THE IMPACT OF ICT IN KASESE DISTRICT IN 2014

By Samuel Mumbere

E-Society Kasese

Kasese District is one of the few blessed districts in Uganda that have impressed and promoted technological changes in local communities Uganda. Despite the use of computers in different organizations and government entities, ICT paved its way into Kasese District Local Government in 2009 with the establishment of the E-Society Resource Centre at the District Headquarters in Rukoki. The ICT Centre was made operational in 2010 under the Public Private Partnership where Organizations of; Rwenzori Information Centres Network (Ric-Net), Karambi Action for Life Improvement (KALI), Ride-Africa and Good Hope Foundation all operating in the Rwenzori Sub region under the Umbrella Organization called Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competence (RWECO) came together to support government to promote ICTs in local communities. ICT activities were then greatly supported and maintained by Ric-Net for 3 years up to end of 2013.

This effort then continued to attract more partners to join the struggle where by another organizations called Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) came on board to support the Centre. CIPESA has supported ICT activities in Kasese District through the E-Society Resource Centre since November 2011 to date to support programs of ICT for Democracy and better electronic governance (egovernance)

The main purpose of the Centre establishment was to facilitate information access, sharing and dissemination to monitor service delivery for social accountability with a vision of achieving a poverty free society using ICTs.

For more information, you could logon to http://kasese.go.ug/?page_id=228

E-Society in normal operation

Since then, ICT has tremendously changed the lives of many in Kasese especially the operations in the District headquarters offices. Most of the District staff have been trained and supported in the use of computers and computerized systems for better office operations. This also influenced Kasese District Local Government to recruit an ICT Officer in 2013 who is now be in charge of all ICT activities and infrastructure at Kasese District Local Government.

DTPC members during the training

DTPC members during the training

At least over 800 youths have trained with computer skills at the Centre with computer skills and offered certificates of attendance from Kasese District Local Government in computer skills. Many of these and earned themselves jobs in various paces in and outside Kasese District. A case in a point is Bwambale Mitusera who has volunteered for E-Society for 2 years, and now is doing contract with UBOs and electro-commission, Biira Robbina who volunteered for one year and is now doing computer business, Okeya Steven and Balicwamu Aaron who have been trainees at E-Society for 1 and a half years
and are now a music and video producers and servicing as ICT volunteers at E-Society Resource Centre and many more youths.

The CAO Mr. William Kanyesigye

Computers in offices have been maintained and many secretaries in offices have supported. There are no more issues of virus attacks, computer break downs as the E-society has fully taken charge of the entire ICT infrastructure.

Great applauds to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mr. William Kanyesigye who is ICT complain. He has supported and spearheaded the promotion of ICTs in the District. He ordered all civil servants to have emails and make all official communications to be online through emails and Skype.

The Deputy LCV Mr Tade Muhindo

He spear headed staff trainings in computers and district online systems. He was the first staff to use a smart phone (android) and since then, many staff members have acquired smart phones and used them for Skype, emails and face book.

The CAO scheduled a number of staff ICT trainings in the years of 2012 and 2013 under Ric-Net support and 3 trainings in 2012, 2013 and 2014 egovernance trainings under the support of CIPESA. In 2013, he conceived CIPESA to facilitate as special training on District online services on 2^nd October 2014. He mobilized all Heads of departments and sectors (District Technical Planning Committee) to assemble for the training. The officers were trained on how to update the district website, elibrary and participate in the dgroup discussions and face book discussions. More departmental trainings have been scheduled for January, Feb and March 2015 under the supervision of CAO so as to put all workers on the ICT map.

Since then, all the district online services have been active and up to date.

These services can be viewed on

www.kasese.go.ug

www.elibrary.kasese.go.ug

www.webmail.kasese.go.ug

www.kasesenews.blogspot.com

www.dgroups.org/iicd/kasese

www.eparticipationuganda.pbworks.com

https://www.facebook.com/kasesedlg

https://twitter.com/kasesedlg

LCV Chair training

The District Chairperson together with his executive members have been so impressive and supportive towards the promotion of ICT’s as the District Chairperson Lt. Col (Rtd) Dula Mawa Muhindo enrolled for a computer training in 2013, the Vice Chairperson has used E-Society for most of his computer work all through and the rest of the executive and district counselors have come for ICT consultancy work at the ICT Centre.

