

25 June 2024, 8:34 am
By Mike Okwang Ogule
People no longer spend hours staring at a computer screen after work or class; instead, they use their mobile devices to stay online constantly.
During a recent digital literacy training organised by WOUGNET in partnership with netLabs!UG and NURIN, one of the participants, Ms. Akec Naume from Atopi market, said, “The internet has turned our existence upside down. It has revolutionised communications to the extent that it is now our preferred medium of everyday communication.”
Naume added, “In almost everything we do, we use this cyberspace. Whether sharing moments with friends or sending a picture over instant messaging, the internet is integral. Before the internet, if you wanted to keep up with the news, you had to tune into your radio. Today, a click or two is enough to read local, national, and international articles from anywhere in the world, updated up to the minute.”
Ms. Martha, a teacher at Apac Technical School, said, “The internet has clearly impacted all levels of education by providing unbounded possibilities for learning. I believe the future of education is a networked future. People can use the internet to create and share knowledge and develop new ways of teaching and learning that captivate and stimulate students’ imaginations anytime, anywhere, using any device. By connecting and empowering students and educators, we can accelerate economic growth and enhance the well being of society worldwide. We should work together, over a network, to build a global learning society.”
“Access to better market information delivered on mobile devices is now helping us farmers obtain higher prices for our harvests and provides easy access to accurate, real-time data on weather, pests, and diseases from remote sensing,” said Jimmy Okello from the Bed-Igen farmers group.
The Rural Community Broadband Network was established in Apac district in 2023 by the government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and innovations fund, It has 12 network sites, including Bed-Igen Women’s Group in Awiri, Apac Secondary School, Atopi Primary School, Maruzi Seed Secondary School, Apac Technical School, St. Albert Technical Institute, Apac District Headquarters, Apac Main Hospital, Atopi Market, KIC Office, and Nicho Poto Studio.