At the 2nd State of the Digital Economy (SODE 2025), Eng. Arnold B. Mujuni, Acting Director of the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), delivered a sharp reminder that Uganda’s digital transformation will only be meaningful if it works for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
His session, “Policy Impact: Driving Digital Inclusion,” stood out as one of the most impactful of the day.
“Access to ICTs is not just a convenience,” Eng. Mujuni stressed. “It is a right that is central to sustainable development and equal participation.”
Tracing Uganda’s policy journey, he pointed to the 1995 Constitution, the Persons with Disabilities Act (2020), and the Digital Uganda Vision 2040.
Yet despite these frameworks, significant barriers remain—from the high cost of assistive devices and limited rural internet access to the inconsistent availability of sign language services.
These hurdles affect more than 1.28 million Ugandans with disabilities, according to the 2024 census.
Mujuni highlighted progress made by UCC and UCUSAF, including profiling over 150,000 PWDs, skilling more than 2,000 individuals in employability and digital skills, developing 35 district websites, and providing assistive technologies in schools and innovation hubs.
But he was candid that more must be done.
He called for subsidization of ICT tools, expanded infrastructure, and stronger multi-sector collaboration to achieve inclusive digital growth.
His appeal tied directly to the forum’s theme, “Making Digital Work for All.” By convening SODE 2025, NBS TV and Next Media once again demonstrated their commitment to amplifying conversations and innovations that Inform to Transform Uganda.
Eng. Mujuni’s message was unmistakable: Uganda’s digital future cannot be built in silos. If PWDs are to fully participate in and benefit from the country’s technological surge, the time for action is now.
