Advancing Uganda’s Digital Transformation at MWC25 Kigali

Guided by the Digital Uganda Vision 2040 and supported by key initiatives like the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP-GovNet), the government of Uganda is committed to advancing its digital agenda with a strong focus on expanding digital infrastructure and broadband connectivity. This commitment was clearly demonstrated at the GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali 2025, where Uganda took an active role among over 3,400 attendees from more than 90 countries, including government officials, policymakers, network operators, and tech leaders. Discussions at the event focused on accelerating digital growth through improving handset affordability, creating inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) language models, and boosting energy resilience. These priorities highlight the urgent need for policies and investments that break down barriers to digital access and ensure that technology delivers real benefits to citizens across Africa. Speaking at the session on “Synergising Energy and Digital Infrastructure Investment, Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga, the State Minister for National Guidance at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda, emphasized the government’s strategic focus on integrating global technology trends with Uganda’s development priorities. He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between the power and telecom sectors to reduce infrastructure costs, enhance network reliability, and support the rollout of advanced technologies such as 4G and 5G. This collaboration is crucial to accelerating Uganda’s digital transformation by ensuring efficient and cost-effective infrastructure that boosts connectivity and drives economic growth. “Uganda is actively implementing policies to phase out legacy 2G and 3G networks, transitioning to more efficient 4G and 5G systems backed by sustainable energy sources. This integrated approach is designed to increase digital service uptake, strengthen nationwide connectivity, and support a more inclusive digital economy,” he noted. While visiting the different exhibition booths, he acknowledged the wide array of innovations in artificial intelligence, fintech, and 5G solutions that are specifically tailored to address Africa's unique challenges. He highlighted Uganda's strong commitment to adopting and scaling such advanced technologies as a means to foster greater inclusion and enhance the efficiency and reach of service delivery across the country. Currently, Uganda has over 38 million mobile connections, and smartphone usage has more than doubled in recent years, with around 17.6 million Ugandans now owning smartphones. This growth has been supported by the national fiber optic backbone, stretching over 56,000 kilometres across 53 districts, enabling affordable and reliable connectivity, especially in underserved and rural areas. Additionally, investments in green energy-powered telecom towers and strategic public-private partnerships have enhanced network resilience and coverage. These efforts reflect Uganda’s ongoing focus on developing its digital infrastructure to support broader access and future growth. Uganda’s presence at MWC Kigali 2025 was a strong declaration of it’s commitment to policy innovation, regional connectivity, and inclusive digital growth. By continuing to optimize our infrastructure investments, learn from successful continental models like Rwanda's, and, crucially, engaging the youth through exposure events like MWC, Uganda is well-positioned to expand broadband access, accelerate nationwide connectivity, and drive a digital economy that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.