Uganda’s digital future is being actively built on the foundations of local innovation, widespread access, and cross-sector collaboration. This was the central theme of the 9th National Conference on Communications (NCC2025), which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to strategise on harnessing digital technology for sustainable national development.
Held at the Uganda National Institute of ICT in Nakawa, Kampala, the consensus from the conference is a move away from technology for its own sake, toward developing solutions that address real-world Ugandan challenges and foster an inclusive digital economy.
Need for Responsible and Localised Innovation
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance’s Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi anchored the discussion by emphasising the principle of inclusion, saying, “Technology is the future and no one should be left behind.”
“To have a successful digital transformation as a country, scientists, researchers and innovators must stay focused on developing local solutions,” Dr. Baryomunsi said.
He stressed that achieving a successful digital transformation requires a targeted approach:
Focus on Local Solutions
Dr. Baryomunsi urged scientists, researchers, and innovators to “stay focused on developing local solutions” that are relevant to the Ugandan context.
Commitment to Research
He revealed that the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is actively supporting this vision, having received 105 research paper submissions for the NCC2025, with 76 abstracts accepted and 25 shortlisted for presentation. This demonstrates a burgeoning ecosystem of local technical talent.
UCC Executive Director Hon. Thembo Nyombi reinforced this need for a robust ecosystem, emphasising that successful digital transformation relies on strong collaboration among government, the private sector, and innovators.
Bridging the Access Gap
While innovation is critical, its impact remains theoretical without widespread public access. This point was powerfully articulated by MTN Uganda’s CEO, Mulinge Sylvia, who stated that all innovation remains “an illusion without access.”
She noted that for digital progress to become a reality for all Ugandans, the immediate policy focus must center on three core pillars:
Affordable Devices
Reducing the cost of entry to ensure more citizens can own and utilise digital tools.
Digital Skills Empowerment
Investing in education and training to empower the population to effectively use the technology.
Connectivity as a Fundamental Right
Treating access to the internet as a basic necessity, ensuring that policy serves to enable, not constrain, the country’s digital progress.
Role Private Sector in Building the Digital Future
The private sector is acknowledged as a vital enabler of this national vision. Companies like MTN Uganda are actively investing to bridge the access and opportunity gap through:
Financial Inclusion
Expanding platforms like MoMo to power mobile money and financial services for the previously unbanked population.
Rural Connectivity
Investing in infrastructure to expand mobile network coverage into underserved rural areas, ensuring geographical inclusion.
Skills and Opportunity
Partnering with stakeholders to deliver essential digital skills and create opportunities that directly translate innovation into community progress and job creation.
The clear message from the 9th National Conference on Communications is that Uganda is past the stage of simply adopting technology.
It is now collaboratively and strategically harnessing digital innovation to power sustainable, local solutions that will define the nation’s inclusive path to Vision 2040 and beyond.