Laying the Foundations for a Data-Driven Digital Economy

In its drive toward a data-driven future, the Government of Uganda is developing a National Data Strategy to guide the country's approach to collecting, safeguarding, and utilising data to enhance governance, innovation, and economic growth. Spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in partnership with other Government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as civil society and the private sector, the strategy aims to lay the groundwork for national digital transformation. Once finalised and approved, it will provide a comprehensive framework for leveraging data responsibly to inform decision-making, create economic opportunities, and modernise public service delivery.

This effort comes at a time when data has emerged as one of the most valuable resources in the modern world. Global economies are increasingly shaped by digital systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, precision medicine, online financial services, and smart agriculture. In this rapidly evolving landscape, countries that collect, manage, and use data effectively gain a competitive edge in public service delivery, research, and business development. The draft strategy is designed to ensure that the country keeps pace with these changes by treating data as a national asset and a source of socio-economic opportunity.

Against this backdrop, the strategy will create an enabling environment where institutions, businesses, researchers, and citizens can access and use data responsibly. To support this objective, the draft strategy outlines the need for robust policies and legal standards to govern the collection, protection, sharing, and use of data. It also calls for investment in systems and infrastructure that allow different sectors to exchange reliable information, making data more accessible and useful across government agencies, universities, enterprises, and innovators.

Central to the proposed approach is the prioritisation of practical use cases that can deliver measurable results. The focus will be on key sectors such as public health, agriculture, financial inclusion, and education, where improved data systems could transform services, save public resources, and support growth in emerging digital markets.

The draft further recognises that any digital transition is powered by a skilled workforce that appreciates and consumes data. It highlights the need to invest in data literacy, technical training, and a culture that values evidence and innovation. It also calls for support for local researchers and entrepreneurs who can build and commercialise homegrown digital solutions.

In developing the strategy, countries that adopted national data strategies earlier offer valid comparisons. The United Kingdom developed its approach by combining strong data policies with partnerships that encouraged business investment and re-use of public data, demonstrating the economic potential of appropriate data use. The European Union has focused on cross-border standards and citizen protection, demonstrating that strong regulation can support rather than hinder innovation. Estonia, renowned for having one of the world's most advanced digital public sectors, has developed a secure and interoperable data exchange system that enables citizens to access services quickly, efficiently, and transparently. Singapore has adopted an integrated model that links robust data governance with strategic investment in talent and research, positioning the country as one of Asia's most competitive digital economies.

These examples demonstrate that a well-coordinated national data strategy can accelerate service delivery, foster new industries, and build public trust, provided it is implemented with accountability and delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

Guided by the vision of creating a coordinated and vibrant data-driven economy that supports national development, and a mission focused on maximising the value of data through responsible and innovative use, the draft strategy emphasises guiding principles of integrity, ethics, transparency, security, standardisation, equity, and inclusivity. These principles signal a commitment to protect citizens' rights while ensuring that data benefits the entire population.

With increasing demand for efficient services and growing reliance on technology in daily life, the next phase of debate and review will determine how this strategy translates from policy to practice and whether it becomes the engine of a digital future that benefits every citizen.