A fully functional SMS system that is used to alert the community about the happenings is there though it’s still used for communicating to the political leaders and civil servants only due to the costs involved.

Defense minister presenting in the conference

During the previous district budget conference on 12/12/2014 and 13/12/2014, the District Chairperson ordered the ICT Officer to have all presentations projected on the projector in power point. All presenters including the Defense Minister Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga had their presentations projected and all information circulated on the District website, elibrary, District face book page and discussions made in the district online discussion group.

More came be talked about how much the establishment on the E-Society Resource Centre has contributed to the promotion of technological changes in Kasese District. Right now, Kasese community cannot do without ICTs, thanks to the government of Uganda, Civil society organizations like Ric-Net and CIPESA for these beautiful innovations.

Testimonies on the impact of ICT in Kasese in 2014

By Mumbere Samuel

ICT Officer Kasese District Local Government

icto@kasese.go.ug

0776003248/0705199116

Hello everyone, change is always a factor of life, and more so adopting technological changes is almost becoming a basic need of life. and basically in Kasese technology using different ICT services with the establishment of a community ICT centre at the District headquarters has created a very big impact in the lives of many in Kasese. Among are the following people as you may read directly from them.

Thank you for the continued cooperation

Hi, am called kaija Samuel, a student and a user or beneficiary of E-society Resource Centre kasese.

I personally, E-society has been beneficial since it’s start, but for this year in particular, indeed it too has been more supportive and beneficial once more.I have been able to acquired computer training that is production, typing, soft ware updating, Microsoft programs {word, publisher and excel}, has helped me get hopes of getting to acquire scholarship online and also helped to link me to the out side world through the use of internet provided at the centre. And more or so it being at the district headquarters am am able adventure the  work situation of some people in leadership which helps me to prepare for my future being since some of the the civil servants  come and interact with us in  the centre.

Socially, am able to interact with different E-society users and we exchange different ideas and views which are beneficial and developmental which is also advantageous. I am always getting encouraged by the trainers and some users who encourage me in computer training in show me how more useful it is.

Generally I have acquired much from E-society, wish to have more off this in the coming year because I believe to learn more in my course of its use (E-society)

Besides the few small challenges faced during its course because it is always hard to have a smooth road in our daily life, but I see we the users of E-society progressing because some of my friends are getting jobs using the knowledge acquired in E-society and I too, for the knowledge I have acquired and what I hope to acquire as it still keeps in existence, I hope to get a good future due the ICT knowledge acquired at E-society.

Long live E-society management, keep moving and best wishes for you all. 

Marry X-mas and a prosperous new year.

I remain yours

Kaija Samuel user of E-society resource Centre Kasese

0706218749

Hey everyone out there I am by the names of Balicwamu Aaron am in my s.4 vac .

Frankly I have been getting good  services at  e-society resouce center  for about  two years and I want  to tell you the good things i have got from there for this year.

I have alot to talk  about e-society becaues i have managed to learn different programs like in  · Microsoft office applications

Ms Word

Ms Excel

Ms Power Point

                                                Ms Access

                                                Ms publisher.

· Internet and E-mail Technology

· Using and Managing ICT Facilities and I have been also learning production/media at e-society where I managed to know how they edit videos, voicing, making some good metals addition to that after learning a lot in production me and other guyz we decided to create a club which is  called RK STARS and we made some good voicing and we acted one of  good movies around the county called LANDLORD ,having a deals on internet  technology we uploaded our movie on you tab and it had been liked by many people there.   

I do thank them because if they were not the ones I would have not been the way lam now  and all mighty lord make them to live longer because they I have made me an important person in the community ..

I remain BALICWAMU AARON e-society user.

