On Thursday 17 August 2023, the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance as we celebrated a monumental achievement in Uganda’s technological evolution – the launch of Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap.
This roadmap signifies a significant leap towards a future where technology empowers us all. As we navigate an interconnected world, our ability to embrace digital tools will shape our nation’s competitiveness, prosperity, and resilience.
Speaking at the launch of the roadmap on Thursday, Jessica Alupo, the Vice President, said that ICT is a priority sector for the government since it enables other sectors to thrive.
She added that the roadmap is not only meant to spur the country’s economic development but also to address youth unemployment.
“It is of paramount importance that our digital transformation agenda is not seen as an isolated strategy but rather as an integral part of the government’s program,” she said.
The roadmap will see 95% of government services move online, 90% of Uganda covered by broadband, 90% of citizens accessing services online, and 90% of SMEs and other private institutions connected to the internet.
Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT, said that the roadmap represents optimism for the country.
“The roadmap looks at digital infrastructure and connectivity, covering the entire country, to the last mile to cover schools and medical facilities. It also highlights digital skilling, cyber security and personal data protection, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as digital service efficiency and transparency as the five focal points to determine its performance by the end of the five years,” she explains.
Success Through Collaboration -The journey ahead is a collective effort that requires the synergy of various stakeholders. From Government of Uganda agencies to the dynamic private sector, the active civil society, the insightful academia, and the enthusiastic general public – we’re all essential pieces in this transformative puzzle.
Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, said that the government will continue using technology to spur development and cause transformation and improve the lives of Ugandans.
“There is a digital and technology revolution that is going on in the world, and Ugandans have embraced it, especially in the area of telecommunications. Therefore, we have to use this revolution to spur development and social transformation and improve the quality of life, as per our vision for 2040,” he said.
Building Competitiveness and Resilience -Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative. By capitalizing on the potential of digital technologies, we’re not only enhancing our national competitiveness but also fortifying our resilience in an ever-evolving landscape.
Let’s continue to work hand in hand to make this roadmap a resounding success. Together, we’re paving the way towards a technologically advanced and digitally empowered Uganda.
According to Zawedde, the roadmap is targeting the informal sector and its implementation is already underway with many Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and the private sector on board.
As part of the roadmap, the government will expand the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) to reach a minimum additional 73 districts and 20 major towns with internet connection in administration units, schools, ministries, departments, agencies, and hospitals with appropriate international bandwidth capacity.
