Pictorial: 2024 Tech-en in Photos

2024 has been an extraordinary year for technology in Uganda, highlighted by important advancements and events that have influenced the country’s digital landscape. With major tech expos and conferences alongside innovative breakthroughs, Uganda has seen a notable increase in technological progress that promises to transform various sectors of the economy.

As we say goodbye to this year, it’s a good time to reflect on a period that has been truly revolutionary in the tech world. With major developments in artificial intelligence and important progress in sustainable energy, it’s evident that 2024 has been a crucial year for the tech sector, paving the way for a future that once felt like science fiction.

The following pictorial (editor’s pick: over 50+ photos) showcase highlights some of the most important moments and innovations that have characterized Uganda’s and Africa’s technological journey in 2024.

Contributions from Douglas Kikonyogo and Joan Banura

Airtel Africa Plc announced the retirement of Segun Ogunsanya from the company officially stepping down as its CEO effective from 1 July 2024. Ogunsanya in his remarks said it was a privilege to spend over 12 years of his career at Airtel Africa and was proud of what they as a company have delivered for customers across Africa.

“Now is the right time for me to hand over to a new leader who can build on Airtel Africa’s strengths and deliver on the significant opportunities ahead as I pursue my renewed interest in the empowerment of Africans.”

In a move signaling a new era in Uganda’s commitment to digital innovation and youth empowerment, the government unveiled a revamped National Innovation Hub, marking a significant step in the nation’s ongoing battle against youth unemployment through digital innovation and its journey towards a digitally empowered future.

The newly transformed innovation hub is not just a center for technological innovation; it was strategically redesigned to serve as a fertile ground for nurturing the talents of Uganda’s young innovators and entrepreneurs. With state-of-the-art facilities and an environment conducive to creativity and collaboration, the hub is poised to become a key player in driving the country’s digital economy forward and the nation’s battle against youth unemployment.

Ugandan startup, FutureLink Technologies was among the ten (10) startups across Africa that was selected to showcase its innovative solution to a diverse audience of industry experts, investors, fellow innovators, and the media at the 2024 Africa Tech Summit Investment Showcase in Nairobi, Kenya.

FutureLink Technologiesis a digital marketplace that simplifies financial access for individuals and facilitates payments for financial cooperatives.

SafeBoda’s initial foray into the Kenyan market seemed promising, with rapid user adoption in Nairobi leading to an expansion into Mombasa in May 2019. However, unforeseen challenges prompted the company’s exit in 2020. Fast forward to the present, and all signs pointed to a SafeBoda relaunch in Nairobi.

The official SafeBoda Kenya X (formerly Twitter) handle quote the announcement of their exit from Nairobi, the post read, “Na tulisema tunaondoka Nairobi? Ah makosa ni yetu!” — which translates to “And we said we are leaving Nairobi? Ah, mistakes are ours!” This cryptic message sparked speculation about an imminent return.

The Minister of ICT and National Guidance; Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, and the State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives; Hon. David Bahati at Four Points by Sheraton launched Mione’s first-ever assembled smartphones in Uganda. The smartphones branded U1 and Joy 9 were assembled at the company’s assembling plant in Mbale City.

Baryomunsi appreciated the innovations being made by Mione and expressed his delight at the impact such milestones are making on the Ugandan digital growth picture by global standards — emphasizing the government’s eagerness to continue supporting such innovations.

KCB Bank Uganda partnered with Mkazipreneur to bridge the gender gap in accessing financial services and empower women through the KCB Flme initiative.

Through the partnership, Ugandan women would be able to access an all-encompassing package, including salary loans, unsecured business loans, overdrafts, mortgages, and personal and life insurance; services that have been predominantly utilized by men.

Toshiba Gulf FZE unveiled its revolutionary storage solutions in Uganda under the initiative “Build Your Own Data Centre [BYODC]” — aiming to empower enterprises to build their own data center infrastructure. Mr. Santosh Varghese, Vice President of Toshiba Gulf FZE told journalists “This is the best time to unveil these products in the Ugandan market because of the openings of data centers in Uganda.”