 0751785341

END

BWAMBALE MITUSERA

KDLG WORKER-PLANNING UNIT

GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS GAINED SINCE I STARTED USING THE ESRC KASESE:

Appreciations;

With too much gratitude in my heart I take this amazing opportunity to express thanks to the management of Kasese district local government, Ric-Net and they partners at large which has got a heart of gold to the community of Rwenzori Region to have commissioned the installation of E-society resource centre, which is currently operating in the premises of the district headquarters

 “with  ITS strong vision and mission which states that a society effectively using ICT for timely access and utilization of relevant information for development and governance and initiate and support community owned information centers that enhance timely information  and knowledge sharing up to the grass roots respectively”. 

The installation of the centre has contributed much to my live hood status since I joined the centre and fulfilling some of my future dreams I had before coupled to the world of ICT. Basically, since I have ICT skills that I achieved at E-society resource Centre Kasese, I will need to concentrate on it –create job for myself and the community in general instead of waiting for the government to provide employment.

Achievements:

·         Communication skills and socialising with friends especially civil servants at the District Headquarters.

·         Understanding components and their functions of any kind of the Personal computer.

                                       

·         Demonstrating on how to troubleshoot Computers, software installation, solving some other simple PC mechanical problems and I have been well known for this, in absence of the ICT officer I may be referred too both at the district headquarters and outside.

·         In addition, I have been able to train my fellow youth and any other person particularly those who came to utilize the Resource Centre in basic ICT skills such as Micro soft office programs, Networking and Internet technology, Media and photo editing skills etc.

·         Another great achievement, due to Comprehensive IT knowledge I have been participating in Data entry at the district planning unit e.g. school enrolment data, Birth and Death Registration (BDR) and so many other opportunities due to the skills I achieved at the Resource centre.

Biblically noted that “Jesus is the way to God, E-society resource centre has been the way to my life achievements, without you RIC-NET, KDLG and all your partners I wouldn’t have been the one you’re seeing now long live the managements of all the organizations that have gone out wholehearted for the community

As it is well-known that, when two grass hoppers fight it is the cock which is beneficiary, the Host man ship between the RICNET, CIPESA, KDLG and all members of RWECO has made me to benefit much in using ICT facilities.

Thanks

END

Hello out there,

 My name is Okeya Steven I have been a user of e-society resource centre kasese district for over 2years, honestly the time I have been at e-society has been the most awesome moments of my life. Frankly speaking, before I had joined the centre, I was a super computer illiterate who could only admire computer users but can’t access a chance to be one.  It was one time that I was moving along the kasese district headquarters and came across my old O.G in trying to ask what she was doing over there, she told me she had come for computer training at e-society from her home area kilembe. I was so much surprised and motivated to have heard of FREE computer training available at the district headquarters.

I never completed my adventure around the district headquarters but I instead joined her for trainings, since then to now, I have been a firm user of e-society. I never stopped coming but kept on coming day by day, during all this time,  I have managed to master  Microsoft office word, publisher, excel, PowerPoint, access, groove, InfoPath, one note and outlook.  Me who was empty like a blank page I have even became a great internet user good at yahoo, Google, facebook, pintrest, twitter, YouTube and lots more social websites  . I have made friendship outside Uganda; I have friends in Russia, Australia, America and United Kingdom who we share different things like banknotes, coins and so much more which was even out of my dreams.

Besides all this, with the great help of my instructor the district ICT officer Mr. MUMBERE SAMUEL, one year back I started media editing and have become a good video and audio editor with good video and audio edits through video editing programs like Arcsorft, showbiz, windows moviemaker, Apad video editor, Nero video wizard, Ulead video studio and adobe after effects and Adode audition 1 and 5, I have been able to make radio adverts in these programs, because I make an advert for e-society daily program,  adobe Dreamweaver for audio, Photo editing using adobe Photoshop cs3 and cs5.

Currently, I am learning to make music beats using FL studio8. With all these skills, I have shouted and edited a movie by a group of young actors and actresses that we created in the names of R.K ENTERTAINMENT in my neighborhood – the movie is on YouTube http://youtu.be/h-p1HpiEock 

I edited more videos about social accountability and Ict for democracy for e-society.

