The impact of cybercafes on information services in Uganda

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of cybercafes on the provision of information services in uganda. It focused on cafe users only. Findings revealed that 69.8% percent were in the age group of 20-39 year. Eighty-seven percent were not registered with particular cafes. Fifty-seven percent indicated they were satisfied with the service. A little over thirty percent used the Internet daily. All female respondents indicated e-mail as one of their Internet applications. The hypotheses were tested using the chi-square statistic and resulted into retaining the first null hypothesis while the second null hypothesis was rejected. Cybercafe use demonstrates a tremendous future for the Internet society in uganda. The potential for meeting user needs in uganda is high. The application of the Internet in the various disciplines and professions is humpered by low user skills, limited facilities, lack of support for the rural community, low downloading speed, high charges, and a lack of monitoring. Recommendations suggest that ICT policies be instituted and computers and the Internet be made part of the schiol curriculum to equip ugandans with the necessary skills and to extend these new Internet services to the Ugandan rural community as well.