Uganda to Host Digital Government Africa Summit 2026

As Uganda celebrated its 63rd Independence Anniversary, the nation received a prestigious continental honour when it was officially announced as the next host of the Digital Government Africa Summit (DGA) 2026. The announcement was made in Lusaka during the closing ceremony of the Digital Government Africa Summit 2025, marking a proud moment for Uganda’s digital leadership. The declaration was made by Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, who led Uganda’s delegation to the Lusaka summit. It coincided with Ugandans celebrating Independence back home, blending national pride with continental recognition. As the Ugandan delegation, including Hon. Gen. David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, took to the stage waving national flags, the hall erupted in applause, a symbolic celebration of patriotism and African unity. Behind this achievement was a coordinated effort led by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, working closely with the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U), which played a key role in engaging the Digital Government Africa conveners and steering the process that secured Uganda’s hosting rights for the 2026 edition. Dr. Baryomunsi said Uganda was honoured to host the next edition of the Digital Government Africa Summit and looked forward to welcoming the continent to Kampala from 6th to 8th October 2026, just a day before Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary. He added that the summit would be a platform to showcase Africa’s progress in digital transformation and reaffirm the continent’s shared commitment to citizen-centred e-governance. The 2025 Summit, officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, convened over 30 African countries, development partners, and global technology leaders under the shared vision of using technology to enhance governance and service delivery. Key sessions focused on Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Cybersecurity, aligning with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030). On the second day, His Honour Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President of Botswana, delivered an inspiring address urging African governments to adopt data-driven policies and invest in innovation. The summit concluded with Her Honour Mrs Mutale Nalumango, Vice President of Zambia, commending participating nations for their collaborative spirit and reaffirming commitment to advancing digital governance. Hon. Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, and Mr. Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of the SMART Zambia Institute, congratulated Uganda on the milestone and pledged Zambia’s full support during the transition to the next host nation. Uganda’s delegation to Lusaka included Hon. Gen. David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs; Maj. General Apollo Kasiita Gowa, the Chief of Immigration; Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, Executive Director, National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U); Ms. Rosemary Kisembo, Executive Director, National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA); and Mr. Ambrose Ruyooka, Acting Commissioner for ICT Research and Development at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. The upcoming Digital Government Africa Summit 2026 in Kampala will serve as a continental platform for sharing experiences, fostering collaboration, and showcasing progress in building digital, inclusive, and citizen-focused governance systems. It will also provide an opportunity for Uganda to highlight its achievements in implementing the Digital Transformation Roadmap (2023/24–2027/28), which focuses on infrastructure, digital services, skills, and innovation as enablers of socio-economic growth. As preparations begin, Uganda’s hosting of DGA 2026 stands as a demonstration of its growing leadership in Africa’s digital transformation journey and its commitment to building a connected, data-driven, and inclusive future for the continent.