Source: Uganda Digital Acceleration Project | July 2025
In a significant step toward narrowing Uganda’s digital divide, the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) has launched free public Wi-Fi in Bwera Town, Kasese District—bringing internet access to schools, health centers, and government offices in the once-quiet border community.
The initiative forms part of the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP-GovNet), a government-led, World Bank–backed programme focused on extending last-mile digital connectivity across underserved regions.
At a launch event along Mpondwe Road, Uganda’s State Minister for ICT, Godfrey Kabyanga, described the rollout as a tool for empowerment. “Access to the internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” he said. “This is about giving people the power to learn, trade, and grow.”
Kabyanga also urged responsible usage, warning against misuse of the free platform: “We’re offering a tool for development, not a weapon for abuse.”
NITA-U Executive Director Hatwib Mugasa confirmed that Bwera is among several pilot locations under UDAP-GovNet. “What we’ve started in Bwera is just the beginning. Our goal is to ensure that no community is left behind in Uganda’s digital transformation,” he said, noting additional Wi-Fi installations planned for Mpondwe and surrounding areas.
For local residents, the impact is already tangible. “With rising data costs, this is a lifeline,” said Tsindika Brian, a student in Bwera. “This Wi-Fi will help us save money and stay connected.”
The UDAP-GovNet project aims to increase the efficiency and reach of digital government services, while equipping communities with the tools to participate in Uganda’s growing digital economy.
