Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), was one of the many organizations that participated in the recently concluded Mobileactive08 forum. The meeting took place between 13 – 15^th October 2008,  in Protea Wanderers’ Club in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was co - sponsored by IDRC, Hivos, OSISA, Vodafone Foundation, Vodacom, Knight Foundation, The Doc from South Africa, Microsoft, Torque IT.  Over 350 participants from 45 countries participated in the highly interactive forum. Participants included non profit practitioners using mobile phones in innovative ways, mobile technologists, researchers studying the use of mobile phones, government officials, representatives from international donor communities and telecom industry. The theme of the forum was, ‘Unlocking the Potential of Mobile Technology for Social Impact.’

“The marginalised are the most unconnected to the potential offered by ICTs.

Accessibility and affordability offer challenges to reach marginalized people with ICTs.  In Uganda, ICTs are being used by Government to deliver services to citizens.” This was said by Minister of State for ICTs in Uganda, Hon. Balintuma Nsambu at the opening of the UCC Rural Communications Development Fund (RCDF) Workshop that was one of the highlights that marked UCC 10^th anniversary. The workshop was held at Serena Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. The workshop theme was ‘Appropriate Solutions for Rural ICT projects’. Earlier on, the Executive Director of UCC, Mr. Patrick Masambu, indicated challenges of RCDF to include erratic and total lack of internet connectivity, high costs, internet maintenance and lack of local content.

Nora Naiboka Odoi/ WOUGNET

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is participating in the ongoing exhibition to mark Uganda Communications Commission’s 10^th anniversary. The exhibition is taking place at Serena International Conference Centre from  1 – 3^rd October 2008.