While unveiling the ambitious “Build Your Own Data Centre [BYODC]” initiative for Uganda Market, Varghese said the initiative’s primary objective is to educate and empower channel partners, including System Integrators, VARs, VADs, and enterprise clients, to enhance their business-critical enterprise server storage systems and cloud storage capabilities, all while harnessing the power of high-capacity hard drives.

From October 2023 till January 2024, Huawei Technologies’ DigiTruck project in the Teso Sub-region equipped over 1,000 youth, women, Jua-kalis, and local district officers with digital skills to enable them to engage in e-commerce and market their produce.

The Vice President of Uganda, H.E Jessica Alupo congratulated the graduates and requested the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development to provide ICT equipment for the youth equipped with digital skills so that they can practice constantly and to include sensitization programs for them.

School proprietors emphasized that technology has not only revolutionized learning but has also become a catalyst for extensive research, particularly benefiting underserved communities. The impact of digital inclusion in African schools is evident, creating numerous opportunities for students and educators alike.

Sr. Abiyo Rebecca, the headmistress of St. Mary’s Assumpta Girls School, a beneficiary of Airtel Africa’s partnership with UNICEF to advance digital learning across Africa said technology is playing a crucial role in bridging the digital gap.

The collaborative effort involving educational institutions, government bodies, and various stakeholders paved the way for a transformed education sector in Uganda. It ensured that every learner, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to access and benefit from the digital advancements in education.

Web Summit, one of the world’s largest technology conferences held its first-ever summit in the Middle East — in Doha, Qatar gathering over 15,000+ attendees including government officials, entrepreneurs, investors, startups, the media, and the next generation of leaders reshaping the world, to mention a few.

H.E. Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, the Minister of ICT in Qatar applauded the participation of African startups and stated that Qatari government will continue to support African startups and that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has specific plans for that.

At the MWC Barcelona in Spain, MTN Group and Huawei Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Joint Innovation Technology Lab, aiming to deepen cooperation in technological innovation.

The creation of an innovation technology lab at MTN Group’s headquarters in South Africa was to serve as a neutral platform for collaboration within Africa’s digital ecosystem, accelerating the development, deployment, and adoption of innovative digital solutions driven across Africa.

In the wake of a groundbreaking ceremony that heralded the start of Uganda’s pioneering Tier 3 Green Data Center, Centenary Technology Services undertook a critical assessment of the progress made in the construction of Uganda’s first Tier 3 green data center.

This project, a hallmark initiative by the Centenary Group, marked a pivotal moment in the fusion of technological innovation with environmental sustainability, underscoring a new era of digital infrastructure development aligned with eco-friendly principles.

The visit showcased the remarkable progress of the construction not only enhances Uganda’s digital capabilities but also minimize environmental impact through the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.

Airtel Uganda partnered with CarlCare to enhance the post-purchase experience for mobile phone users.

Joweria Nabakka, Director of Customer Experience at Airtel Uganda said the collaboration isn’t just about fixing devices, “It’s about rewriting the narrative of customer support in the digital age” — emphasizing that through CarlCare’s network of service centers staffed with skilled technicians, they’re offering their customers more than just fixing their phones but providing peace of mind.

TowerCo of Africa Uganda secured $40M (approx. UGX156.2bn) in long-term financing from European development finance partners, including the European Investment Bank, the Development Bank of Austria, and the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries to drive the installation of 506 new telecom towers, significantly improving mobile phone network coverage in rural areas of Uganda.

The 10-year financing endeavor aims to tackle the digital divide in Uganda by strategically placing telecom towers in rural areas with limited mobile network access.

TikTok and the African Union Commission (AUC) launched the Africa-wide #SaferTogether Campaign to educate and engage youth, parents, teachers, and community leaders on digital safety through in-app and on-ground activities.

The multi-year initiative, launched at the TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Accra, Ghana underscores both TikTok and the AUC’s commitment to digital literacy and safety. The initiative includes a comprehensive in-app campaign featuring educational videos on internet safety, supported by hashtag challenges and content creator safety endorsements.

