The Community Wireless Resource Centre (CWRC) was established within the
Department of Electrical Engineering with support from the International Development
Research Centre (IDRC) in 2006. The CWRC arose out of the need to reduce the high
cost of connectivity in IDRC-supported Telecentres in Uganda, and to explore optimal
connectivity models such as sharing the existing bandwidth with neighboring institutions
via outdoor wireless networks. It was anticipated that by managing collectively the costs
of connectivity at each Telecentre, more institutions could get access to Internet without
heavy initial investments in satellite hardware and subscriptions.

The aim of this initiative was to make connectivity more affordable for Telecentres by
implementing a communication infrastructure that is shared and managed by the
community. Such concept is known as "Community Wireless Network", and it is based
on the possibility for groups or communities to build self owned and operated networks.
Hence, the projects would be in line with Uganda’s rural communication development
priority of "affordable communication services for all".

The general objective of the CWRC is to provide or enhance sustainable Internet
connectivity infrastructure, particularly in rural or under served areas in Uganda, by
means of wireless technology. The CWRC implements community wireless
networks, train students and technical staff and provides follow-up support and
maintenance of such networks.