In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Commissioner Ambrose Ruyoka Head of ICT, Research and Systems Development outlined Uganda’s strides and future ambitions under the Digital Transformation Roadmap during the MTN ICT-Government Roundtable.
Now in its second year of implementation, the Digital Transformation Roadmap is guided by Uganda’s Digital Vision and aligned with the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) and the African Telecommunications Union Master Strategy (ATMS).
The roadmap is structured around five key pillars: digital infrastructure and connectivity, digital services, cybersecurity and data protection, digital skills development, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
Digital Infrastructure: Uganda has achieved 80% broadband coverage at the district level, with 4,000 kilometers of National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) fibre optic cable laid across the country.
The cost of internet has dropped significantly, now averaging $35 per Mbps—a considerable reduction compared to previous years.
Digital Services: Over 200 government services are ready for digitisation. The government has implemented an interoperable e-payment gateway, rolled out several e-government applications, and is providing digital acceleration support to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Cybersecurity & Data Protection: Uganda has operationalised its Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), issued data protection certificates, and conducted multiple cyber awareness sessions.
Plans are underway to establish a National Digital Trust Framework to further bolster cybersecurity.
Digital Skills Development: The government has launched youth training and civil servant skilling programs, promoted the Digital Ambassadors initiative, and is adopting a national Digital Literacy Framework to improve competency across all sectors.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Uganda has supported the establishment of innovation hubs, conducted ecosystem mapping, formed strategic partnerships, and launched Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines.
Furthermore, the government is reviewing the proposed Start-Up Act to support entrepreneurship.
Despite these advances, Ruyoka acknowledged persistent challenges such as limited financing for last-mile connectivity, evolving cyber threats, and existing gaps in digital skills.
However, he emphasised optimism, citing opportunities through concessional funding, partnerships for skilling, and the development of strategic frameworks. Most notably, Ruyoka revealed Uganda’s bold step towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance.
“The government is in advanced stages of developing an AI Governance Framework,” he said. “A national AI task force will soon be announced, and this will steer the launch of an AI Strategy, AI Standards, and eventually an AI Act.”
In addition, the government plans to operationalise the Start-Up Act, strengthen data governance, and launch a national Digital ID, marking a transformative shift in how digital services are accessed and regulated.
The insights from Ruyoka’s address underline Uganda’s strong commitment to harnessing digital technologies for socio-economic development, while also confronting the inherent challenges with robust policy, infrastructure, and innovation.
As the digital roadmap unfolds, all eyes will be on how Uganda balances growth, security, and inclusivity in its digital evolution.