By coming together for safer internet conversations, TikTok and the AUC committed to provide valuable educational materials and guidelines to craft a positive and secure online journey for Africans.

Funding gaps in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance crippled the ministry’s capacity to provide the required ICT services to Ugandans.

While appearing before the Committee on ICT and National Guidance, chaired by Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo, on March 22nd, 2024, the Minister for ICT, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, said that ICT and National Guidance was born out of a merger yet the Ministry of Finance has completely ignored the communications and national guidance aspect.

He expressed concern about how the communication budget for the Ministry has not been considered for a long time, leaving officers and commissioners with no resources for their work.

The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in collaboration with the Internal Security Organization (ISO) pioneered initiatives to refine the approach to government communication in Uganda. The partnership was a key to ensuring that the actions and priorities of the government are communicated effectively, aiming to impact the citizenry’s quality of life positively.

Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted the significance of collaborative effort among government communicators — stating that “To reach out and effectively inform the various audiences about the government’s endeavors, it’s crucial that we operate not as isolated entities but in a concerted manner.”

Col. Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of ISO, emphasized the necessity for a paradigm shift in the mindset of government communicators to support the revolutionary goals of the government.

The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance launched the Soroti University ICT Innovation Hub to equip the youth with innovation space, digital skills, and connectivity. The hub was one of the three regional ICT innovation hubs the Ministry established, a move geared towards fortifying the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Zawedde emphasized that the hub will create solutions as per the digital transformation roadmap that addresses a lack of opportunities and challenges currently facing the youth, the majority yet the most vulnerable group in Uganda.

Airtel Uganda handed over a cheque of UGX34.8bn to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to support the country’s development of rural communications infrastructure.

This significant contribution which is 2% of the telco’s annual gross revenue for the year ending 2023 is in accordance with the Communications Act and the terms of the network’s license, which mandates telecommunication operators to allocate 2% of their annual gross revenue to support the country’s development of rural communications infrastructure.

UCC’s Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo acknowledged Airtel Uganda’s contribution to telecommunications and the country’s ICT sectors.

The Permanent Sectary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde launched the Uganda Registration Services Bureau’s (URSB) Online Business Registration System (OBRS) intending to register 873,546 unregistered businesses by the financial year 2026/27.

The Director of Business registration at URSB, Ntale Mustapher, explained that the Online Business registration system (OBRS), was rolled out in a phased approach on December 9th, 2022 to allow clients to create accounts, make applications, and get real-time feedback on their applications.

Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja launched Huawei’s DigiTruck Project in her home district of Kakumiro calling upon all the people of Kakumiro to embrace the initiative including those by the government that aim to skill people with digital skills.

Nabbanja encouraged the learners who have been trained so far to use the knowledge to contribute to the development of Uganda. She also advised the locals to go digital in their various lines of work, urging business owners to use these digital skills for record management and marketing purposes.

SafeBoda launched the EV Tier in the SafeBoda App, a pioneering initiative to promote e-mobility and sustainability in the transportation sector.

During the launch, SafeBoda CEO Rob Sanford, said they are committed to driving positive change in Uganda’s transport landscape — adding that the EV Tier initiative represents their dedication to promoting e-mobility and combating climate change. “By empowering EV Boda riders, we are not only offering sustainable transportation options but also creating opportunities for social and economic development,” said Sanford.

SafeBoda is collaborating with SPIRO, GOGO, and ZEMBO to provide riders with a diverse range of e-bike options and ensure access to necessary resources, including maintenance guidance and charging station locations.

At the Huawei Cloud Enterprise Innovation and SME Summit at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel, Third Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda; Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakaddama launched the Huawei Cloud Startup Program aimed at propelling SMEs into the digital era.

Ms. Sooma Mukyala Fouziya, the Public Relations Manager at Huawei Technologies Uganda Co. Ltd. at the sideline of the summit told the press that the initiative aims to support 500 SMEs with ICT solutions like cloud services to grow their businesses so that in the long run, the country boasts of an intelligent economy where all businesses are digitalized.

Internet service providers across East Africa acknowledged there had been a problem with the region experiencing slow/intermittent internet following users’ outcries. The patchy service was a result of faults in the under-sea cables that connect the region to the rest of the world through South Africa.

