Joy Nalunkuuma|
On October 21, 2025, a festive atmosphere filled Ariaze B, Siripi Zone in Arua district, Northern Uganda. This celebration was extra special — it marked the graduation of 135 refugees and host community members from the Designing and Deploying Computer Networks (DDCN) program in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, Northern . The DDCN program was designed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in computer networking and community network deployment. These competencies are vital for developing and maintaining local internet infrastructure, especially in digitally isolated areas.
This graduation signifies a significant milestone in a collaborative effort to empower communities through technology while representing a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide within Rhino Camp Refugee Camp. Participants were equipped with market-relevant ICT and networking skills. The DDCN program has bolstered community resilience by building local capacity to sustain and expand internet connectivity. Moreover, it has fostered social cohesion through joint training sessions that promoted collaboration and mutual understanding between refugee and host communities.
In a settlement where access to digital tools is often limited, this initiative has planted the seeds for long-term transformation. Connectivity is becoming more than just a service — it is turning into a vital lifeline for education, innovation, and community development. Additionally, the program has opened pathways for self-reliance, as many graduates are already exploring opportunities in network installation, computer maintenance, and digital entrepreneurship.
“We are proud of these young innovators. They now have the knowledge and confidence to design and manage community networks that can serve schools, small businesses, and learning centres. The goal is to create a community that is digitally skilled, connected, and self-sufficient, with ongoing efforts and partnerships focused on transforming lives through technology.” Mr. Lasu Samuel, Executive Director of Community Empowerment and Transformation Agency (CETA),
For many learners, this training was more than an academic experience; it represented a new beginning.
“Before this course, I didn’t know anything about network installation. Now I can connect routers, configure systems, and even train others. This program gave me a skill and a purpose.” Shared a graduate.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including a delegation from the Internet Society Foundation led by Ms. Joyce Dogniez, Vice President of Empowerment and Outreach, Ms. Esther Mwiyeria Kioni, Senior Director, Training and e-Learning; Mr. Roberto Zambrana, E-Government and Digital City Municipal Secretary; and Dr. (c) John Mwangi, E-Learning Delivery Advisor – Data Management. Their presence, alongside officials from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Uganda, and Windle Trust International, highlighted the collaborative spirit driving this initiative.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Digital Inclusion in 2026 and Beyond
Building on the success of this milestone, CETA plans to expand its Digital Skilling and Connectivity Initiatives in 2026 and beyond.
Key future priorities include:
- Establishing a Repair Café and Community Tech Hub in Siripi Zone, providing ongoing training, employment, and ICT repair services.
- Scaling digital literacy and network training to reach more refugee settlements and host communities across West Nile.
- Strengthening partnerships with the Internet Society Uganda chapter, Internet Society Foundation, UNHCR, OPM, Windle Trust International, and other stakeholders to ensure sustainability and inclusivity.
- Launching a “Train the Trainers” program, enabling outstanding graduates to mentor others and multiply the program’s impact.
The success in Rhino Camp Refugee Camp proves what is possible when passion, partnership, and purpose converge. Together, we are not just building networks; we are building a more inclusive and empowered digital future for all.
“When local communities are equipped with digital skills, they become agents of change. Investing in young people’s technical capacity lays the foundation for resilient, connected, and inclusive societies.” Ms. Joyce Dogniez, Vice President of Empowerment and Outreach, Internet Society Foundation
This celebration of partnership and progress was organised by the Community Empowerment and Transformation Agency (CETA), in partnership with the Internet Society Foundation (ISOC Foundation) and Internet Society Uganda Chapter. This activity is part of the Community Networks Program under the Internet Society, implemented by CETA. It empowers refugees and host community members in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement with digital and networking skills to strengthen connectivity, foster economic inclusion, and promote sustainable community networks.