PAPU Conference in Uganda Targets Postal Sector Modernisation

Uganda is hosting the 11th Ordinary Session of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Plenipotentiary Conference, bringing together ministers, regulators, and sector leaders from across Africa and beyond to shape the future of the continent’s postal and logistics systems. The conference, PAPU’s highest decision-making body, was officially opened by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, who presided over deliberations on strengthening sector collaboration and advancing digital transformation across member states. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to communications infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, digital inclusion, and regional integration, noting that while traditional mail volumes have declined, e-commerce and digital trade have renewed the sector’s relevance. Drawing on Africa’s communication heritage, the Prime Minister observed that long before formal postal systems, societies had established reliable ways of transmitting information across distance through emissaries, drum signals, horns, and other methods. She described modern postal services as a continuation of that legacy, extended through technology rather than replaced by it. She characterised the current digital shift as a defining moment for the sector. As letter volumes fall, parcel delivery, logistics, and digital services are expanding, reshaping the role of postal networks. With infrastructure that reaches remote communities, she noted, the sector is well positioned to support small businesses, close access gaps, and connect rural populations to wider markets. She also thanked PAPU member states for entrusting Uganda with hosting the conference and called for continued support for Uganda’s candidate, Hope Ssengooba, for re-election as Assistant Secretary General, commending her leadership over the past four years. In his keynote address, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, described the conference as timely and called for innovation, collaboration, and policy reform to reposition postal services as drivers of socio-economic transformation. He emphasised the need for policy alignment, sustained investment, and operational efficiency to meet changing consumer expectations while maintaining affordability and access. “The future of postal services is not peripheral, it is fundamental,” he said, noting that Uganda’s role in hosting the conference reflects its contribution to regional and global postal governance. He pointed to engagement through regional platforms such as the East African Communications Organisation and representation at the global level through the Universal Postal Union Council of Administration as evidence of this commitment. The Deputy Director General of the Universal Postal Union, Marjan Osvald, underscored the importance of aligning Africa’s reforms with global frameworks. Contributions from outgoing Conference Chairperson Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, PAPU Secretary General Sifundo Chief Moyo, and Assistant Secretary General Hope Ssengooba reflected a shared focus on resilience, inclusion, and digital transformation. Welcoming delegates, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), highlighted Uganda’s role in advancing continental postal reform. He noted that the sector is evolving into a platform for logistics, e-commerce, and digital services, particularly in strengthening last-mile connectivity. He called for regulatory environments that enable postal operators to modernise, supported by expanded digital addressing systems, track-and-trace capabilities, and harmonised cross-border operations. He also pointed to ongoing initiatives by UCC, in collaboration with Posta Uganda, including the digitisation of postal services, the development of national addressing systems, and the promotion of fair competition in the courier and logistics markets. He stressed the importance of integrating technologies such as data analytics and smart logistics platforms to improve efficiency and service delivery. The Plenipotentiary Conference follows a series of engagements by the Administrative and Technical Committees, including the 44th Administrative Council, which laid the groundwork for the current session. As discussions continue, the conference is expected to define a more integrated and responsive postal sector, reinforcing its role in Africa’s digital transformation, trade, and inclusive development. Photo Credit: Uganda Communications Commission