According to Cloudflare Radar, which monitors internet connectivity, of all the East African countries, Tanzania was affected the most with its traffic falling to 30% of expected levels. Citizen, Tanzania’s newspaper, described it, as an “internet blackout [that] has affected major network channels”.

According to a statement sent to PC Tech Magazine, the Eassy cable had been cut some 45km north of the South African port city of Durban. Liquid Intelligent Technologies also confirmed this, ruling out the idea that it could be sabotaged.

MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance  signed an MoU to establish stronger partnerships, digitalization, enhancing the local content, intellectual property rights protection, and skills development within the applicable legal frameworks.

The signing of the MoU which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa for purposes of technical facilities benchmarking was graced by Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance on behalf of the Ministry and was accompanied by the Managing Director for MultiChoice Uganda, Hassan Saleh.

During the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Spiro signed heads of terms for a US$50M (approx. UGX187.6bn) debt facility with Afreximbank to enhance sustainable transportation in Africa.

The funds would be utilized further to expand Spiro’s network of automated swap stations and introduce new electric bike models, enhancing the accessibility, and convenience of green mobility solutions. As Spiro continues to lead the charge in transforming Africa’s transport ecosystem, this partnership with Afreximbank marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener future.

MTN Uganda contributed UGX42.5bn to the Uganda Communications Commission’s (UCC) Universal Service and Access Fund to develop telecommunications services in underserved areas.

The contribution highlights the telco’s ongoing commitment to driving substantial change and bridging the digital divide in the country. In addition, the contribution also underscores MTN’s dedication to not just meeting but exceeding its licensing obligations.

ICT students from Gulu and Muni University have won the 2023/24 grand prize at the 8th annual Huawei ICT Global competition in Shenzhen, China, beating their worldwide competitors. This became Uganda’s first grand prize win since the inauguration of the Huawei ICT competitions.

Uganda achieved remarkable success by winning the grand prize in the Network Track. Additionally, students from Kabale University secured first place in the Network Track, while Muni University earned second place in the Computing Track. Furthermore, Kabale University students were honored with the Women’s in Tech Award in Network Track.

The Ambassador from Uganda to the People’s Republic of China H.E Oliver Wonekha congratulated all the students for their remarkable achievement.

Hive Colab, Ntakye Holdings, and Canine Safaris secured partnerships with South Korean companies at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco.

Hive Colab formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the prestigious South Korean firm, Dain Leaders. The partnership was more than a business deal; it was an important step towards developing closer ties between Uganda and South Korea and furthering joint initiatives to support entrepreneurs in Uganda’s tech sector.

Ntakye Holdings partnered with Jubix, another prominent South Korean company focusing on collaborative efforts in solar-integrated technology. While Canine Safaris on the other hand also entered into a strategic partnership with Flitto, a South Korean AI company with a unique focus on preserving culture through AI-driven solutions.

Huawei Digital Power held a FusionSolar Partner Summit in Uganda for the first time themed, “Lighting Up a Greener Africa”, bringing together Huawei Digital Power channel partners to release its latest sustainable energy solutions into the Ugandan industry.

At the summit, several partners shared their energy experience of their partnership and cooperation with Huawei, based on Huawei premium product solutions, extensive channel policy, and their notable projects since they have cooperated with Huawei.

With the spirit of creating a low-carbon society, Huawei pledged to create a better, greener future with its partners to light up a greener Africa.

In the Budget reading speech that was held at the Kololo Independence Grounds the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija remarked that at the end of the financial year 2023/24, building on investments made the government recorded significant achievements.

Among the achievements was Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), a state enterprise established to commercialize the electric vehicle project. The government has supported KMC in building 2,500 vehicles capacity per year, thus, pledged UGX32.5 billion to KMC in the next financial year to complete their state-of-the-art plant in Jinja Industrial Park.

Martin Tumusiime, founder of  Yo-Waste was among the runners-up of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation receiving a cash prize of 15,000 Pounds (approx. US$19,000, UGX70.5M) to support the development and scaling of his products, bringing benefits to a wider audience.

