Two weeks after launching the Soroti University ICT Innovation Hub, the government, through the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, has inaugurated another regional ICT innovation hub—the West Nile ICT Innovation Hub at Muni University in Arua City. This hub marks the second of the three regional ICT innovation hubs in universities planned by the Ministry, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The launch, held on May 3, was presided over by Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. Dr. Zawedde emphasized the Ministry’s focus on infrastructure development, including connectivity, hubs, data centers, and computer labs, as well as ensuring widespread access to affordable digital devices to support digital transformation.
The necessity for a regional ICT innovation hub arose from the challenges encountered by West Nile entrepreneurs in accessing crucial resources, guidance, and internships essential for business expansion. According to Prof. Robert Kajobe, the Director of Graduate Training, Research, and Innovation, Muni University serves as the host of the regional hub, which will address entrepreneurs’ challenges such as the lack of meeting/training venues, workspaces, fast internet connectivity, and cloud storage.
During the launch, Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, Vice Chancellor of Muni University, revealed that in 2020 the university sought support from the Ministry’s National Innovation Initiative Support Program (NIISP) to establish an innovative ICT hub, for which the Ministry allocated UGX250 million. Prof. Anguma confirmed that the funds were used effectively.
In encouraging youth to incorporate ICT into their daily activities and businesses, Hon. Noah Musa, MP for Koboko North County, urged the government to consider reducing taxes on ICT devices.
Responding to Musa, Zawedde stated that the government is developing policies to lower the cost of ICT/digital devices and establish computer and smartphone assembly plants within the country to enhance affordability.
Zawedde urged the youth to leverage the newly established regional ICT hubs and the accompanying opportunities to develop solutions for community challenges.
In the 2021/22 financial year, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance received funds totaling UGX750 million to establish regional ICT innovation hubs in universities in Soroti, Kabale, and Muni (in Arua), with each receiving UGX250 million. Zawedde emphasized that this initiative would not only boost ICT adoption in higher education institutions but also among businesses and other professional service providers, thereby creating job opportunities for the local community.
The Ministry did not specify the launch date for the regional ICT innovation hub in Kabale, but it is expected to occur within the current year.