Job creation: Gov't is seeking more ICT innovators 

By Moses Watasa

In its unrelenting efforts to create jobs and wealth for citizens, the Government is seeking out innovators of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications/solutions - again.

A call from the ICT ministry was issued and submissions are being received, from which successful ones will be selected for support under the National ICT Initiatives and Support Programme (NIISP). 

The initiative is derived from Uganda's Vision 2040, which envisages ICT as key among the drivers of inclusive economic growth and modernisation. And Uganda is packed with potential such that the ICT sector already employs over two million people. The bulk are youth engaged in sale and re-sale of value added products and ICT solutions and services. 

In this regard, to bring the national Vision to life, the National Resistance Movement Government Manifesto, 2016-2021, provides that: "ICT programmes will be geared towards increasing creation of jobs for the youth and enhancing production and consumption of local innovations." The manifesto adds: "We will develop an ICT innovation framework, which will guide on innovation areas, funding opportunities and innovation partners, clients and innovation resources."

Our enthusiasm from innovators and progress developing ICT applications is as encouraging as it is exciting. After the first call for prospective ICT solutions' innovators, over 340 proposals were submitted, from which the ministry picked 12, who are receiving funding under NIISP. Some of the ICT applications developed are out on the market - and receiving rave reviews from users. 

For instance, the Academic Information Management System (AIMS) has ensured that users such as Makerere University register high levels of efficiency in managing and processing students' records and documentation. Notably, the university has, as a result, also slashed the time-frames for processing final results and students' transcripts. With these available by graduation time, it is a win-win for students, parents/guardians and the university.    

Another locally developed App, Clinic Master, being used by private health services providers has eased interface with clients and improved management of overhead costs. The resulting reduced costs and better turn-over is improving the quality of attendance to patients, for instance, and returns to providers of health services in Uganda. Besides directing funding to ICT applications, the ICT ministry has also attached another 100 innovators to ICT Hubs, to have them refine and upgrade their skills. 

These and others are to also benefit from a Memorandum of Understanding recently entered between the Government and software giant, Microsoft.   

Even more energising now is that the ministry has given other prospective innovators up to January 24, 2019 to prepare and submit their entries. Areas for which ICT applications are sought and for which there is need/market include education management, business process tracking and human resource management. 

Others include agriculture - livestock management and monitoring operation of projects under government projects such as Operation Wealth Creation. Innovators cannot go wrong here - the Government is seeking to increase local content of the ICT services and solutions it consumes to at least 70%.

Elsewhere, entries are also welcome for solutions to support weather management, public sector management, border control and management, public asset management - among others. For affirmative action purposes, the ministry is specifically (but not exclusively) welcoming entries from youth and women innovators.

So where are you ICT innovators? Another opportunity for your big break-through is here. For those in Kampala, an ultra-modern Innovations' Hub will be complete and available for you to access by February 2019.

The writer is commissioner for information dissemination and communication at the ICT ministry