The Minister for ICT and National Guidance Chris Baryomunsi has called on Ugandans to embrace innovation by developing indigenous digital platforms and technologies instead of lamenting the closure of Facebook.
Speaking at the opening of the 9th National Conference on Communications (NCC), held at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala, on Thursday, Baryomunsi emphasized that Uganda must take ownership of its digital future by building solutions that respond to the country’s unique challenges.
“There has been a constant cry about the reopening of Facebook. It was just an innovation by an individual. Why are we unable to come up with something of our own or any other social media platform that can facilitate communication?” he said.
“Gone are the days when issues of technology were for the western world. We have to embrace technology, live with it, and integrate it in our daily lives.”
The two-day conference, which concluded on Friday, ran under the theme “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Power Sustainable Local Solutions for Uganda’s Development Goals.” It was organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in partnership with ISBAT University and Gulu University.
The NCC is Uganda’s flagship platform for ICT dialogue, research, and innovation, bringing together policymakers, academia, industry stakeholders, and innovators.
The event showcased more than 70 innovation papers from students and researchers, highlighting the creativity and ingenuity of Uganda’s young innovators.
Speakers stressed that technology must go beyond buzzwords to address real social and economic challenges, while aligning with the country’s vision of building a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.
UCC Executive Director,George William Nyombi Thembo, underscored the importance of linking innovation with commercial and societal value.
“Whatever we do at the end of the day must have commercial value. Through the private sector, we serve society. Digital innovation is not about new technology—it is about developing inclusive and sustainable solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen service delivery,” he said.
He further challenged innovators to view the absence of platforms like Facebook not as a setback, but as an opportunity to create Ugandan-made alternatives.
Vice-Chancellor of ISBAT University Professor Mathew Mathai Kattampackal echoed the call for collaboration, noting that the conference provides a unique space for knowledge sharing and solution-driven dialogue.
“This year’s theme reflects a shared commitment to leverage technology to address Uganda’s pressing socio-economic challenges. It inspires actionable solutions that are contextually relevant to our development priorities,” he said.
Despite Uganda’s progress in digital innovation, challenges remain. With only 35% of Ugandans owning smartphones, millions are still excluded from the digital economy.
Leaders at the conference emphasized that affordable devices, inclusive policies, and strategic investments are essential to ensure no one is left behind.
Closing the event, speakers reaffirmed that Uganda’s digital transformation is not merely a telecom ambition but a national imperative.
The choices made today will determine whether Uganda’s digital ecosystem merely survives—or thrives as an unstoppable force driving national development.