By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has called for a shift in the country’s digital transformation agenda from expanding connectivity infrastructure to creating meaningful opportunities that improve the lives of citizens.
The call was made during the State of the Digital Economy 2026 (SODE2026) conference held at the Next Conference Centre Naguru, where policymakers, regulators, private sector players, innovators and development partners convened to discuss Uganda’s digital future.
Representing UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, the Commission’s Director of Finance, Haruna Musinguzi, said Uganda has made significant progress in expanding digital connectivity through progressive government policies, sustained private sector investment, effective regulation and strong partnerships.
He noted that digital infrastructure now underpins key sectors of the economy, including commerce, education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and public administration.
However, Musinguzi said the country’s next phase of digital transformation should be measured not by the number of telecommunications towers erected or kilometres of fibre optic cable deployed, but by the tangible opportunities created through digital connectivity.
He explained that the success of Uganda’s digital economy should be reflected in improved learning outcomes, better healthcare delivery, increased agricultural productivity, thriving businesses and the creation of quality employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Musinguzi emphasized that national competitiveness in the digital age will depend on how effectively technology is translated into economic growth and social development.
He reaffirmed UCC’s commitment to working closely with government, industry, academia and innovators to build a digital ecosystem that promotes innovation, attracts investment and enables every Ugandan to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
The conference brought together stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues shaping Uganda’s digital transformation, including digital skills development, resilient digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and the regulatory environment needed to support innovation.
As Uganda’s communications regulator, UCC said it remains committed to providing the regulatory foundation that supports innovation, expands access to digital opportunities and advances the country’s digital transformation agenda for inclusive socio-economic development.
The event was officiated by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, who attended alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, underscoring the government’s commitment to accelerating Uganda’s digital transformation.
The State of the Digital Economy conference is one of Uganda’s premier platforms for assessing progress in the digital sector and fostering dialogue on policies and investments required to harness digital technologies for sustainable national development.
Stakeholders at the forum emphasized that while investments in digital infrastructure remain essential, the ultimate goal should be ensuring that technology delivers measurable improvements in livelihoods, public service delivery and economic competitiveness. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