Yo-Waste was developed to address challenges with waste management capacity. Dubbed the ‘Uber for Waste’ Yo-Waste stands out for its solution that simplifies recycling and waste collection for residences and businesses in urban areas —contributing to cleaner communities.

The U.S. government through USAID joined Roke Telkom and launched a new telecommunications site in Yumbe, Uganda. The new fixed wireless infrastructure by Roke Telkom is part of a larger partnership with USAID’s Digital Invest program.

The partnership aimed to support Uganda’s digital ecosystem by decreasing the costs of co-location and wholesale services for ISPs nationwide, leading to more affordable internet services for individuals and businesses.

With USAID’s support, Roke Telkom expanded fixed broadband infrastructure at 12 sites in underserved districts across Uganda and also expanded its RokeSpot solution, which provides low-cost Wi-Fi service via hotspots in Uganda.

The Digital Transformation Roadmap, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Uganda, and Centenary Technology Services, received notable recognition from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

During the opening ceremony of the ITU Global Symposium for Regulators in Kampala, Uganda, at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Munyonyo, Bogdan-Martin highlighted the roadmap as a pioneering initiative that sets a benchmark for other nations aiming to enhance their digital infrastructure.

The roadmap is a comprehensive plan designed to propel Uganda into the digital age. It is built upon five key pillars: Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity, Digital Services, Cyber Security, Data Protection,& Privacy, Digital Skills, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Heads of national telecom/ICT regulatory authorities from around the world gathered at the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) in Kampala, Uganda —to endorse guidelines to maximize the benefits of transformative information and communication technologies (ICTs).

The “GSR-24 Best Practice Guidelines​” agreed upon by the regulators include a series of considerations for balancing innovation with regulation to positively impact societies and economies from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

In meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, Huawei Technologies Uganda proposed establishing a Digital Village Prototype in Uganda. Hover Gao, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Region informed the President that the project aims to demonstrate the transformative power of digital infrastructure in rural communities.

The Digital Village initiative included Smart Classrooms, Learning Centers, Remote Diagnosis, and Smart PVs (Solar) and comes at no cost to the Ugandan government. President Museveni expressed strong support for the project authorizing the team to proceed with the smart village project which he will come to commission upon completion.

At the end of the meeting, the Huawei team handed over a plaque to the President as a symbol of their commitment to the digital village prototype initiative.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa launched CanalBox, a product of Group Vivendi Africa —a new ISP in Uganda. The company introduced two fiber optic internet plans with speeds of 50mpbs to 200Mpbs at UGX110,000 and UGX200,000 per month respectively —compared to their competitors —providing affordable rates with bigger speeds.

Tayebwa while praising the entry of CanalBox in Uganda, stated that the entry of such a giant player in the country is a vote of confidence in the government and its business-friendly policies, country, and people.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde opened the inaugural Uganda Developers Summit, a landmark event that aimed to revolutionize Uganda’s developer landscape, accelerate the adoption of IT, and open up global work opportunities for local tech talent.

Dr. Zawedde noted that the Ministry was honored to be part of the summit because it spoke directly to the National Digital Transformation Roadmap, an initiative driving the nation’s digital technological progress and economic growth.

The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, launched the ‘Recentering the Civic Internet through Partnership (ReCIPE) Project’, an Oxfam and the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG) initiative. Funded by the European Union and valued at €270,000 (approx. UGX1.2bn), the three-year project (2024 – 2027) aims to leverage technology to amplify the voices of Ugandans and ensure their interests are represented in the digital sphere.

The ReCIPE Project implemented in 10 countries, Bolivia, Cambodia, El Salvador, Kenya, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Senegal, Somalia, Tunisia, Uganda, and Vietnam, targets civil society organizations, civic activists, and community members who constitute or represent communities to improve their digital literacy, capacity for influence in decision-making spaces, and ability to partner with other stakeholders on digital rights threats and opportunities.

King Mswati III of Eswatini, his wife Queen Inkhosikati LaMashwama, and other high-level delegates paid a courtesy tour of the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja.

