Free internet access at Oyam Daily Market is opening new opportunities for traders to access information, promote their businesses and connect with customers following the installation of a rural community broadband network.The network, installed at 12 sites across Oyam district, is undergoing technical testing, but market vendors say the connectivity is already changing how they access online services and conduct business.The rural community broadband network was established under a project launched in May 2025 by Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), in partnership with netLabs!UG and the Internet Society Foundation, to pilot a rural broadband connectivity model in northern Uganda.The network is expected to benefit women-led farmer groups, schools, health centres and small businesses by improving access to affordable internet in communities that have historically faced connectivity challenges.More than 60 people in Oyam have so far received digital literacy training from WOUGNET ahead of the full operationalisation of the broadband network.Mirriam Atoo, vice chairperson of the Market Vendors Association, said the free internet is helping women traders access educational resources, business opportunities and other vital online services.She said vendors no longer have to worry about buying mobile data bundles whenever they need to go online. Joan Okello, a food vendor at Oyam Daily Market, said the connectivity was already helping bridge information and trade gaps.Okello said she previously spent about Shs5,000 a day on mobile data to access the internet, an expense she no longer incurs while at the market.Beyond connectivityWOUGNET recently inspected the broadband sites in Oyam to assess their functionality, utilisation, security and sustainability.Sandra Aceng, executive director of WOUGNET, said the assessment found that the equipment had been properly installed and was operational, with communities actively using the service.Aceng said the next phase would focus on measuring the impact of the project, including the number of teachers and learners using the internet and the extent to which farmers are accessing market information to improve their farming practices.The project seeks to extend digital access beyond individual users to schools, health facilities, farmer groups and small businesses, with the broader aim of using connectivity to improve livelihoods and access to essential services.Denis Anyeki, LC III chairperson of Oyam Town Council, welcomed the initiative, saying the internet would enable market vendors to interact digitally with traders and customers beyond Oyam.The post Free internet access excites traders in Oyam market appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.