The Digital Africa Summit, Uganda Edition, took place on November 3, 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, bringing together policymakers, innovators, business leaders, visionary leaders, and changemakers to explore how digitalization is driving inclusion, entrepreneurship, and growth across Africa. The summit also featured the unveiling of the GSMA Research Study: “Unlocking the Social and Economic Impact of Technology in the Uganda Economy.”
The event highlighted the continent’s most pressing digital opportunities, including infrastructure investment, AI adoption, connectivity, and digital inclusion, showcasing how collaboration across sectors can translate strategy into measurable outcomes. Uganda’s progress is evident, with over 45.7 million mobile subscribers and 16.5 million internet users connecting daily for communication, e-commerce, and essential public services.
Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, emphasised that the government is committed to bridging the usage gap while ensuring inclusive growth. He noted that Uganda’s economy is private sector-led and stressed the importance of reliable networks, digital literacy, affordable smart devices, and localised content. “The Government is committed to achieving 90% geographical broadband coverage. Through the Digital Uganda Vision and NDP IV, we are leveraging technology to boost productivity, create jobs, and ensure no Ugandan is left behind,” he said.
Guided by the Digital Transformation Roadmap, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, under the leadership of Dr Aminah Zawedde, is driving policy coherence nationwide, ensuring that priorities, ranging from broadband access to digital literacy, are implemented effectively. The ongoing review of the National Broadband Policy aligns with emerging technologies, including 5G, AI, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing, thereby securing Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and global digital markets. “At the same time, we are investing in people. Through initiatives such as Digital Skilling Uganda, we are equipping youth, women, and persons with disabilities with the digital skills and platforms needed to innovate and thrive,” she added.
George William Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), explained that the sector is translating national policy into measurable results. “The sector now boasts 34.6 million active mobile money subscriptions, 16.5 million mobile internet users, and efficient spectrum management that improves quality of service and affordability. Through UCUSAF, we have connected schools, health centres, and local governments, ensuring digital inclusion reaches rural and underserved communities,” he said.
Industry leaders also highlighted the importance of innovation and purpose-driven leadership. Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, noted that connectivity must be treated as essential economic infrastructure. “Real progress comes when policy, investment, and digital literacy move together, and when Africa leads not just in adoption, but in innovation,” she said.
Angela Wamola, Head of GSMA Africa, commended Uganda’s achievements while urging continued efforts to close the usage gap. She observed that Africa’s digital economy is already driving growth but requires further reforms to unlock its full potential. “Mobile technology can transform education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and public services, but only if we ensure inclusive access, adoption, and innovation,” Wamola said.
The summit emphasised the collaborative effort necessary to construct an inclusive digital economy, with governments, regulators, and the private sector collaborating to ensure that technology provides opportunities for all. As Kabbyanga concluded, Uganda’s digital transformation is unstoppable, with policies, innovation, and skills development paving the way for a future where every citizen can thrive.
The author is a Communications Officer at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
