NAKAWA– The government of Uganda through the office of the Prime Minister, has assured Ugandans that in few years to come almost everyone will be in position to access cheap Internet connectivity and affordable Internet enabled gadgets.
While officiating the grand opening of the 3rd National ICT Job fair, Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister of Uganda revealed that the government of uganda has invested a lot and committed to invest more in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector which is the fastest growing sector globally with a wide range of opportunities.
“The government remains committed to address a number of challenges faced by the ICT sector the high internet prices. We shall reduce on the cost of Internet , we shall also increase on the digital device affordability by reducing on their prices.”
She also noted that the government is committed to curb cyber harassment on top of expanding broad band connectivity to all corners of the country so that no body is left behind in terms of digital transformation.
“I commend Huawei for having partnered with us (Government) in organizing this ICT Job fair which is a vital platform that bridges Gap between students, young professionals , government of Uganda and private sector. It provides opportunities for employment, internship, mentorship and skills enhancement in the emerging technology.”
Nabbanja further called upon the young people to fully utilize ICT Job fair , to benchmark , learn and tap into the abundant opportunities that have been extended to them.
Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT, emphasized it that the process of ensuring that all Ugandans have unlimited access to affordable Internet and Internet enabled devices is underway.
“These devices (iPads, Smart phones and laptops) are a bit expensive to ordinary Ugandans, so one of the initiatives we are coming up with as government, is to reduce taxes on these gadgets. We are also promoting local manufacturing of these gadgets, like in Mbale were the assembling is being done and some are being manufactured in Namanve.”
He also pointed out that currently, the government is in the process of extending internet connectivity to all parts of the country , so that the number of Internet subscribers increases and this is a key factor in determining the Internet prices.
“At this ICT Job fair , Government agencies , departments are showcasing what they are offering in the ICT sector , thus providing young people opportunities for both internship and job placements.”
Baryomunsi further promised on behalf of government and partners to look into organizing ICT Job fair at a regional level so as to reach out to a larger number of young people who may not be having a chance of coming to Kampala.
H.E Zhang Lizhong , the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda commended Huawei Technologies for well representing China in Uganda, especially through its various community Social Responsibility (CSR) programs like the Digitruck which have created a great impact in lives of many Ugandans.
He therefore called upon all Chinese companies operating in Uganda, to take a leaf from Huawei and engage in CSR initiatives aimed at Uplifting people’s well being.
Ssali Gao, deputy managing director of Huawei Technologies (Uganda) Co. Limited, promised they will continue supporting the ICT Job fair and all other initiatives aimed at pushing Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
The National ICT Job fair 2024 happening at National ICT Hub in Nakawa , is running under a theme: “Shaping Uganda’s Digital Future: Bridging Skills,Innovation, and opportunity,”
It kicked off on Thursday 21st 2024 and it will be ending on Friday 22nd 2024.
It’s was organized with an aim of promoting youth employment in the Information, communication and Technology (ICT) sector.
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