Uganda is taking decisive steps to secure its role in Africa’s growing digital future, recognising mobile connectivity not merely as a convenience, but as essential economic infrastructure.
The launch of the Uganda Digital Economy Report on Monday this week in Kampala served as a rallying point for industry leaders and government officials, highlighting significant strides in expanding network access while simultaneously confronting the persistent challenge of the usage gap.
The report launch, attended by figures like MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge, UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, Angela Wamola O.G.W, Head of GSMA Africa Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the P.S Ministry of ICT and National Development, Sahu Soumendra, the Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, and others, celebrated the notable progress made in expanding connectivity and reach across Uganda. This foundational work is crucial, establishing the networks upon which a modern digital economy is built.
However, as Wamola pointed out, despite the widespread availability of networks, “the usage gap remains a challenge.”
This gap, she noted, refers to the disparity between those who have access to mobile broadband networks and those who actually use them to access the internet.
“Closing this divide is critical, as Africa’s digital economy, while already driving growth, requires targeted reforms to unleash its full potential across sectors,” Wamola stressed.
Transforming Society with Mobile Technology
The core mission articulated at the conference is to harness mobile technology’s power to fundamentally transform key areas of national life as follows:
Education: Expanding learning opportunities through digital platforms.
Healthcare: Improving access to medical information and remote services.
Financial Inclusion: Bringing more citizens into the formal financial system.
Public Services: Making government services more accessible and efficient.
In her keynote address, Mulinge emphasised the philosophy required for this transformation, saying, “If our technology is to transform Africa, we must treat connectivity as economic infrastructure and design policy that rewards inclusion.” This sentiment elevates mobile access to the same strategic importance as roads and energy grids, making it a necessity for socio-economic transformation.
The Private Sector Challenge
The government’s stance reinforced the need for a collaborative, private sector-led approach. Hon. Baluku Godfrey Kabbyanga, the State Minister for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, affirmed that “Uganda’s economy is private sector-led.”
He then issued a clear challenge to all stakeholders, including mobile operators, tech companies, and regulators, urging them to bridge the usage gap together.
The Minister’s call to action outlines a four-pronged collaborative strategy necessary to create demand and drive adoption, which includes:
Network Reliability: Ensuring a strong and reliable network is fundamental.
Digital Literacy: Enabling skills development that drives innovation.
Device Affordability: Making smart devices accessible and affordable for everyone.
Local Content: Creating relevant and localised content so Africa can “have a say in the script.”
The path forward, as articulated by the industry, is clear: “Real progress will come when policy, investment, and digital literacy move together, and when Africa leads not just in adoption, but in innovation.”
According to the Minister, Uganda’s commitment to this deliberate choice marks a pivotal moment in writing the story for Digital Africa.