Uganda must shift from being a consumer of foreign technologies to a creator of homegrown digital solutions if it is to secure sustainable growth in the digital era, officials have said.
Speaking at the 9th National Conference on Communications (#NCC2025), the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, told academics, innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers that Uganda’s future lies in developing technologies tailored to local realities.
“Digital innovation is about more than just the latest technology; it’s about creating inclusive and practical solutions that uplift our communities and strengthen Uganda’s role in the global digital economy,” Nyombi said.
He cautioned against overreliance on imported technologies, noting that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are now among the most widely consumed products globally. “We cannot simply be consumers of foreign innovations. For Uganda to truly thrive, we must become creators,” he added.
UCC Investments in Innovation
Nyombi outlined UCC’s ongoing investments to support innovation, including the National Communications Test bed for next-generation technologies, regulatory sandboxes for testing new ideas, and research frameworks to link academia with industry.
He said Uganda has the talent to develop transformative platforms, “possibly even the next Facebook, tailored for Ugandans, by Ugandans.”
The UCC boss urged stakeholders to act decisively: “Innovators, keep building; Academia, nurture talent; the Private Sector, sustain partnerships; and the Government, continue enabling progress. Together, let’s transform innovation into a catalyst for sustainable development and secure Uganda’s future.”
ICT as a Development Enabler
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, reinforced the message, saying technology has become central to all aspects of life.
“ICT and digital services are now an enabler of every aspect of life. From earning a degree in Karamoja to consulting a doctor in the U.S., technology is removing barriers, making service delivery faster, smarter, and truly inclusive,” he said.
Closing the Digital Divide
Dr. Baryomunsi warned that Uganda must close the digital divide across geography, gender, and generations.
“Technology is no longer optional. We must embrace it or be left behind,” he stressed.
The two leaders agreed that for ICT to drive real growth, Uganda must build, own, and scale innovations locally. “If ICTs only enhance foreign exchange outflows, we’ve missed the point. Real growth comes when solutions are made here, for our people,” Nyombi said.
