Uganda has been selected to host the Digital Government Africa Summit (DGA) 2026, a major continental event that celebrates progress in e-governance and digital transformation. The announcement was made in Lusaka, Zambia, during the closing ceremony of the 2025 edition — a moment that coincided with Uganda’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, turning it into a double celebration of national pride and achievement.
The confirmation was made by Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, who led Uganda’s delegation to the Lusaka summit. Joined by Gen. David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Dr. Baryomunsi said Uganda was ready to welcome Africa to Kampala from 6th to 8th October 2026, just ahead of the country’s 64th Independence Day.
“The summit will be a platform to showcase Africa’s digital transformation journey and strengthen collective efforts toward citizen-driven e-governance,” Dr. Baryomunsi stated.
Uganda’s successful bid followed strategic collaboration between the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U), which jointly engaged summit organizers and led the process that secured the hosting rights.
The 2025 summit, opened by President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, brought together representatives from over 30 African nations, global tech firms, and development partners under the theme of leveraging digital innovation for improved governance and public service delivery. Key topics included Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Cybersecurity, all aligned with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030).
During the proceedings, Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President of Botswana, urged African governments to adopt data-led decision-making and invest in innovation. Mutale Nalumango, Vice President of Zambia, commended participants for their collaboration and reaffirmed Africa’s shared commitment to a technology-driven future.
Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, and Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of the SMART Zambia Institute, congratulated Uganda on winning the bid and pledged Zambia’s support in the transition process.
Uganda’s delegation included Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita Gowa (Chief of Immigration), Dr. Hatwib Mugasa (Executive Director, NITA-U), Rosemary Kisembo (Executive Director, NIRA), and Ambrose Ruyooka (Acting Commissioner for ICT Research and Development, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance).
The Digital Government Africa Summit 2026 in Kampala will serve as a platform for sharing best practices, promoting innovation, and showcasing Africa’s achievements in inclusive and citizen-centered digital governance. It will also spotlight Uganda’s progress under the Digital Transformation Roadmap (2023/24–2027/28), which focuses on strengthening digital infrastructure, services, skills, and innovation as key drivers of socio-economic growth.
As preparations begin, Uganda’s hosting of the DGA 2026 cements its leadership in Africa’s digital revolution and its vision of building a connected, inclusive, and innovation-led continent.
