Rwenzori Region Information Center Network (RIC-NET) is an indigenous Network of information centers situated in the Rwenzori region since its inception in 1995. RIC-Net has a holistic approach to development that entails an integral approach geared towards the transformation of social –economic spheres within the Rwenzori region. The network has adopted an approach that involves the local communities in the Rwenzori region in identifying their needs, designing of possible ICT solutions and monitoring their own progress.

This participatory approach empowers the individuals, households and local Rural information centers to take responsibility for their own development. This has proved to be a more sustainable and cost effective approach in addressing the abject poverty in the region.
The Rural information centers are aware of the vital importance of the role of information in our development efforts cognizant of the need to share and exchange timely, relevant and vital information with all partner rights from the grassroots to the global level.
Recognizing of the importance of well researched, processed, and user friendly information in providing the quality of life of the rural poor women, youth, people with disabilities and men.

Do hereby resolve to establish an information and communication Technology centers.

RIC-NET's SUCCESS

Below empowering the Community through use of Community TV's

Rwenzori Information Center network (RIC-NET) has taken an initiative to ensure that all districts in the Rwenzori region are facilitated with ICTs and information content relevant to the support of the newly established information centers such as Bwera Information center, Kyaka RIC in Kyenjojo District, Odisef/base camp is in Kasese, Kamwenge RIC in Kamwenge District, BRIC in Bundibugyo District and partners such as Bukuku L&E among others that deal directly with disseminating developmental information to the rural community. These centres have empowered the communities through different modules of ICT’s and the struggle still continues to absolutely eradicate poverty from the region and the entire country.

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Below is a very wel equiped RIC-NET Resource Room with lots of relevant information content

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Below is our wel resouced community Reflection center

RIC-NET's social vision is a rural community that is equitably served with information through use of ICT for sustainable rural development.

RIC-NET mission is to establish and support community rural information centers that enhances timely information that is vital to the development of grass root communities

OBJECTIVES OF RIC-NET

1. To facilitate timely delivery of information to the local population in the Rwenzori region in the most appropriate form through a network of rural information centers.
2. To facilitate easy communication among the partners and other stake holders locally, nationally and internationally.
3. To enhance women’s, youth PWDS and the elderly, orphans and widows involvement in the development process through information sharing and dissemination, lobbying and advocacy with other stake holders the world over for programs and other initiatives that are aimed at improving the quality of life of the rural poor.
4. To link-up established rural information centers in the Rwenzori region with other institutions, NGO’S and government agencies involved in using ICT for improving the quality of life of the poor.
5. To support locally based information sharing and exchange initiatives.
6. To support community rural information centers with technical expertise and training facilities
7. To raise funds and acquire property for the purpose of fulfilling the aims and objectives of the organization.
8. To carry out any other lawful and gainful activities as shall be deemed necessary for the purpose of fulfilling the objectives of the RIC-NET.

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NETWORKING WITH PARTNERS

RIC-NET has been able to network with several organisations such as EACOSS (East African centre of open source software), I-NETWORK (Information network), WOUGNET (Women of Uganda network), UIRI (Uganda industrial research institute), ALIN eastern Africa (Arid land information network), where information sharing on issues such as health, sustainable agriculture, Cultural entertainment for tourism industry, market availability, among others through various ICT modules.
This web site is one of the great ICT tools that have brought Partner organisations mentioned above together through involving their URLs onto the site thus enabling information sharing. By a single click, you arrive to your need.

Below: Farmers that RIC-NET centers have empowered through ICT produce quality

Today, the numbers of farmers benefiting from information services provided by RIC-NET centers are increasing, where quality production is being emphasized as indicated by the Bananas (Matooke) on the bicycle above, thus increased income leading to improved rural community livelihoods.

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Below Community empowerment through ICT at RIC-NET center

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Below are RIC-NET officials after a Brain storm session