UJ-Connect Project Holds 4th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) Meeting

Today, the UJ-Connect project convened the fourth Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting at the National ICT Innovation Hub. The Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is spearheading the UJ-Connect project to propel Uganda’s ICT industry forward. Running from 2023 to 2027, the four-year project aims to create a thriving ecosystem that drives economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement in the country by leveraging Japan’s expertise and resources.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and NG highlighted that, the success of the UJ Connect Project is attributed to partnership and collaboration, with special thanks to JICA for the financial and technical support. She also extended her gratitude to all stakeholders for their dedication and hard work in building a brighter future for Uganda's ICT sector.

Since its launch in 2023, UJ-Connect has made remarkable progress in strengthening Uganda’s ICT industry through its four key outputs: policy support, human resource development, business matching, and mentorship for young entrepreneurs.
In output 1, UJ-Connect has been actively working to provide policy support to enhance ICT human resource development in Uganda. In January 2024, the first version of the skillset standard booklet was developed, identifying priority areas for ICT human resource development in the country. Currently, UJ-Connect is also drafting Intellectual Property Guidelines for ICT to further support the sector.

To create public-private collaboration, the UJ-Connect project team has been engaging in Technical Committee Meetings involving ICT sector key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. These meetings aim to discuss Uganda’s ICT sector strategic direction and outline actionable steps for the future.

Under Output 2, on human resource development, Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions have been conducted for the priority subjects of Information Security, Data Management, Web/Mobile Application Development, and Artificial Intelligence since late 2023. Additionally, several Faculty Development (FD) training sessions aimed at further enhancing the capabilities of UICT teaching staff are currently underway under the guidance of Japanese experts from UJ-Connect. To date, over 100 individuals, including UICT faculty, other public officials such as those from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), as well as staff from Makerere University, Kabale University, and private institutions, have participated in or completed the TOT sessions.

Output 3 which focuses on business matching has registered achievements such as: The business matching event held in April 2024, 15 Ugandan companies and 9 Japanese companies participated, resulting in 22 business matching meetings. Currently, six pilot projects involving Ugandan ICT companies and Japanese companies connected through these business matching meetings are in progress. Additionally, UJ-Connect is developing a Business and Human Resource Matching Platform to connect Ugandan ICT companies and ICT human resources with potential clients and employers. This platform is scheduled to be operational starting after March 2025.

Lastly, under Output 4, which provides for mentorship to young entrepreneurs in Uganda, the 1st batch program based on the UJ-Connect mentoring curriculum was implemented from February to April 2024, with 11 startups completing the program. Of these, 4 startups received POC support from UJ-Connect, and 2 of them exhibited at the international startup expo, Expand North Star 2024, held in Dubai in October 2024. In November 2024, the 2nd batch targeting UICT students was launched. In the 2nd batch, TOT sessions are being conducted to educate UICT instructors on the UJ-Connect mentoring curriculum.
From October to November 2024, UJ-Connect facilitated a visit to Japan for officials from Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, along with representatives from Ugandan ICT companies. Through meetings and visits to Japanese government agencies and private companies, the delegation gained insights into Japan’s ICT ecosystem. During this visit, an event was held to promote Uganda’s ICT industry, generating significant interest among potential Japanese partners. This initiative has opened doors for future collaborations and investments in Uganda’s ICT sector.

Mr. INOUE Yoichi, The Chief Representative JICA also noted that the project aims to enhance support systems for digital innovation and entrepreneurship, master digital skills, and promote cybersecurity and data protection. ICT is recognized as an enabler, providing efficient and cost-effective solutions, and it has the potential to transform Uganda's economic landscape.
UJ-Connect remains committed to advancing Uganda’s ICT industry over the remaining two years. Building on its significant accomplishments, the project will continue to drive innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building in Uganda’s ICT sector.