By Mulengera Reporters
On Thursday, April 16, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) launched the 10th National Conference on Communications (NCC 2026), calling for more practical innovation that can solve real-life problems in Uganda.
Speaking at the launch held at UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the country needs research and ideas that go beyond theory and can be used by ordinary people, businesses, and government.
The conference will take place from June 24 to 26 at Makerere University under the theme “Accelerating market-driven innovation for Uganda’s development,” and it will bring together government, universities, and private sector players to discuss how research can be turned into real products and services.
Hon. Thembo said the aim is to close the gap between research and industry so that innovations can support development and improve lives.
Now in its 10th edition, NCC has become one of Uganda’s key ICT platforms. This year, organizers want more local solutions from universities and innovation hubs to reach the market.
The event is being organized together with Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), with participation from institutions such as ISBAT University. Dr Kizito Maria Kasule represented CEDAT at the launch.
A call for papers has been opened, with submissions due by May 1. There will also be training sessions, including masterclasses for young researchers and publishers.
Winners of the previous NCC (9th) edition received their prizes at the launch, including a brand-new laptop, a wireless mouse, and a laptop bag each, to help them continue developing their ideas. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
