Computer geniuses around the country are set to convene at Nkumba University starting tomorrow as they put ideas together in collaborative computer programming for the creation of solutions to challenges faced by people with disabilities, most especially the unprivileged.
Under the theme, ‘Inovate for disability’, the 5-day exercise will see participants drawn from students and fresh graduates tussle it out for a number of lucrative awards already at stake.
Organisers say, it will be open for individual or team participation but teams will be limited to 3 members.
The first of it’s kind, innovate for the disability Hackathon seeks to generate an environment for the creation of assistive technologies in sustainable lifestyles of Persons with Disabilities through boosting the access and optimal usage of resources without being limited by disability.
As innovators devise means to create disruptive technological solutions, they are expected to come up with ICT remedies that can ease the access, usage, and awareness of information Technologies among persons with disabilities.
Presentation of prototypes will take place on the last day, Friday 7th October 2022 where a team of judges will decide the winner.
Due to the existing digital divide among persons with Disabilities in Uganda, Uganda Communications Commission in collaboration with 8tech and National Union of Disabled persons of Uganda-NUDIPU is implementing a project for enhancing knowledge management, ICT Adaption, Digital skills and access to E-services for people with disabilities in Uganda.
The hackathon is meant to register ICT innovations in a bid to close the digital divide.
Innovators have been called upon to come up with ideas that will be transformed into prototypes with potential to transform lives of Persons with Disabilities across Uganda and the world at large.
Focal in the hackathon is the National Union of Disabled persons of Uganda who’s strategic plan highlights progressive commitment in collaborative strategies that promote and protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities.
