Digital Skills Training Sparks Hope in Akuli B Community

Residents of Akuli B Village in Atopi Parish, Apac Sub-County, Apac District, have expressed excitement and renewed optimism following a week-long digital skills development training conducted by the Government of Uganda through the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

The training, held from 26th to 30th January 2026, brought together youth, women, local leaders, and small-scale entrepreneurs eager to embrace digital knowledge and skills aimed at transforming their livelihoods in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The initiative, part of the government's broader agenda to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities, equipped participants with practical skills in basic digital device usage, internet usage, online communication, digital safety, and leveraging social media for business growth. For many attendees, it was their first hands-on experience with computers and structured digital learning.

Participants were taken through lessons on how to operate phones, create and manage email accounts, use social media sites, learn basic knowledge of phone call procedures, and access online information like government services. Trainers also emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, responsible internet use, and identifying misinformation, ensuring that learners not only gain access to digital platforms but also use them safely and productively.

Speaking during the closing session, Akaki Ronald Adoko, Atopi Parish Councillor who represented the Apac Sub County LC III Chairperson, applauded the Uganda Communications Commission and the Government of Uganda for extending such a transformative program to rural communities like Akuli B. He noted that digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity for participation in education, business, governance, and access to public service.

Youth in attendance described the training as a life-changing opportunity. Many expressed confidence that the newly acquired skills would enable them to search for jobs online, apply for opportunities, promote their enterprises, and connect with wider markets beyond the Apac District. Women entrepreneurs particularly welcomed the lessons on using social media platforms to market agricultural produce and small businesses.

Ayo Stepene, a representative of the community members, also appreciated the interactive approach adopted by the trainers, who ensured that every participant had practical exposure and personalized guidance throughout the sessions. The supportive learning environment encouraged even those initially hesitant about technology to actively engage.

The Digital Skills Development program aligns with Uganda’s vision of building a digitally empowered citizenry and fostering inclusive socio-economic transformation. By extending such initiatives to grassroots communities, the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that no region is left behind in the digital era.

As the training concluded on 30th January 2026, the people of Akuli B, when receiving the certificates, expressed hope for more advanced sessions in the future, including entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and digital financial literacy. With the foundation laid, the community now stands better positioned to tap into the opportunities of the digital economy and drive local development through innovation and connectivity.