skills is critical for thriving in today’s economy.
“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. 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” she said.
The Principal UICT Dr. Fredrick.E. Kitoogo said by equipping visually impaired and partially sighted individuals with foundational ICT skills, they 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” he said.
However Mr Kitoogo noted that the institution was faced structural and systemic challenges that include access to assistive technologies, Infrastructure Gaps, Trainer Capacity, Accessible Learning Content, Low Awareness and Cultural Stigma, Financial Sustainability and Policy Gaps that need to be addressed.
Statistics
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.
