For years, the narrative around Uganda's digital journey has been measured in hardware. We've heard the statistics about kilometers of fiber optic cable laid, the number of cell towers erected, and the percentage of the population holding a SIM card. But this year, the conference is asking a much harder, much more human question: Of the millions of Ugandans now connected to the internet, how many are actually earning a living, growing a business, or creating something new because of that connection?
That question sits at the heart of the theme for this year's edition: "Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity." It's the organizing idea behind everything happening on this Friday, July 24,2026 when the third edition of the State of the Digital Economy conference opens its doors at the Next Conference Center.
The conference will be presided over by Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister of ICT & National Guidance, as Guest of Honor, placing government firmly at the center of a conversation that will unfold across five pillars: Human Capital, Policy, Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. Each pillar has been structured to chase the "opportunity" question directly, rather than fall back on the usual access statistics.
The state of the digital economy this year is moving the conversation from connectivity
What makes this edition different is what's been added to the day. The Future Tech Founders Programme, a nationwide showcase by builders aged 8 to 18, culminates in live pitches on the SODE stage, which will be broadcasted nationally on NBS TV. It isn't a panel about youth potential, it's Ugandan children presenting real projects solving Ugandan problems to a room of policymakers and industry leaders. Running alongside it will be the Vibe Coding Challenge, a live “Hackathon” on the conference floor where developers from different companies will “vibe” code solutions to different projects in real time, in front of attendees. Beyond the build itself, the challenge gives these developers a rare shot at the room, a chance to pitch their ideas directly to industry players, potential investors, and mentors.
“SODE is more than an event on the calendar, we saw a gap between being connected and being equipped. As a digital-first creative, communications, and marketing agency, we chose not only to do something about it, but to build something the country could return to year after year. What we are building with SODE is a piece of institutional audit for Uganda's digital economy, that sets pace for Uganda’s 360 digital growth.” Said Nassaka Joweria Leah, Brand Manager, NextCom
Backing all of this is a list of partners that spans regulation, policy, telecom, fintech, cybersecurity, developer communities, innovators, youth employment and empowerment
That range is itself part of the argument NextCom is making that the digital economy is no longer a single sector's problem to solve.
SODE 2026 takes place Friday, July 24, at the Next Conference Center, the event will be live on NBSTV
NilePost will be on the ground at SODE 2026 with full coverage