Kiira Motor’s CEO and Chief Worker, Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi who guided the King showcased some of the EVs manufactured and assembled from the plant. His Majesty praised Uganda for undertaking such a significant project that is entirely African-owned and operated —and applauded Kiira Motors for championing e-Mobility in Africa.

He welcomed the proposal for a partnership between Uganda and Eswatini to localize the manufacture of vehicle components, which could position Africa as a global automotive hub.

Following his re-election as the President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame announced his new cabinet. As seen from the list, the majority of the members from the previous cabinet retained their positions including Paula Ingabire who has served as the Minister of Information and Communications Technology and Innovation, in the cabinet since 2018.

Ingabire is a promoter and advocate of blockchain technology. She visualizes the technology as part of what she terms the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies —and according to the minister, such innovations can help Rwanda develop her healthcare systems, and tourism sectors.

Dr. Aminah Zawedde was reappointed as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance by President Yoweri Museveni for another three years. The Head of Public Service, Lucy Nakyobe, confirmed the reappointment, saying that the President indeed had renewed the contracts of the permanent secretaries, Dr. Aminah Zawedde inclusive.

Dr. Zawadde assumed the position on July 15th, 2021 in a reshuffle by the President that sent at least seven permanent secretaries into retirement noting that the retirees have been retired in the Public Interest. Dr. Zawadde succeeded Hon. Vincent Waiswa Bagiire who had been the permanent secretary for the ministry since November 2016.

Raxio Group inaugurated its state-of-the-art data centre in Kinshasa, DRC, marking the country’s largest data centre, with Tier III accreditation by the international industry body, the Uptime Institute.

Known as Raxio DRC1, the cutting-edge facility is backed by a USD$30 million (approx. CDF86.25 billion, UGX111.5 billion) investment, and represents a pivotal milestone in DRC’s Plan National du Numérique to drive digital inclusion, foster private sector growth, and transform public services through digitalization.

The DRC launch aligns with the government’s Plan National du Numerique to make expansive digitalization a catalyst for economic growth, competitiveness, and social inclusion, while enabling a range of public and private sector cloud-based digital services.

On behalf of Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of State for National Guidance; Hon. Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku launched the inaugural 2024 ICT National Summit, which builds on the success of the 2023 TICON Africa Conference which highlighted Uganda’s potential in digital transformation and technological innovation, there is still a pressing need to solidify this position and address ongoing challenges in the ICT sector.

At a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, Hon. Kabbyanga called upon the general public, and Ministries, Departments, & Agencies (MDAs) to actively participate in the summit. “Your presence and input are vital to ensuring that the digital transformation agenda is inclusive and that policies around digital literacy, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development are implemented across all sectors,” he said. “We urge you to bring your expertise and collaborate in shaping the future of Uganda’s digital landscape.”

Flutterwave obtained a Payment Systems Operator (PSO) license from the Bank of Uganda, a significant milestone that marked a pivotal moment for the fintech company as it continues to expand its payment solutions across Africa.

The PSO license allows businesses access to Flutterwave’s comprehensive suite of payment solutions, enabling them to collect payments from their customers using their preferred payment method, facilitating seamless transactions, and enhancing financial inclusion. In addition, the license allows Flutterwave in partnership with other licensed players to allow Ugandans in the diaspora to send money to their loved ones, friends, business partners, etc back home.

Rotimi Okungbaye, Product Marketing Manager at Flutterwave noted that the now-acquired license opens doors for previously hesitant businesses to expand their business operations into Uganda finally

Bank of Uganda granted NALA the International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) licence allowing the fintech company to integrate directly with mobile money services and enable users to conveniently pay into local mobile wallets, empowering them to deliver more efficient and secure cross-border payments to individuals and businesses.

The acquired IMTO licence aligns with NALA’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion and supporting Uganda and Africa’s economic growth.

Combined with their recent US$40 million Series A funding, this represented a big step forward for the fintech company. Through their new API RAFIKI, sending and receiving money would now be more accessible and more efficient, which is crucial for many families in Uganda.

