The private sector in Uganda has played a pivotal role in driving technological advancements, but it is becoming increasingly clear that stronger collaboration with the government is essential for creating an environment conducive to innovation.
The need for improved public-private sector collaboration is especially critical in areas such as regulation and policy development.
In a one on one interview on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, James Byaruhanga, CEO of Roke Cloud, emphasised this growing need in an interview with Nile Post.
He pointed to the positive strides made by institutions like the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Ministry of ICT in supporting innovation. However, Byaruhanga stressed that more work needs to be done to align regulations with the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“In the past, the public sector wasn’t as proactive as the private sector in adapting to the fast-paced changes in technology, but we’re starting to see more deliberate efforts now,” he said.
Byaruhanga acknowledged the improvements made by Uganda’s regulators but emphasised that the regulatory environment still lags behind the speed of technological growth.
He pointed to specific issues, such as outdated licensing structures and inconsistencies in the regulation of mobile money services, which can create barriers for private sector companies trying to innovate.
“Regulation needs to evolve alongside technology,” he asserted, underscoring the challenge of outdated frameworks that hinder the growth of emerging industries.
He further elaborated on the disconnect between the public and private sectors, explaining that the regulatory framework sometimes struggles to keep up with technological advancements.
“For example, why are there so few licenses for mobile operators? Why do mobile money services run in different directions, yet they’re all under the telecom umbrella?” Byaruhanga asked. “These are the kinds of questions that highlight a lack of clarity, which we’re now starting to address.”
Byaruhanga’s vision for the future of tech is clear: he advocates for a more flexible and adaptive regulatory framework that can keep pace with the growth of technology. He also urged policymakers to look beyond Uganda’s borders for solutions.
“Other markets are implementing policies around emerging technologies like the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We need to learn from them and adapt these policies to our own context,” he said.
One of the key areas Byaruhanga believes needs improvement is the level of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“We need more engagements between the two sectors. It’s important that both work together as a unified force to represent Uganda’s tech ecosystem globally,” he explained. He emphasised the importance of events like MWC, where countries come together to showcase their tech industries and engage in global networking. “This event is like the World Cup of technology, where the whole world gathers in one place. Uganda should have a larger, more coordinated delegation representing our tech, finance, and vendor sectors. We can use this platform to translate global conversations back home and help foster innovation in Uganda.”
Byaruhanga also praised the presence of Ugandan policymakers at the MWC, noting that it was encouraging to see institutions like the UCC and the Ministry of ICT participating in discussions with the private sector.
He stressed that for Uganda to stay competitive in the tech world, the government must have a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and their potential to transform the economy.
“In many countries, policies are already being implemented to address emerging technologies, but in Uganda, there’s still a lot of gray areas,” he said. “We need to figure out how we can bridge the gap between mobile network operators, fintech companies, banks, and government institutions to ensure that our regulations evolve with the sector.”
Ultimately, Byaruhanga's plea to the Ugandan government is for a more flexible and forward-thinking regulatory environment, one that supports private sector innovation while also ensuring that Uganda’s tech ecosystem is ready to meet the challenges of the future.
“Only through collaboration can we create an environment where technology can thrive, and Uganda can become a leader in the global tech space,” he concluded.
By fostering public-private partnerships, Uganda may unlock its full potential in the tech industry, paving the way for growth, innovation, and economic prosperity.