The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT, Dr. Amina Zawadde, has urged young girls and the youth at large to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool for personal and community upliftment, not for harm.
Dr. Zawadde made these remarks while officiating as the chief guest during the celebration of International Girls in ICT Day, held at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) in Nakawa, Kampala.
She emphasized the importance of using technology for learning and earning. “Use your phones and computers for purposes that benefit you and your community,” she said. “These devices can take you across the world—virtually—without ever having to board a plane.”
Dr. Zawadde encouraged girls to seek out information that promotes growth and development. “Be mindful online. The internet should be a source of empowerment, not danger,” she warned, adding, “Avoid forming WhatsApp groups to abuse others.”
She highlighted potential risks in the digital space, including cyberbullying, child trafficking, identity theft, and harmful content. “Girls and young women must be vigilant and responsible in their internet usage,” she cautioned.
Beyond personal safety, Dr. Zawadde advocated for the broader use of ICT in daily life, such as checking commodity prices or locating places. “Digital technology is here to stay—we must learn to live with it,” she added.
In efforts to bridge the digital divide, she noted that the Ministry of ICT, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is working to bring internet access to schools across Uganda. “We’ve contracted Chinese companies to expand connectivity to remote areas. By 2026-2027, internet access will no longer be a problem,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Hon. Nyombi Thembo, emphasized the importance of encouraging girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). “These fields are not just the future—they are the present,” he stated.
He pointed out that while ICT is a major driver of the global economy, there’s still a significant gender gap. “Girls in ICT Day gives us a chance to renew efforts to break down these barriers,” he said.
Thembo also highlighted UCC’s commitment to empowering girls through digital skills training and mentorship programs. He referenced a 2020 UCC study on children’s online experiences in Uganda, which revealed that limited digital skills contribute to the widening gender digital divide.
“We must invest in programs that make girls feel they belong in STEM—and that they can thrive there,” he concluded.
