As the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU) celebrates its 10th anniversary, it invites reflection on the journey of Uganda’s ICT roadmap over the past decade. This milestone prompts a critical examination of whether the current strategies and frameworks are adequately positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the next decade.
With the launch of the digital transformation roadmap in August last year, Uganda stands at a crossroads, where the decisions made today will shape the nation’s digital future —putting into consideration the five (5) pillars the roadmap stands on; Infrastructure & Connectivity, Digital Skilling, e-Services, Cybersecurity & Privacy, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
A decade of progress
In 2014, Uganda’s ICT landscape was characterized by limited internet penetration, a nascent e-government framework, and a lack of comprehensive digital policies. The government recognized the need for a structured approach to harness the potential of technology for economic growth and social development. This is likely one of the foundational reasons for establishing the ICTAU, which aimed to unify stakeholders in the ICT sector and advocate for policies that foster innovation and digital transformation.
Over the years, Uganda has made significant strides in various areas. Internet penetration has increased from around 23% in 2014 to an estimated 60% in 2024, thanks to the expansion of mobile networks and investments in infrastructure. The government has also made efforts to enhance e-government services, with the number of online services growing from 50 to over 200.
These developments indicate a commitment to leveraging technology for improved service delivery and transparency.
The digital transformation roadmap
The digital transformation roadmap (2023/24 to 2027/28) launched by Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo in August 2023 marks a pivotal moment in Uganda’s ICT journey. Now that it is already a year in, this comprehensive strategy aims to accelerate the country’s digital revolution by addressing key enablers such as digital infrastructure, connectivity, and cybersecurity.
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The roadmap outlines ambitious goals, including achieving 90% household connectivity and ensuring that 90% of citizens can access e-services online by 2040. However, while the roadmap sets a clear direction, it highlights the remaining challenges. Despite the progress made, Uganda still grapples with issues such as high internet costs, inadequate digital skills among the workforce, and the need for a more integrated approach to e-services.
The roadmap acknowledges these gaps and emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to drive economic growth.
The role of ICTAU in shaping the future
As a key player in Uganda’s ICT ecosystem, ICTAU has a vital role in successfully implementing the digital transformation roadmap. The association has actively advocated for policies that support digital innovation and has facilitated various initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy and skills development.
The recent performance assessment conducted by ICTAU, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), underscores the association’s commitment to self-improvement and responsiveness to the needs of its members. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring that ICTAU remains relevant and effective in addressing the evolving challenges of the ICT sector.
Expectations for the next decade
We’ll come back here in 2034 to weigh the gains and losses. However, for the roadmap to succeed, there must be increased collaboration between the government, the private sector, and civil society. Stakeholders need to work together to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation and addresses the barriers to digital access.
The future of Uganda’s ICT landscape hinges on the development of a digitally skilled workforce. ICTAU must continue championing initiatives promoting digital literacy and vocational training, ensuring that citizens are equipped to participate in the digital economy.
We also need to acknowledge that continued investment in ICT infrastructure is crucial. The government must prioritize expanding broadband access, especially in rural areas, to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Ugandans can benefit from digital services. And as Uganda becomes more digitally connected, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. The roadmap must include strategies to enhance cybersecurity awareness and protect citizens’ data and privacy.
Finally, a robust monitoring and evaluation framework is essential to track the progress of the digital transformation roadmap. ICTAU should play a key role in this process, providing feedback and recommendations to ensure that the roadmap remains responsive to the needs of the population.
As ICTAU celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is clear that Uganda’s ICT roadmap has made significant progress over the past decade. However, the challenges that lie ahead require a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and investment. The digital transformation roadmap provides a solid foundation for the next decade, but its success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the ICT ecosystem.
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