Government to train PWDs on digital skills

At least 25,000 women living with disability are to acquire digital literacy skills in order to get abreast with modern technology.

The director of Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in charge of south-eastern region, Joseph Kateregga, while speaking at a training for disabled women at Ntinda Valley Hotel recently, said People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) have always been left behind in terms of development because they are not competent in digital literacy.

Kateregga said the skills are expected to help disabled women acquire knowledge and the latest information using smartphones.

He cautioned the women against abusing the skills they will acquire by using it to insult people on social media.

Kateregga said according to the memorandum of understanding between government and the National Union of Women with Disabilities of Uganda (NUWODU), all the participants will receive a smartphone upon completion of the training.

The secretary for finance at Iganga district local government, Patrick Meeme, said the district has recognised the role PWDS contribute by voting them into higher positions of government.

Joy Nakyesa, a project officer at NUWODU, said research conducted by the organisation indicates that only 1 out of every 10 PWDs can effectively use a smartphone or are versed with digital skills.