On 25 February 2026, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance hosted a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, led by the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, marking an important step in strengthening digital and commercial cooperation between Uganda and the United States. The delegation also included Sarah Troutman, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs.

The Ugandan delegation was led by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi, together with the Permanent Secretary, Dr Aminah Zawedde. Heads of agencies under the Ministry were also in attendance, highlighting a coordinated, whole-of-sector approach to advancing Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.

Engaging alongside other sector agencies, the meeting explored high-impact areas of collaboration to accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation. Discussions were comprehensive, focusing on technology investment, expansion of last-mile internet connectivity, IT skills attachment programmes with leading U.S. firms, artificial intelligence collaboration, and the need to strengthen regulatory and data protection frameworks to support sustainable digital growth.

Uganda’s digital progress and remaining gaps provided critical context. Mobile penetration now exceeds 80%, with over 38 million subscriptions nationwide. Smartphone users are estimated at more than 18 million, representing over 35% penetration, while internet penetration stands at about 40%, equivalent to approximately 18.5 million subscriptions. While these figures reflect steady growth, both sides acknowledged that targeted investment and skills development are essential to ensure inclusive access and meaningful use of digital technologies.

The discussions placed strong emphasis on bridging the digital skills gap. Priority areas included systems development, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, with a focus on delivering job-ready skills aligned to current and emerging industry needs. The meeting also explored creating structured platforms to connect Ugandan technology firms with U.S. technology companies to drive skills transfer, innovation, and private-sector growth.

Speaking during the engagement, Minister Hon. Chris Baryomunsi said the collaboration aligns with Uganda’s long-term development goals. “Uganda’s digital transformation must be anchored in practical skills, reliable connectivity, and trusted systems. Our engagement with the United States is focused on turning technology into real opportunities for our people, especially young Ugandans entering the digital economy,” he noted.

The meeting also addressed the importance of resilient regulatory, data protection, and digital trust frameworks as a foundation for responsible technology adoption and long-term investment.

Following the engagement, both sides agreed to advance a structured collaboration framework to expand last-mile connectivity, particularly to schools, mining areas, and tourism sites. Priority actions include developing joint digital skills and attachment programmes with U.S. firms, establishing forums to link Ugandan and U.S. technology companies, and sustaining policy-level dialogue to strengthen regulatory, data protection, and AI governance frameworks that support inclusive and sustainable digital growth.