Partnerships
Uganda Seeks Stronger ICT Partnerships with Korea
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, has called for stronger cooperation with the Republic of Korea to develop digital skills, support technology businesses and create jobs for young Ugandans.
The Minister was speaking during a courtesy meeting with the Korean Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Lee Sang-ho, at the Ministry on 1st October 2026. Also present were the Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Amina Zawedde.
Welcoming the Ambassador and congratulating him on his appointment, Rt. Hon. Lumumba said the Ministry was keen to build on Uganda’s longstanding friendship with Korea through practical partnerships in technology and innovation.
She called for closer links between Korean technology companies, Ugandan ICT firms, universities and training institutions to equip young people with skills that meet industry needs. These include software engineering, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence and digital product management.
“Our collaboration should deepen industry-relevant skills,” the Minister said, “enabling youth to create their own employment and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
She proposed partnerships to establish software development centres, artificial intelligence laboratories, business process outsourcing centres and joint innovation programmes. Korean companies could bring technology, management expertise and access to international markets, while Ugandan firms contribute local talent and knowledge of African markets.
The Minister encouraged Korean investors to consider Uganda as a base for developing solutions that can reach customers beyond the country. “A Korean company should not come to Uganda merely to serve Uganda. It should be able to develop and test solutions here, then scale them across the East African Community and wider African markets,” she said.
The proposed partnerships would build on Korea’s earlier support to Uganda’s ICT sector. The Minister noted that Korean experts had worked with the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda to develop the country’s first e-government master plan. Ugandan officials have also benefited from training through the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the Next African IT Leaders Programme, co-funded with the African Development Bank.
She also highlighted recent engagements between the two countries, including the financing framework signed at the first Korea–Africa Summit in June 2024, providing for up to US$500 million in concessional financing. In September 2026, a Ugandan delegation visited Seoul for trade and investment talks, while the Minister attended the Korea–Africa Economic Cooperation Conference.
Beyond ICT, Rt. Hon. Lumumba expressed interest in Korea’s experience in community development, shared national values and trusted public communication. She noted ongoing support for Ugandan youth through Saemaul Undong, Korea
The Minister was speaking during a courtesy meeting with the Korean Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Lee Sang-ho, at the Ministry on 1st October 2026. Also present were the Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Amina Zawedde.
Welcoming the Ambassador and congratulating him on his appointment, Rt. Hon. Lumumba said the Ministry was keen to build on Uganda’s longstanding friendship with Korea through practical partnerships in technology and innovation.
She called for closer links between Korean technology companies, Ugandan ICT firms, universities and training institutions to equip young people with skills that meet industry needs. These include software engineering, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence and digital product management.
“Our collaboration should deepen industry-relevant skills,” the Minister said, “enabling youth to create their own employment and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
She proposed partnerships to establish software development centres, artificial intelligence laboratories, business process outsourcing centres and joint innovation programmes. Korean companies could bring technology, management expertise and access to international markets, while Ugandan firms contribute local talent and knowledge of African markets.
The Minister encouraged Korean investors to consider Uganda as a base for developing solutions that can reach customers beyond the country. “A Korean company should not come to Uganda merely to serve Uganda. It should be able to develop and test solutions here, then scale them across the East African Community and wider African markets,” she said.
The proposed partnerships would build on Korea’s earlier support to Uganda’s ICT sector. The Minister noted that Korean experts had worked with the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda to develop the country’s first e-government master plan. Ugandan officials have also benefited from training through the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the Next African IT Leaders Programme, co-funded with the African Development Bank.
She also highlighted recent engagements between the two countries, including the financing framework signed at the first Korea–Africa Summit in June 2024, providing for up to US$500 million in concessional financing. In September 2026, a Ugandan delegation visited Seoul for trade and investment talks, while the Minister attended the Korea–Africa Economic Cooperation Conference.
Beyond ICT, Rt. Hon. Lumumba expressed interest in Korea’s experience in community development, shared national values and trusted public communication. She noted ongoing support for Ugandan youth through Saemaul Undong, Korea
The author is a Communications Officer at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