Recently, I got a certificate for my end of training and I was confirmed by the management to have become a good computer literate.   

 Honestly, I value myself as a big man now compared to who I was before. I would really like to take a special time to thank the concerned organizations together with the kind help of kasese district local government for having given a poor boy like me a chance to access a computer and be able to attain all these skills for FREE.

May the Lord award them with lots of blessings.

I remain Okeya Steven e-society user

Kasese

END

Kasese District Budget Conference is on

News byte from E-Society

by; Samuel Mumbere

Kasese District is holding a 2day budget conference which started this morning Under the theme: "Doing things differently in Local Governments." The conference is being held at the new District Multi-purpose social hall

A number of issues are being tackled among which are land conflict, community sensitization on a better living and also emphasis on service delivery monitoring. 

The District Chairman gave a very good presentation about challenges of the District. Among the members present are religious leaders from all faiths, elders from Obusinga, Former LCV chairperson Mr. Bamusede, all district counselors, LCIII chairpersons, Sub county chiefs, district heads of departments, members from NGOs and members from the business community. You can download presentations from 

www.elibrary.kasese.go.ug. we shall keep you informed

Kasese District Independence celebrations

From; E-Society

District celebrations of Uganda’s 52nd Independence anniversary shall be held this Thursday 9/10/2014 at Rwenzori square in Kasese Municipality.

Its will be celebrated under the theme:Unity, Peace, Security and Regional Integration: Key Pillars for True and Sustainable Independence

The Cheif Guest shall be, Maajor. Rtd. James Mwesigye,t he RDC of Kasese.

The function shall start at 8.30am with a parade pass match.

You are all invited

Marburg suspected in Kasese, Kampala and Mpigi

By;Samuel

Dr. Ibra Bwambale (Pictured below) succumbed to Murburg fever. Mengo Hosp. confirmed. Reports also indicated a brother to the deceased (after checks) indicated he had started showing the signs of the same disease. 

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
PRESS STATEMENT
5th October 2014

The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that there is a confirmed case of Marburg in the country.
This initial case follows laboratory tests done at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) on September 30th 2014 which confirmed that one person, a health worker, had died of the viral hemorrhagic fever.

The index case is a 30-year-old male Radiographer, who originally was working in Mpigi Health Centre IV, Mpigi Town Council but had been recruited by Mengo Hospital two month ago as a Radiographer. He started feeling unwell on September 17th while at Mengo Hospital and travelled back to Mpigi HCIV on September 18th to seek treatment since he felt more comfortable with a facility that he had worked with for a long time.

He was treated at Mpigi Health Center IV but when his condition worsened, he was transferred back to Mengo Hospital where he was admitted on September 23rd. He presented with Headache, Epistaxis, abdominal pain, vomiting blood and diarrhea. His condition deteriorated on September 27th and a Viral Haemorraghic fever was suspected. Blood samples were removed for further analysis on September 28th; unfortunately he died on the same day. His body was taken to Munkunyu 1 Village, Munkunyu Sub-county, Kasese district for burial.

Preliminary reports also show that his brother, one of the contacts so far listed has developed signs. He has been quarantined and isolated for further monitoring. Samples have been taken from him and are being tested at the Uganda Virus Research Institute. The public will be informed of his status. Altogether 80 contacts have been listed from Mengo, Mpigi and Kasese for follow up.

Marburg Viral Haemorraghic fever is a fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus which belongs to the filoviridae family together with the Ebola virus. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days while the Case fatality rates vary from 24% to 88%. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the natural hosts of Marburg virus. The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from the fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission by

direct contact with wounds and body fluids like blood, saliva, vomitus, stool and urine of an infected person.

A person suffering from Marburg presents with sudden onset of high fever with any of the following;
1. Headache
2. Vomiting blood
3. Joint and muscle pains
4. Bleeding through the body openings, i.e. eyes, nose, gums, ears, anus and the skin.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available; patients are usually given supportive treatment.

