Communication
Uganda Assumes Leadership of Pan-African Postal Union Conference
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Uganda has taken on a new continental role, assuming the chairmanship of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Plenipotentiary Conference for the 2026–2030 cycle.
The position will be held by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi. At the 11th Ordinary Session of the Conference, he was represented by Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Uganda takes over from Zimbabwe, which has led the Conference for the past four years under Hon. Tatenda A. Mavetera, Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services of Zimbabwe. The Union acknowledged Zimbabwe’s leadership and contribution during this period.
Uganda assumes this role at a time when the postal sector is evolving rapidly. Across Africa, postal networks are shifting from traditional mail delivery to supporting digital services, e-commerce, and logistics.
According to the Universal Postal Union, global e-commerce continues to grow, increasing demand for reliable delivery systems. In Africa, where trade is expanding under the African Continental Free Trade Area, efficient postal and logistics networks are becoming more important for businesses and consumers.
This shift places postal services at the centre of economic activity. They now support small businesses, connect communities to markets, and enable access to digital services.
As Chair of the PAPU Plenipotentiary Conference, Uganda will guide policy discussions at the Union’s highest decision-making level, focusing on shaping priorities, building consensus among Member States, and ensuring implementation of agreed actions. Key priorities include strengthening postal systems, improving cross-border logistics, expanding national addressing systems, and integrating postal networks into the wider digital economy.
Uganda is also expected to work closely with partners, including the Universal Postal Union and regional bodies, to mobilise technical support and investment for Member States.
As the conference concluded, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to finalising the programme of action, with a focus on decisions that advance Africa’s interests and deliver results for its people. The proposed bureau for the next cycle confirmed Uganda as Chair, representing East Africa; the Democratic Republic of Congo as Vice Chair for Central Africa; South Africa as Second Vice Chair, representing Southern Africa; Egypt as Vice Chair for North Africa; and Burundi as Rapporteur for Central Africa.
Uganda formally accepted the nomination and expressed appreciation for the trust placed in its leadership, while recognising the collective effort that made the successful convening of the Conference possible.
Speaking on behalf of Uganda, Hon. Nyombi Thembo made it clear that the focus would be on delivery. “We are not here to manage decline. We are here to make Africa’s postal systems work for trade, for businesses, and for our people. That means fixing logistics, strengthening systems, and aligning with the digital economy,” he said.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Tatenda A. Mavetera congratulated Uganda on hosting a successful session and commended Member States for the strategic decisions taken. Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s tenure since June 2021, she highlighted the continued relevance of the Pan-African Postal Union in supporting socio-economic development across the continent.
She formally handed over the chairmanship to Uganda, expressing confidence in the country’s leadership and the Union's future direction.
Over the next four years, Uganda will work with Member States to ensure that Africa’s postal sector keeps pace with technological change and continues to support economic growth.
Photo Credit: Uganda Communications Commission
The position will be held by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi. At the 11th Ordinary Session of the Conference, he was represented by Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Uganda takes over from Zimbabwe, which has led the Conference for the past four years under Hon. Tatenda A. Mavetera, Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services of Zimbabwe. The Union acknowledged Zimbabwe’s leadership and contribution during this period.
Uganda assumes this role at a time when the postal sector is evolving rapidly. Across Africa, postal networks are shifting from traditional mail delivery to supporting digital services, e-commerce, and logistics.
According to the Universal Postal Union, global e-commerce continues to grow, increasing demand for reliable delivery systems. In Africa, where trade is expanding under the African Continental Free Trade Area, efficient postal and logistics networks are becoming more important for businesses and consumers.
This shift places postal services at the centre of economic activity. They now support small businesses, connect communities to markets, and enable access to digital services.
As Chair of the PAPU Plenipotentiary Conference, Uganda will guide policy discussions at the Union’s highest decision-making level, focusing on shaping priorities, building consensus among Member States, and ensuring implementation of agreed actions. Key priorities include strengthening postal systems, improving cross-border logistics, expanding national addressing systems, and integrating postal networks into the wider digital economy.
Uganda is also expected to work closely with partners, including the Universal Postal Union and regional bodies, to mobilise technical support and investment for Member States.
As the conference concluded, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to finalising the programme of action, with a focus on decisions that advance Africa’s interests and deliver results for its people. The proposed bureau for the next cycle confirmed Uganda as Chair, representing East Africa; the Democratic Republic of Congo as Vice Chair for Central Africa; South Africa as Second Vice Chair, representing Southern Africa; Egypt as Vice Chair for North Africa; and Burundi as Rapporteur for Central Africa.
Uganda formally accepted the nomination and expressed appreciation for the trust placed in its leadership, while recognising the collective effort that made the successful convening of the Conference possible.
Speaking on behalf of Uganda, Hon. Nyombi Thembo made it clear that the focus would be on delivery. “We are not here to manage decline. We are here to make Africa’s postal systems work for trade, for businesses, and for our people. That means fixing logistics, strengthening systems, and aligning with the digital economy,” he said.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Tatenda A. Mavetera congratulated Uganda on hosting a successful session and commended Member States for the strategic decisions taken. Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s tenure since June 2021, she highlighted the continued relevance of the Pan-African Postal Union in supporting socio-economic development across the continent.
She formally handed over the chairmanship to Uganda, expressing confidence in the country’s leadership and the Union's future direction.
Over the next four years, Uganda will work with Member States to ensure that Africa’s postal sector keeps pace with technological change and continues to support economic growth.
Photo Credit: Uganda Communications Commission
The author is a Communications Officer at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
