State Minister for ICT and National Guidance Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga has said Uganda is prioritising e-commerce as a pathway to expand market access for small businesses, boost household incomes, and integrate the country into regional and global trade.
Kabbyanga said the strategy is being implemented through Postcom, a national e-commerce platform developed by Posta Uganda, which was unveiled at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.
“With Postcom, all MSMEs will be able to reach wider markets both locally and internationally, and Posta Uganda will enable last-mile delivery,” Kabbyanga said.
He noted that the initiative targets long-standing barriers faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly limited access to markets and distribution channels.
According to the minister, the platform will serve as a centralized digital marketplace, enabling Ugandan businesses to connect directly with customers beyond their immediate locations.
“This is a very good step in enabling every Ugandan to sell their products even beyond the borders. It will increase market access and improve household incomes,” he said.
Kabbyanga added that the model leverages Posta Uganda’s nationwide infrastructure to address logistics challenges, especially in last-mile delivery, which has been a major constraint for online trade.
“Posta Uganda, through Postcom, will provide a national e-commerce platform as the best opportunity for citizens to sell and buy products online,” he said.
The minister said the platform is also designed to strengthen the government’s Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative by promoting locally produced goods and supporting domestic industries.
“Having Postcom as an e-commerce platform that will turn the Post Office into a one-stop centre market for locally produced products supports the Buy Uganda Build Uganda initiative, promotes digital inclusion, and drives economic transformation,” he said.
He emphasized that agriculture, manufacturing, and small-scale enterprises stand to benefit significantly from improved access to wider markets.
Digital transformation strategy
Kabbyanga said the platform is part of Uganda’s broader Digital Transformation Roadmap for the 2023/24–2027/28 period, aimed at building an inclusive digital economy and improving service delivery.
“As you may recall, in August 2023, the Vice President launched Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap… to accelerate the country’s digital revolution,” he said.
He added that Postcom represents a practical step toward implementing that roadmap by enabling more Ugandans to participate in the digital economy.
“Postcom provides a secure and accessible online marketplace where Ugandans especially MSMEs can showcase, sell, and buy locally produced goods with ease,” he said.
The minister urged entrepreneurs, government agencies, and the private sector to adopt the platform to maximise its impact.
“We have seen the opportunities that come with e-commerce and would encourage every Ugandan entrepreneur to take advantage of Posta Uganda’s Postcom e-commerce platform to sell or buy Ugandan-made products,” he said.
He also commended Posta Uganda for developing the initiative and called for coordinated support across institutions.
“I would like to thank the Board and Management of Posta Uganda for this initiative and invite MDAs and the private sector to embrace it,” he said.
The move signals a broader policy shift toward digital trade as a driver of economic growth, with government betting on technology to link Ugandan producers to larger markets, increase incomes, and enhance competitiveness.