The Ministry of Health is undertaking the following measures to control the spread of the disease;
• Yesterday, a team of epidemiologists and surveillance officers were sent to Mpigi Health Center IV, Mengo Hospital and to Kasese district to investigate the case and list all people who got into contact with the dead.
• So far, a total of 80 people who got into contact with the initial confirmed case have been identified and isolated as a precautionary measure and for follow up for any signs and symptoms within the 21 days incubation period. These include 38 health workers from Mengo Hospital, including his brother and 22 health workers from Mpigi Health Center IV and 20 people from Kasese district. They are currently being monitored by a team of epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health.
• Arrangements have been put in place to transport all suspect cases to the National Isolation Facility in Entebbe should they occur. The facility is already stocked with the necessary infection control materials and other supplies to handle any incoming patients.
• Arrangements have also been made at Mengo Hospital to isolate any suspect with symptoms. Health workers have been asked to effect all infection control measures.
• Preparations are underway to train all health workers at Mengo Hospital and Mpigi Health Center IV on infection control starting tomorrow 6/10/2014 at 9.00am
• Government working with partners and specifically Medicens San Frontiers (MSF) are in the process of revamping the isolation facility at Mulago National Referral Hospital under the leadership of Kampala Capital City Authority in readiness and the facility will be ready in three days time.
• MSF is also mobilizing additional resources to assist with infection control and case management at all the isolation facilities that have been set up.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing technical assistance and logistical support (PPE’s) to all the affected facilities.
• In Kasese, a team has been dispatched to work with the district official and Kagando Hospital to trace for any other suspects.
• Personal Protective Equipments (PPE’s) and other supplies have been mobilized and sent to Mengo and Mpigi health center IV and Kagando HCIV.
• National Medical Stores will supply additional infection control materials to Mengo Hospital and Mpigi HCIV by tomorrow morning.
The Ministry of Health however informs the general Public that Mengo Hospital is safe and all measures have been taken to ensure that there is no further spread of infection. Patients are encouraged to continue to receive services from there.
Ministry of Health urges the general public to observe the following protective measures;
• Report any suspected patient to a nearby health unit
• Avoid direct contact with body fluids of a person presenting with bleeding tendencies or symptoms of Marburg.
The Ministry of Health once again calls upon the public to remain calm and be on alert amidst this epidemic. All suspect cases can be reported on the Ministry hotline on +256750996034.

Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye
Minister of State for General Duties 

Rwenzururu to hold a week of prayer a head of the coronation celebrations

News by; Samuel, E-Society

Rwenzururu Kinddom has organized a week of prayers a head of the 48^th coronation anniversary celebrations. On visiting the Bishop of the catholic Diocese of Kasese Rt. Rev. Aquirinus Kibira has commended the organizing committee of the ceremony for organizing a week of prayer for peace a head of the coronation anniversary scheduled for 19^th Oct. 2014.

The Bishop made the remarks over the weekend while meeting some members on the organizing committee who visited at his home to brief him about the week of prayer for peace. Rt. Rev. Aquirinus Kibira commended the committee for putting God first before other activities.

The Bishop pledged his total support towards the success of the week of prayers and asked Christians to ensure that the day is a success
According to the Chairperson organizing committee Mr. Kitsumbire Thembo, the purpose of the week of prayer is to pray for peaceful co-existence in the Rwenzori sub region.

During the week of prayer, that begins on 10^th this month, all people across the Rwenzori region are asked to pray for peace in their different religious denominations.
The week of prayer shall be crowned on the coronation day as the different religious denomination leaders in Kasese shall preaching about peace.

This year’s coronation anniversary has been organized under the theme “consolidating the foundation for the development of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu”.

Munkunyu sec. school drives funds day

By; Sauel Mumbere

Hon Dr Chrispus  Kiyonga has helped raise 30 million shillings for Munkunyu senior secondary school. This was at a function held at the school on Sunday 21/9/2014. Kiyonga made a contribution of 3 million shillings.

