The Ugandan government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding affordable and inclusive internet access nationwide while strengthening digital leadership and oversight of social media platforms.
While addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Center today, March 26th 2026, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga, Minister of State for National Guidance, outlined a diverse approach aimed at transforming Uganda into a digitally empowered nation.
“Uganda is entering a decisive phase in its digital transformation journey where success will depend less on infrastructure alone and more on leadership, coordination, and execution,” Kabbyanga said.
He cautioned that infrastructure investments alone are insufficient to sustain progress, emphasizing that Chief Information Officers (CIOs) play a critical role as strategic drivers of institutional performance and national development.
“Our digital future depends not only on infrastructure, but on visionary CIOs who are no longer backroom technicians, since they are central drivers of performance, innovation, and national development,” the Minister of State for National Guidance, added.
Hon. Kyabbyanga highlighted the government’s growing interest in the digital creator economy, pointing to platforms such as X and TikTok as emerging income sources for young Ugandans.
He noted that engagements are ongoing with global platform providers to unlock monetization opportunities, including advertising revenue, subscriptions, and creator funds.
Kabbyanga’s address comes ahead of the Chief-level Executives (CIO-CxO) Conclave 2026, scheduled for April 24th 2026 at the National ICT Hub under the theme ‘The CIO as a Business Strategist.’
The Conclave will convene government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners to explore practical solutions in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital payments, infrastructure resilience, and shared digital platforms.
He described the forum as a strategic platform to bolster digital leadership and align institutional performance with Uganda’s broader development priorities under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
During the event, the government will launch the 2026 CIO-CxO Digital Transformation and e-Government Leadership Awards, recognizing institutions and individuals delivering measurable impact in Uganda’s digital space.
A day prior, on April 23rd, a Tech Leadership Workshop targeting students and recent graduates will kick off the National Tech Skills Talent Program (2025–2035).
This decade-long initiative seeks to build local expertise, reduce dependence on foreign skills, and create pathways for employment and innovation in Uganda’s growing digital economy.
On connectivity, Kabbyanga confirmed that the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) is rolling out the National Backbone Infrastructure, extending high-speed internet across the country, including strategic border points to boost regional integration and network resilience.
“These projects have already driven down the cost of internet access, with last-mile initiatives targeting schools, health centers, and local government offices,’’ the minister noted.
“Public Wi-Fi hotspots and community access programs are also being introduced to bridge the digital divide,” he added.
He highlighted that while infrastructure lays the foundation, Uganda’s digital transformation will hinge on effective leadership, coordination, and innovative talent development.
“Uganda has already recorded significant gains, including increased mobile penetration, growth in digital payments, improved e-government services, and rising private sector innovation across sectors such as fintech, agritech, and e-commerce,” Kabbyanga stated.
These combined efforts reflect a deliberate shift from purely infrastructure-led expansion to a comprehensive digital strategy anchored in strong leadership, skills development, and innovation, highlighting the government’s commitment.
With sustained investment in connectivity, a growing focus on the digital creator economy, and deliberate efforts to nurture local talent, Uganda is positioning itself to harness the full potential of the digital age.
If effectively implemented, these initiatives could accelerate inclusive growth, enhance service delivery, and firmly place the country on a path toward a resilient and competitive digital economy.
