Otuke leaders ask for computers after UCC skilling drive. ARDC Isaac Opio Opeo Akankwasa on behalf of the office of the RDC otuke, following the delegation by the Deputy RDC Francis Okwameri, thanked UCC for such a vibrant training in Otuke.
By Okidi Patrick
OTUKE, UGANDA . At least 90 residents of Otuke District, including youth, women, and elders, have undergone a five-day intensive training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to boost their agricultural productivity and household incomes.
The digital skilling program, conducted by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in partnership with Eight Tech Consult Ltd, targeted smallholder farmers who dominate the district’s cereal production sector.
The training held recently focused on empowering farmers to navigate the digital world to secure better markets for their produce. Otuke is a major producer of soybeans and sunflowers, but farmers have often struggled with low prices offered by middlemen.
“With these skills, you can now find markets for your soybeans and sunflowers online without waiting for brokers,” a facilitator told the trainees. The curriculum also covered the use of national registration portals and online livestock compensation systems.
PDM and Accountability
Beyond farming, the training was a tactical session for local leaders involved in the Parish Development Model (PDM). Parish Chiefs and LCII Chairpersons were trained on using the ‘Wendi’ digital network for beneficiary profiling and data management.
“Government is currently conducting registration for livestock compensation. You must embrace ICT as accounting officers to ensure these processes are transparent and efficient,” the participants were urged.
Mr. Isaac Opio Opeo, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) for Otuke, on behalf of the office of the RDC otuke, following the delegation by the Deputy RDC Francis Okwameri thanked UCC for such a vibrant training in Otuke district and lauded the government for the initiative but noted that the district still lacks enough hardware.
“We implore the participants to use these skills to cause transformation in society where they can regiater for passport online. However, we also request UCC to equip Otuke District Local Government with computers and training kits to sustain this progress,” Mr. Opio said.
The participants were issued certificate of participation in Digital skilling by UCC.
The training, which follows an earlier phase conducted in August 2024, is part of the government’s broader strategy to move all Ugandans—including the uneducated—into the money economy through digital inclusion.
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