Beyond Connectivity: Building Uganda's Digital Future

Creating opportunities through technology was the focus on 24 July 2026 as leaders from across Government, Parliament, the private sector, academia, development partners and the media met in Kampala for the 3rd Annual State of the Digital Economy (SODE) Conference. Guided by the theme "Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity," the conference explored how digital technology can create jobs, grow businesses and improve public services. Opening the conference, Next Media Group Chief Executive Officer Kin Kariisa said Uganda's next phase of digital transformation should focus on making smartphones and internet services more affordable. He also called for engagement with platforms such as TikTok and X to enable Ugandan content creators to earn from their work. Representing the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Mr. Haruna Musinguzi said Uganda has made significant progress in expanding digital access, adding that the next priority is ensuring connectivity creates opportunities and improves livelihoods. "Uganda's digital transformation must now move beyond expanding connectivity to creating meaningful opportunities for every citizen." Chairperson of Parliament's Committee on ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Andrew Ojok Oulanyah, called for home-grown digital solutions and stronger Artificial Intelligence governance, urging innovators to use technology to address Uganda's development challenges. The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, highlighted Government's efforts to expand innovation hubs, strengthen digital skills and make smartphones more affordable for young people. "The more people who can access digital tools and the internet, the more users we bring online, driving innovation, expanding opportunities and creating economies of scale." Delivering the keynote address, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba said digital transformation is creating new opportunities for innovation, investment and economic growth. She outlined Government's priorities, including expanding affordable connectivity through the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP), investing in digital skills, supporting the creator economy and strengthening trust and safety online. "Build for Ugandan problems, in Ugandan languages and at Ugandan price points." Speakers agreed that accelerating Uganda's digital economy will require continued collaboration between Government, the private sector, academia, innovators, development partners and the media. Closing her remarks, Rt. Hon. Lumumba urged stakeholders to measure success not by internet coverage, but by technology's impact on people's lives. "When we meet again at SODE 2027, let us measure our success by incomes earned, businesses financed and services delivered." She officially declared the 3rd Annual State of the Digital Economy Conference 2026 open.