Equipping Local Government for Its Expanding Role
USAID and Orange Telecom partnered to enhance communications capacity in Gulu.
As many nongovernmental organizations are wrapping up operations in northern Uganda, local governments are preparing to take the lead in coordinating development efforts. Gulu District administrators have embraced the new role, but like other government workers in the region, Gulu District staff has been constrained by inadequate communications infrastructure. In particular, poor and intermittent Internet connectivity has created ongoing challenges.
To help the Gulu District administration overcome these basic communication challenges, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) provided a fully furnished computer lab during the rehabilitation of the district government headquarters.
The lab was outfitted with 20 computers and software; a heavy-duty, multipurpose photocopier; and stationery and other supplies. OTI also funded a technical assistant to manage the facility in the short term. Orange Telecom, a Ugandan telecom service provider, donated a high-speed Internet connection through its community social-responsibility program.
|
| Gulu's Chief Administrative Officer enjoys fast Internet connectivity at the new computer lab.
|
| |
During an inauguration ceremony for the lab, Abdallah Kiganda Musobya, Chief Administrative Officer for Gulu District, voiced his gratitude for OTI's continued support. He also said that the computer lab would be used to enhance the district's capacity to deliver quality services to the people of Gulu.
Acting Gulu Local Community V Chairman McMot Kitara cautioned district staff to safeguard the new computers against malicious software that could introduce viruses to the network. He also urged district officials to use this opportunity to revamp the Gulu District Web site as the district pursues city status.
The new computers will allow the district, central government, and development partners operating in the region to more easily share information. In the long run, the upgrades are expected to improve efficiency and effectiveness of district operations by centralizing information management processes.
OTI has successfully partnered with the Gulu District administration on numerous projects during three years of program operations, and this activity was one the program's largest. The new resources will help improve service delivery during this crucial recovery period as the people of Gulu look to local government for leadership.
For further information, please contact the USAID Africa Bureau.
|