Ecobed Biotech, CEO, Jovia Kisaakye was named the Young Female Agripreneur (Rising Star) winner at the 2024 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

The award recognized her potential of demonstrating innovation and leadership in agribusiness. On top of winning the award, she also received a monetary prize of US$25,000 (approx. UGX92.8 million).

Ecobed Biotech is a biotechnology company transforming spoilt milk into mosquito-repellent skincare lotion. Additionally, the company employs black soldier fly biotechnology to convert organic food waste into highly nutritious animal feeds and organic fertilizers.

M-KOPA surpassed 5 million customers across Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa with two million of these customers coming on board in the past 15 months. The company’s co-founder and CEO, Jesse Moore, said they were thrilled to welcome their 5 millionth customer.

The company had a major impact in improving digital access in Africa. Nearly 2 million customers are first-time mobile internet users and 40% are women. M-KOPA also built the first and largest smartphone assembly factory in Kenya which has produced more than one million phones locally and further reduced the cost of access.

In a bid to strengthen government communication and ensure greater accountability, the government through the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance launched a new program, UBC Front Bench, to offer Ugandans a clear understanding of government operations by engaging them directly with ministers, permanent secretaries, and other key officials from different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

UBC Front Bench is designed as a platform for accountability, enabling the government to openly discuss its initiatives and responsibilities with the general public.

In the first episode, which aired on UBC on Monday at 8:30 PM (EAT), Joram Paul Ssonko, a News anchor at UBC, hosted the Ps. Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, and the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Hon. Chris Baryomunsi.

The Uganda Electric Mobility Association (UEMA) was launched, setting the foundation for the country to become a leader in electric mobility (e-mobility) innovation and adoption. The launch event, held on October 22, 2024, in Kampala, was graced by the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero.

In her address, Dr. Musenero articulated the significance of e-mobility for Uganda’s future.

UEMA’s mission goes beyond mere advocacy; it aims to drive real change through several strategic initiatives including Public awareness campaigns, Charging infrastructure development, Innovative financing models, Driver training programs, and Collaborations for success.

On behalf of the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Works and Transport, Eng. Dr. Timothy Tibesigwa launched and opened a Great Wall Motor (GWM) showroom and the debut of the Tank 500 flagship SUV in Uganda. GWM is a Chinese automobile manufacturer with Double Q that has been in the market for over a decade, supplying vehicles like Sino trucks and XCMG equipment that have played a crucial role in Uganda’s construction and infrastructure sectors —becoming their official distributor.

The event marked an important step in expanding the accessibility of advanced technological vehicle models in Uganda and supporting national infrastructure development goals.

Eng. Dr. Tibesigwa advocated for organizations and individuals to consider the benefits of purchasing brand-new vehicles, such as those offered by GWM.

The Blockchain Association of Uganda (BAU) awarded the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) Uganda with the Excellence in Virtual Assets Research and Policy Framework Award, recognizing the FIA’s outstanding contributions to establishing a secure and forward-thinking regulatory environment for virtual assets in Uganda.

“I am deeply honored on behalf of the FIA to accept this year’s institutional appreciation award from the Blockchain Association of Uganda,” said Sherifah Tumusiime, Senior Systems Officer at FIA Uganda. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to fostering a secure and transparent financial landscape in Uganda especially as we navigate the evolving landscape of digital assets and blockchain technology,” she added.

The FIA has proactively addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by the emerging technologies.

In a bold stride toward revolutionizing STEMI education, the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) launched its state-of-the-art Augmented and Virtual Reality (AVR) Cluster Center designed to address longstanding challenges in STEMI education, where complex and abstract concepts often require more than traditional teaching methods can provide.

The AVR Center offers tools for 3D modeling, virtual labs, and interactive simulations, empowering students with hands-on experiences that bridge theory and practical application.

The launch of the AVR Cluster Center is a testament to UICT’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy in Uganda, where technological advancements are central to economic development.

The closing of phase one of the Youth Startup Academy’s (YSA) accelerator program in Uganda marked a milestone in a journey that began two years ago (March 2022), demonstrating the transformative impact of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships on Uganda’s entrepreneurship landscape.

