Uganda has announced the upcoming Chief-level Executives (CIO-CXO) Conclave 2026, scheduled for April 24 at the National ICT Hub.
Addressing journalists on Thursday at the Uganda Media Centre, State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabyanga, said the conclave will be held under the theme “The CIO as a Business Strategist.”
“This conclave is a strategic national platform designed to strengthen digital leadership, improve execution, and enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in the digital economy, in line with the Fourth National Development Plan,” Kabyanga said.
He highlighted Uganda’s progress in digital transformation.
“We are witnessing growth in mobile penetration, expansion of digital payments, improved e-government service delivery, and increasing private sector innovation across fintech, agritech, and e-commerce.”
However, the Minister emphasized that technology alone is not enough.
“The next phase of transformation will be defined by leadership, coordination, and disciplined execution. Today, Chief Information Officers are not merely technical experts—they are strategic drivers of institutional performance and national development,” he said.
Officials said the conclave will bring together leaders from government, the private sector, and development partners to explore practical solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital payments, infrastructure resilience, and shared digital platforms.
During the event, the 2026 CIO-CxO Digital Transformation and eGovernment Leadership Awards will also be presented.
“The awards will recognize institutions and leaders delivering measurable impact in Uganda’s digital journey,” Kabyanga said.
Ahead of the conclave, a Tech Leadership Workshop for students and graduates will be held on April 23, coinciding with the launch of the National Tech Skills Talent Program (2025–2035).
“This program is designed to close the ICT skills gap, reduce reliance on external expertise, and create structured pathways for employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship—positioning Uganda as a regional hub for digital talent,” the Minister said.
Kabyanga also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting young digital creators.
“We recognize the increasing role of platforms such as X and TikTok in creating income opportunities for young people. We are engaging global platform providers and relevant stakeholders to ensure Ugandan content creators can access monetisation opportunities.”
On expanding nationwide connectivity, the Minister highlighted efforts by the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U). NITA-U Executive Director, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, explained that the conclave is aimed at driving ICT adoption across sectors.
“Our focus is for stakeholders and captains of industry in agriculture, finance, communications, and business. ICT is not just for tech gurus—it is for everyone. We want to understand how ICT can enable them to achieve their objectives,” Dr. Mugasa said.
“Someone in Kikuubo is struggling, and ICT can help them do better—but they need to tell us what devices, software, and connectivity they need. This forum is an opportunity for policymakers, private leaders, and academia to gather ideas and formulate practical solutions.”
