Call for Entries
The Uganda Communications Commission, as the regulator of the communications sector seeks to recognise stakeholders within the industry, who have over a defined period of time, delivered innovative communication services to the market.
This will be done through the Annual Communications Innovation Award Initiative (ACIA).
The ACIA will target stakeholders who form part of the production and supply chain in the communications industry with a focus on small and medium enterprises, but also recognising large scale stakeholders.
Objectives of the initiative
(a) To stimulate further investment in the communications industry and other sectors specifically through promoting the deployment of appropriate communications technologies, applications and services including those that can promote accessibility to communications services for disabled persons;
(b) Encourage partnerships with the private sector in the provision and development of innovative technology, applications and services so as to meet consumer needs;
(c) To promote investment in Research and Development (R & D) designed to contribute to national development through a vibrant communications sector;
(d) Contribute to building sustainable technical and management capacity for the communications sector;
(e) Fostering effective regional and international coordination in communications sector development.
Nature of Awards
The communications sector is a diverse industry with many stakeholders who play various roles to provide the final product.
The ACIA will reflect this diversity and contribution by these stakeholders cognizant especially of the upcoming industry stakeholders.
Awards conferred will be both monetary and non-monetary.
Stakeholders are therefore invited to submit entries for the following awards:
Award Categories
Category A: Products and Services
1. Innovative Product/Service Award To be awarded for demonstrated innovation in increasing the variety of communication services that are affordable/available/accessible
2. Product Developer Award To be awarded to a Ugandan developer that has developed a product locally which has been deployed on the market
3. Content Services Award To be awarded for demonstration of innovation in the provision, development or aggregation of content services relevant for various sectors of the Ugandan market/communities
Category B: Initiatives
1. Consumer Empowerment Award To be awarded for initiatives on consumer education and provision of information to consumers to enable them to make informed choices about the use of products and services
2. Rural Communications Award To be awarded for initiatives on the development of access and usage of communications services in rural areas
3. Green ICT (Environmentally friendly) Award To be awarded for initiatives towards reducing the impact of communications operations, equipment and infrastructure on the environment in the ICT area
Category C: Complementary
1. Student Research Project of the Year To be awarded for outstanding research work in communications area
Who is Eligible?
1. Individuals
2. Groups
3. Companies
4. Institutions
These may include: Small and Medium Enterprises, Value Added Solutions Providers, Voice and Data Service Providers, Postal Couriers Service Providers, Broadcasting Service Providers, Technical User/developer Groups, Advocacy groups/forums, Academia, Institutions and NGOs
Submission of Entries
An information package is available for interested applicants and may be downloaded from the UCC website: www.ucc.co.ug or picked up from UCC House, Plot 42-44 Spring Road, Bugolobi, Kampala. All entries must be submitted by August 20, 2010 either by e-mail to ucc@ucc.co.ug or delivered physically at the above address.
For further inquiries, contact:
The Executive Director
Uganda Communications Commission
UCC House
Plot 42-44 Spring Road, Bugolobi
P O Box 7376,
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256-41-4339000; +256-31-2339000
Fax: +256-41-4348832
E-mail: ucc@ucc.co.ug
Website: www.ucc.co.ug