By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) has conducted a
two-day community sensitisation programme in Mbarara City to strengthen public
awareness of environmental and social safeguards under the World Bank-funded
Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP-GovNet).
The engagement brought
together market vendors, boda boda riders, young people, farmers, local
business owners and other members of the community to discuss safeguards
associated with the implementation of digital transformation initiatives.
Participants were sensitised
on the prevention of gender-based violence, safeguards against sexual
exploitation, abuse and harassment, grievance redress mechanisms and
environmental management practices.
NITA-Uganda said the
community engagement forms part of efforts to ensure that digital
transformation initiatives are implemented in a safe, inclusive and socially
responsible manner.
The sensitisation programme
also complements ongoing UDAP-GovNet interventions in Mbarara City, including
the refurbishment of the Posta Uganda office to facilitate the delivery of
government services through digitally enabled Service Uganda Centres.
The initiative is expected
to improve citizens’ access to e-government services while strengthening
engagement with communities affected by the project.