As discussions at the State of the Digital Economy (SODE 2026) continue to shift from expanding connectivity to creating economic opportunity, Startup Uganda has called for policies that make it easier for innovators and entrepreneurs to build businesses and scale their ideas.
Speaking at the conference, Startup Uganda representative Rachel Athieno said regulation should keep pace with innovation by creating an environment where entrepreneurs can experiment, grow and contribute to Uganda's digital economy.
Her remarks reinforced one of the central messages emerging from SODE 2026—that infrastructure, skills and technology alone are not enough unless they are supported by policies that encourage innovation and investment.
"We are also working on the policy aspect with the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. Policy should enable entrepreneurs, not slow them down," Athieno said.
Startup Uganda is the country's largest innovation community, bringing together entrepreneurs, founders, innovators, investors and ecosystem partners to support the growth of startups across Uganda.
Athieno said the organisation is working closely with government institutions to ensure policies respond to the needs of emerging businesses while strengthening collaboration between the education sector and industry.
Her comments build on earlier discussions at SODE 2026, where speakers called for a whole-of-country approach to digital transformation, practical technology skills, trusted digital systems and stronger digital infrastructure to unlock economic growth.
The conference has increasingly focused on the conditions needed for Uganda's digital economy to mature, with speakers arguing that innovation flourishes where regulation supports, rather than constrains, enterprise.
Athieno also highlighted Uganda Innovation Week 2026, describing it as another platform for connecting innovators, investors, policymakers and technology leaders to showcase local solutions and strengthen the country's innovation ecosystem.
The annual event is scheduled to take place from November 9 to 13, 2026.
As SODE 2026 has demonstrated, Uganda's digital ambitions extend beyond increasing internet access.
The country's next challenge is creating an ecosystem where policy, capital, skills and innovation work together to help entrepreneurs transform digital ideas into businesses, jobs and sustainable economic growth.