The program originally conceived in South Korea was brought to Uganda first before any other African nation by the International Trade Center (ITC) in partnership with the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) —and with the local help of Hive Colab and the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) trained over 1,000 young entrepreneurs by December 2024.

YSAU illustrates the tremendous potential within Uganda’s youth and the government’s commitment to fostering an innovation-driven economy.

AfricaNenda in partnership with the World Bank, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) launched the State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) 2024 Report in Accra, Ghana —highlighting the extraordinary growth of Instant Payment Systems (IPS) across the continent and explores their impact on financial inclusion.

The SIIPS Report 2024 highlighted several opportunities to accelerate progress, from driving innovation through fintech licensing to addressing gender disparities, and ensuring every country has access to a domestic IPS.

With more countries building the payment layer of their digital public infrastructure, there is a growing sense of momentum toward enabling seamless cross-border payments across Africa through a mesh of inclusive and interconnected instant payment systems.

President Yoweri Museveni launched Phase 5 of the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) to extend internet connectivity to Karamoja, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions. This marked Uganda’s commitment to digital transformation and ensuring connectivity for its citizens.

The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and NITA Uganda Executive Director, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, presented to the President the expanded coverage of the National Backbone Infrastructure, showing [him] the completed Phases 1 to 4, which cover 4,387km of fibre laid across the country, and the additional 5,845km expected to be laid in Phase 5, covering 63 more districts across the country.

The NBI project is a government initiative by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance through its mandated body NITA Uganda, intended to ensure that internet connectivity is available at a reasonable rate across the country.

Double Q Co. Ltd launched three new Sino truck models in the Ugandan market. The three sino trucks, Howo Max Tractor, Howo NX Cargo, and Howo M7 Light Cargo, were officially opened to the market by Kajuna Benon, the Director of Transport Ministry of Works and Transport, on behalf of Hon. Gen. Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport.

Kajuna highlighted the significance of this development for Uganda’s economy and infrastructure. “This occasion reflects the progress the government is making, including partnerships that support the development of Uganda’s transport and construction sectors, which are key drivers of our national agenda,” he said.

The new Sino trucks have been designed with Uganda’s unique terrain and requirements in mind, and they feature reduced emissions and advanced safety features that align with the country’s national sustainability goals.

11 startups from the YSA program including Karaa Africa, Kiso Fresh, Neexa AI, iKnowFarm, AUTOFORE, SafeBangle Technologies, Canine Safaris Ltd, Hello World Africa, Cyanase, Skyline Media Co., Ltd., and ShareCARD participated at the global startup festival COMEUP 2024 at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea. They had the opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs/innovators, investors, and industry leaders from around the globe, sparking collaboration, and business growth.

During the event, the YSAU startup founders were honored with a visit from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Republic of Korea, Oh Young-ju, who praised their efforts and encouraged deeper collaboration with Korean startups.

Emerging telecommunication company, Talkio Mobile has announced a strategic partnership with Banana Life Investments to bring its innovative telecom services closer to its customers across the country, bridging the gap between technology and accessibility.

The newly announced partnership with Banana Life Investment was a strategic move to ensure Talkio Mobile’s services reach customers with greater ease. Banana, a well-established brand with 26 stores nationwide brought accessibility to Talkio Mobile’s full suite of services ensuring that even the most underserved communities gain access to its reliable communication solutions.

Airtel Uganda and K2 Telecom renewed their partnership, reaffirming their shared commitment to providing innovative telecommunication services to Ugandans. The partnership, which initially began in 2018 allowed K2 telecom customers to access Airtel Uganda’s full range of services, including phone, internet, and mobile money.

The renewal of the partnership was an indication and commitment to the telco’s shared vision of empowering communities through reliable and affordable telecommunications services.

The Young Engineers Uganda teams made headlines after emerging victorious at the ENJOY AI 2024, which took place in Shanghai, China, between the 12th and 18th of December.

Just like many other teams from various countries, Young Engineers Uganda had extensive practice sessions leading to their victory. Competing fiercely against teams from various countries, they demonstrated technical prowess, creativity, and teamwork—qualities essential for success in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape.