Speaking at the State of Digital Economy (SODE) 2026, Tumusiime said the country’s digital journey has entered a new phase where cybersecurity, digital trust and risk management will determine whether citizens fully embrace technology.
His remarks build on the broader SODE 2026 discussion that Uganda’s digital transformation must move beyond access to focus on how connectivity translates into economic opportunity, reliable services and confidence among users.
“Connectivity is no longer our biggest challenge. The next step is building trust in the digital platforms and services that Ugandans use every day,” Tumusiime said.
He said as government, businesses and citizens increasingly adopt digital solutions, the focus should shift from simply connecting people to ensuring that the systems they depend on are secure.
“As we digitize more services, the key question is not whether we are connected, but whether our digital systems are secure and trustworthy,” he said.
Tumusiime, who is Manager of Governance and Risk at NITA-U, said cybersecurity has become a foundation for the digital economy because businesses and citizens need confidence before fully participating in online transactions and services.
The comments follow earlier SODE discussions on making Uganda’s digital economy a productive sector, with speakers highlighting the need for infrastructure, skills and partnerships to unlock technology-driven growth.
Tumusiime said Uganda’s upgraded National Information Security Framework is intended to strengthen the country’s ability to manage emerging risks, including threats linked to artificial intelligence and other evolving technologies.
“The upgraded National Information Security Framework is designed to help Uganda respond to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and evolving cyber threats,” he said.
He explained that cybersecurity should not only be viewed as a defensive measure against hackers and digital attacks, but also as a tool for building public confidence in digital transformation.
“Cybersecurity is not just about preventing attacks; it’s about giving citizens confidence that government digital services can be trusted,” Tumusiime said.
Opening the conference, Next Media Group Chief Executive Kin Kariisa said Uganda has made remarkable progress in expanding digital connectivity, but the country's next challenge is ensuring that access creates tangible value for citizens.
"Now that we have connectivity, can we earn from this connectivity, create jobs and export services?" Kariisa asked.
"Can we have conversations beyond this connectivity? Can every government agency begin thinking about how it can create value from this connectivity?"
Kariisa said the State of the Digital Economy was established in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and other stakeholders to regularly assess Uganda's digital progress while encouraging collaboration between government and the private sector.
"Working with UCC and other stakeholders, we started this annual symposium basically to talk about the state of the digital economy," he said.
Reflecting on the conference's journey, Kariisa noted that previous discussions focused on expanding digital access and translating policy into action, while this year's edition challenges stakeholders to unlock economic opportunities from the country's growing digital infrastructure.
He described Next Media as "an infrastructure that spurs national conversations," citing previous forums on the economy, housing and national development.
"We are taking the conversation beyond connectivity. Uganda has taken significant steps, and we are currently a highly connected country," he said.
Kariisa observed that digital technologies have fundamentally transformed everyday life, including traditional broadcasting.
"Broadcast is as digital as it has ever been. Our mainstream life has gone so digital, and our young people must intentionally be equipped to lead," he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between government, regulators, businesses, content creators and citizens to build a digital economy that benefits everyone.
"It is encouraging that if we continue building together—from government to the private sector, creators and citizens—achieving a digital economy that works for all is a great possibility."
Now in its third edition, the State of the Digital Economy has become one of Uganda's leading platforms for discussions on digital transformation, bringing together policymakers, regulators, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, academics and content creators.
This year's conference focuses on four pillars—human capital, policy, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence and cybersecurity—as participants examine how Uganda can strengthen digital skills, build resilient infrastructure, develop enabling policies and prepare citizens and businesses for an increasingly digital future.
The programme also features innovation exhibitions, fintech showcases, GovTech demonstrations, creator economy sessions, interactive masterclasses and the Vibe Hackathon, where young innovators are developing technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
As Uganda moves towards greater adoption of artificial intelligence, digital government services and online business platforms, Tumusiime said trust will become a key measure of success.
His message adds another layer to the SODE 2026 conversation: while digital skills, innovation and infrastructure are essential for Uganda to participate in the global digital economy, secure and trusted systems will determine whether citizens are willing to use and benefit from these opportunities.