Kampala — THE information and communication technology (ICT) ministry has partnered with dfcu Bank in the 'Computers for Schools-Uganda' project.

The bank shall give schools loans to buy low-cost computers under the project.

The ministry contracted a private company, International Computer Experts Development Project, to operate the project on its behalf. "Since schools have accounts with local banks, we have partnered with some of them to give schools money to acquire computers," Eddie Mujuzi, the executive director, said.

Mujuzi who was speaking at the launch of the project in Muyenga, said the company had already imported 236 computers.

He said 18,000 computers would be imported next year.

The 'Computers for Schools-Uganda' project aims at bridging the digital divide in the country.

"Rural and urban schools will acquire refurbished computers at sh384,208 each. A new computer will cost sh1.5m," Mujuzi said.

Morris Mugwire from dfcu said the bank would give the loans at low-interest rates.

"We are privileged to be part of this project and are ready to provide the loans," he said. He added that the money for the project had been set aside.