Second Summit on Community Networks in Africa 25 - 26 May 2017, Nairobi, Kenya By Tonny Okwonga (Uganda), BOSCO Uganda

1. BOSCO UGANDA
BATTERY OPERATED SYSTEM FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH (BOSCO) IS A NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
C O N N E C T I N G P E O P L E , P R E S E R V I N G C U LT U R E

2. BACKGROUND:
BOSCO-Uganda is a Non- Governmental Organization located in Northern
Uganda. The organization began in 2007 as an effort to end the isolation of
the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps of northern Uganda through
the installation of solar-powered, wireless computing system that connect
people to each other.(point to point )
Over the years BOSCO has scaled up its operations to cover the entire Northern
Uganda and is using ICT to promote peace and socio-economic
development.

3. VISION
BOSCO Uganda envisions Open and Peaceful rural communities, ready to
face the challenges and opportunities of the globalized world in the 21st
century.
Mission
To provide innovative ICT (Information Communication Technology)
solutions using a collaborative, web-based approach to foster social
and economic development and Peace building in rural communities in
Northern Uganda.

4. HISTORY

5. • Work in solidarity with participatory communities,
who
serve as leaders in their own development and human
agency.
• Act as catalysts for change by the infusion of ICTs,
technology education, entrepreneurial training
programs
and off-grid sustainable power.
• Amplify opportunities for peace building, education
and
socio-economic growth in Northern Uganda
THEORY OF CHANGE IN COMMUNITY

6.  Installation and maintenance
of ICT sites in Rural
Communities
 Extending internet
connectivity to the
established Centers
 Establishment and training of
ICT Center Management
Committees
 Community and Media events
to create awareness and
promote peace and build
sustainabilty growth
 ToT Training in Computer
Education and basic
maintainance
 Computer training in Web 2.0
, office applications and life
skills for youth and young
people
 Supporting Youths Income
generation activities for
sustainability purpose
 Youth Entrepreneurship
trainings
 ICT Basic maintenance and
management training
KEY PROGRAMME INTERVENTIONS

7. 1. ICT and
Computer
education for
rural
Communities
2. ICT for
Sustainable
rural
development,
livelihoods and
income
3- Research and
installation of
innovative ICT
technologies for rural
areas
4. Preservation of
positive Cultural
Values
STRATEGIC PROGRAMME AREAS

8.  Internet instability remains
a challenge especially in
remote locations especially
internet bandwidth .
 Inadequate and costly
equipment for upgrading
the network
 Cost of repair and
manaintance
 Remote places
becomes inaccessible
in times of bad weather
 Inadequate transport
facilities to reach out
to the remotely located
ICT sites.
 Funds and resources
mobilization
 Policy framework
KEY CHALLENGES

9. COMMUNITY AND AFFORDABILITY

10. INFRASTRUCTURE SHARING ?

11.  S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
 M O R E P U B L I C A C C E S S S O L U T I O N S
 C U L T I V A T E C O M P E T I T I O N T H R O U G H P O L I C Y
U S E P O L I C Y T O I M P L E M E N T S P E C T R U M
 I N N O V A T I O N S E N C O U R A G E S H A R I N G O F
I N F R A S T R U C T U R E A N D R E S O U R C E S
 L E V E R A G E U N I V E R S A L S E R V I C E A N D
A C C E S S F U N D S
 I M P L E M E N T A N D E X E C U T E N A T I O N A L
B R O A D B A N D P L A N S

12. DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

13. INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

14. INNOVATION CONT’

15. ICT AND ACCEPTANCE

16. ICT4YOUTH TRAINING

17. TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY CENTERS
P R A C T I C A L S E S S I O N S F O R
Y O U N G P E O P L E I N I T E R G R A D E D
I C T A N D S O L A R P R A C T I C A L A P P R O A C H

18. BATTERY AND SOLAR TRAINING

19. RURAL APPROACH TO DIALOGUE (PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Bosco’s
Peace
Retreat
Through “ Digital
Wang oo”
ICT by
Acholi
Religious
Leaders Peace
Initiative (ARLPI)

20. “INTERNET BEYOND ACCESS”
“The internet can help us to be better citizens. Access to
digital networks entails a responsibility for our neighbor
whom we do not see but who is nonetheless real and has
a dignity which must be respected. The internet can be
used wisely to build society which is healthy and open to
sharing.”
Pope Francis, Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter, January 24, 2016

21. BOSCO UGANDA NETWORK

22. THANK YOU
Mr. Tonny Okwonga
Chief Operating Officer
tokwonga@boscouganda.com
@tonny_ok,
Skype tonny.okwonga
+256 691727
boscouganda.com