The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, has been honoured with the prestigious International Computer Driving License (ICDL) Africa Recognition Award 2024.
This continental award, announced at the ICDL Africa summit, recognizes Dr. Zawedde's outstanding contributions to advancing digital transformation across Uganda and her enduring commitment to leveraging technology for social and economic development.
Throughout her career, Dr. Zawedde has championed digital transformation as a catalyst for change, focusing on the power of technology to enhance lives and livelihoods.
“Technology isn’t just about digital tools it’s about transforming lives,” she emphasised, reflecting on her dedication to embedding digital solutions across public sectors.
Under Dr. Zawedde's leadership, Uganda's Ministry of ICT has implemented a comprehensive digital skilling program for civil servants, aimed at fostering a digitally competent government workforce.
“For e-Government to succeed, our public servants must be digitally fluent,” Dr. Zawedde said, emphasising the importance of technology in improving service delivery and reducing bureaucracy.
This digital skilling initiative has already shown tangible results, with increased adoption of digital platforms across government departments and a significant reduction in operational costs through automation.
Other milestones under Dr. Zawedde’s guidance include partnerships with global tech organisations for digital skills certification, targeted programs to bridge the digital divide in rural communities, and the creation of one-stop digital centers that make government services more accessible to citizens.
Peter Maina, ICDL Africa’s Regional Director, praised Dr. Zawedde’s vision, stating, “Her commitment to digital transformation goes beyond infrastructure.
She has shown that technology, when properly leveraged, can drive social inclusion and economic empowerment.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Zawedde’s Ministry has set ambitious goals to further expand Uganda’s digital reach.
These include enhancing internet infrastructure in remote areas, integrating digital literacy programs into education, and establishing innovation hubs across the country to foster a more inclusive digital economy.
“Our vision is of a Uganda where every citizen, regardless of location or background, can access government services at their fingertips,” Dr. Zawedde stated.
