Kampala — Information and communication technology (ICT) stakeholders across the country recently converged in Kampala for the annual communication and innovation awards (ACIA).

As part of the event, there was an exhibition whereby various institutions showcased their innovations as far as digital technology is concerned. Exhibitors included Battery Operated Systems for Community Outreach (BOSCO) Uganda, a rural ICT center responsible for enlightening the rural youth on the use of internet, telecommunication companies, academia, national water and sewerage corporation, Uganda electricity transmission company limited(UETCL) among others.

This was the second round of awards under the theme Making life easy through innovation.

The awards were first introduced in Uganda in 2010 by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to recognize stakeholders within the industry who have over an identified period of time, delivered innovative communication services to the market.

"The exhibition and awards were open to all individuals ranging from the students, academia, small and medium enterprises, advocacy fora, broadcasting, telecommunication and postal sub sectors, value-added solution providers among others", said Godfrey Mutabazi the executive director of UCC.

The entries were made in different categories that are the rural e-services award which recognized an on-going and scalable communication enabled initiative that has had a positive impact on the lives of the rural communities, the e- governance award, local content award, green ICT award and the student research award.

BOSCO-Uganda was the winner of the rural e-service award.

"The company teaches the rural population ICT skills which help them to navigate the internet to identify pro-active approaches to their needs.

For instance the farmer can know the seasonal conditions via the internet before planning to harvest or plant", explained Stella Akiteng an exhibitor at the BOSCO-Uganda stall.

BOSCO-Uganda's application is entitled "Villages for ICT: Connecting people, Preserving Culture."

In line with the Government of Uganda launched Peace, Recovery, and Development Plan for the northern region of Uganda, BOSCO-Uganda's programs help establish communications infrastructure while enhancing economic growth.

Computing and Informatics Technology (CIT) Uganda was the over all winner of the awards. CIT Uganda invented a software that helps farmers identify and study the market conditions.