The Minister for Information and Communication Technology and National Guidance Frank Tumwebaze has called for the collaboration to reduce the costs on Information and technology services
Tumwebaze who was closing the Information and communication Technology 4 Development (ICT4D) conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo asked ICT stake holders to collaborate and make technology affordable to every one
“How do we best reduce the cost of IT services to accelerate development in Africa especially IT infrastructure and Internet? I hope the cost of internet can be made affordable like a bottle of water” said Tumwebaze.
Tumwebaze added “ICT is not only for computer scientists in the lab, ICT is everywhere be Agriculture Education, Health among others and I believe all sectors need ICT so let’s work together and make sure it is affordable”
Lauren Woodman the CEO of Net hope while in her presentations she focused on ICT for safeguarding Artificial intelligence and machine learning for development and Humanitarian Aid, innovations in digital financial Inclusions and practical advice on how NGO’s and their partners can manage their digital transformation which is not an easy task.
“Non Profits are missing the boat, digital is not the same as being digitalized and both (Digital and digitalized) are important in ICT but they are different” said Woodman.
This year’s ICT4D conference had a strong focus on youth engagement, digital diversity and responsible data with an emphasis on getting digital technologies by participants, better engaging of communities and more co development of digital programs in agriculture and health with a general need for better data privacy in the face of cyber security risks
The catholic Relief services (CRS) representative e in Ugandan Niek de Goeij said the conference had an attendance of over 900 participants from 440 organizations in 85 countries who all came to Uganda to share their experiences and ideas around how ICT can help the poor and destitute in the world for better lives.
“Uganda hosting the conference demonstrates that this country is in great position to support digital development with a very young population struggling with connectivity and a strong mission around legislation and ICT investment I see a great future for ICT in Uganda “said Niek de goeij