Kiyonga who is the Minister of Defence and MP Bukonzo west commended the students of Munkunyu secondary school  for their good discipline displayed during the function. The students were orderly and assisted with lifting of items that were bought by the people attending the function. Kiyonga urged the students to study hard so that they are assured of a good future.

Observing that the NRM government had provided the basic facilities for the teaching of science, Kiyonga requested the secondary school head teachers in the district to ensure that the teaching of science was strengthened. Kiyonga expressed happiness that virtually all Government secondary schools in the district had science laboratories  and computer laboratories for teaching computer science to the students.

Referring to the tragic events of 5/7/2014 when over 100 people were killed in Bundibugyo, Ntoroko and Kasese, Kiyonga told the people the young people that went to attack an army barracks in Bundibugyo had been deceived that witchcraft would protect them from bullets. Kiyonga therefore told the students that they should always be guided by science and not witchcraft.

The Minister of Defence advised the people to be security conscious and avoid holding function at night. He advised religious groups to hold conventions during the day and not at night. According to Kiyonga terrorists like ADF could use explosives and kill people at such function. Kiyonga also warned against hawkers going deep into the villages,advising them instead to sell their goods in the trading centres. Kiyonga indicated that such people could use the pretext of hawking to collect intelligence for terrorist and rebel elements.

Elaborating on achievements of the NRM Kiyonga outlined

Affirmative action which has led to the fact that now in schools the number of girls is equal to the number of boys. In addition the NRM had improved roads healthcare,education,security and extended electricity to the villages. Kiyonga therefore urged the people to support President Museveni and the NRM

On wealth creation, Kiyonga once again appealed to the people to plant more coffee and mangoes. He illustrated that 1000 trees of the new BUKULIRO coffee can earn one 15 million shillings annually. Accordingly with such income parents would support the education of their children.

Due to the good discipline shown by the students, Kiyonga promised to return to the school at a later date and have a meal with them and give them further advice.

Rwenzururu Kingdom speaks on the recent Rwenzori region attacks

News by; E-Society
Story by; Makanika Edward
 

The Rwenzururu Kingdom leadership has today made its position on the 5^th July attacks during the stakeholders meeting called by the Rwenzururu Premier Rt. Hon. Noah Nzaghali at the Kasese district Mult-purpose hall in Kasese town.

The meeting Chaired by the Speaker of the House of representatives Rt. Hon. Enock Muhindo committed itself to ensure that peaceful co-existence between the people across the region prevails.

The Rwenzururu Kingdom regretted the 5^th July attacks in the Rwenzori region but also disassociated the Kingdom from the attacks adding that those who involved themselves in the attacks went there on their own.

The meeting also resolved that Government should also pardon those arrested in the attacks like it did to those who allegedly commanded the attacks. Another issue agreed upon was that Government should portray justice to all tribes across the region. 

The Mayor Kasese Municipality Godfrey Kabyanga gave some of the key resolutions the meeting agreed upon. 

Prince Christopher Kibanzanga attributed the 5^th attacks on lies adding that those who participated in the attacks were deceived and misled by people whom he said had selfish motives. He refuted allegations that they have been bought by Government adding that they have decided to talk the truth to save the Banyarwenzururu who are suffering as a result of the attacks.

Prince Kibanzanga however, said that he was happy that the Obusinga Bwarwenzururu has pronounced itself on the matter.

The Kasese district Chairperson Lt. Col. Mawa Muhindo observed that the Rwenzururu Kingdom has a lot of responsibilities it is supposed to do including re-focusing the people work hard for development. He also advised the Kingdom to establish an internal security with in the Kingdom to monitor and report wrong elements to Government such that peace and harmony can prevail in the Kingdom.

The meeting also enornemously agreed that this year’s coronation anniversary be commemorated despite the challenges in the Kingdom.

 
 









Rwenzururu Kingdom will tomorrow commemorate the day the 1^st. King Isaya Mukirania died. Prince Kibanzanga who had wished that the day be postponed because some of the Kingdom officials are still detained advised that the day can be commemorated at St. Paul’s Cathedral to pray for Peace and the souls of those who departed in the 5^th July attacks.