KAMPALA – The Report on Implementation of the Manifesto Commitments and Strategic Guidelines and Directives (2021–2026) highlights significant strides in Uganda’s ICT sector. With a population of 46 million, the government has committed to leveraging ICT for socio-economic transformation. Areas such as network expansion, digital literacy, e-governance, and innovation are critical to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto, which emphasizes the role of ICT in improving government efficiency and fostering economic competitiveness.
Achievements in ICT Network Coverage and Infrastructure
Mobile and Internet Coverage
The report reveals commendable progress in expanding mobile cellular and broadband services. In Uganda, with a population of 46 million people, mobile voice coverage now spans 89 percent of the country’s geographical area, effectively reaching approximately 33 million people. Broadband services, critical for internet access, cover 85 percent of the population, meaning about 39 million Ugandans have potential access to these services. Internet penetration has seen remarkable growth, rising from 25 percent in 2017 to 67 percent in 2023/24, translating to nearly 31 million people now connected to the internet. These advancements highlight significant progress in Uganda’s efforts to bridge the digital divide.
However, the numbers also indicate room for improvement. While mobile subscriptions stand at 45 million (97% of the population), only 37 million are active users. This gap underscores issues like affordability and uneven access, particularly in rural areas. The disparity in mobile internet subscriptions (16 million) compared to the broader mobile network access suggests barriers such as smartphone affordability, digital literacy, or data costs.
Fiber Optic Expansion
The government has laid 4,387 kilometers of optic fiber cable, covering 42 percent of Uganda’s 135 districts. While this provides a foundation for increased connectivity, over half the districts remain underserved. For a population reliant on digital transformation, achieving universal fiber coverage is essential.
Digital Skills and Innovation: Progress and Gaps
The government has trained 15,658 citizens in basic and intermediate ICT skills, focusing on youth and women. This effort includes ICT training for 6,270 farmers across 50 districts, equipping them to access e-extension services, and 3,144 youth who have been trained in digital film production, fostering opportunities in the creative economy. Additionally, specialized ICT training has been provided to 1,694 government officers, enhancing efficiency in governance through modern technology applications.
Despite these efforts, the report reveals a challenge in scaling digital literacy across Uganda’s population. With only a fraction of citizens trained, millions remain digitally excluded, limiting their ability to access e-governance services or participate in the digital economy.
Promoting Local Innovation
Uganda has invested in fostering innovation by establishing a National ICT Innovation Hub that supports over 500 innovators. Additionally, the government has formed partnerships with universities and private hubs to develop advanced ICT solutions, including smart agricultural tools and e-government platforms, aimed at enhancing productivity and service delivery.
While these initiatives are promising, the report notes that local innovators require more consistent funding and mentorship to compete globally. Furthermore, integrating these innovations into mainstream industries remains slow.
E-Governance: Enhancing Service Delivery
The rollout of digital services has significantly transformed how Ugandans interact with government institutions. Currently, 62 percent of government services are offered electronically through platforms such as websites, email, social media, and mobile applications. Additionally, systems like the Parish Development Management Information System (PDMIS) and the Integrated Health Management Information System (IHMIS) have enhanced accessibility and efficiency, streamlining service delivery for citizens.
However, the success of e-governance hinges on widespread digital literacy and robust infrastructure. Rural areas, where only 33 percent of citizens have broadband access, risk being excluded from these benefits.
Economic and Social Implications
The reduction in internet costs, from $205 in FY 2021/22 to $35 in FY 2023/24, has significantly improved affordability. Paired with mobile money innovations, which boast 41.2 million registered accounts and 27.5 million active users, Uganda is laying the groundwork for a digital economy.
The increased efficiency of e-government systems also has the potential to reduce administrative costs and enhance transparency. For instance, the UGhub data-sharing platform integrates 146 entities, streamlining operations and reducing redundancies.
Inclusivity Challenges
While the achievements are notable, significant disparities persist. Smartphone penetration is limited to 15 million users, leaving nearly two-thirds of Ugandans without access to devices essential for full digital engagement. Rural areas face even greater challenges, with lower network coverage and only 485 schools and 37 libraries equipped with high-speed internet connectivity, highlighting the uneven distribution of digital resources across the country.
To ensure inclusivity, the government must prioritize expanding infrastructure to underserved areas and subsidizing access to smartphones and internet services for low-income households.
Looking Ahead: Bridging the Gaps
The government’s ICT initiatives reflect a clear vision for using technology to drive socio-economic transformation. However, achieving these goals will require addressing several challenges. Rural connectivity must be improved by accelerating the rollout of fiber optic cables and broadband towers in underserved districts. Affordability is another key issue, as ensuring smartphones and data services are accessible to low-income populations is essential for digital inclusion. Expanding digital literacy programs to reach millions, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, will also be crucial. Additionally, the integration of locally developed ICT solutions into critical sectors such as agriculture, health, and education must be fast-tracked to maximize the impact of innovation.
Conclusion
Uganda’s ICT sector has made significant progress in bridging the digital divide and fostering innovation. However, with a population of 46 million, sustained investments and targeted interventions are critical to ensure that these advancements translate into equitable access and lasting socio-economic impact. Achieving universal connectivity and digital literacy will not only empower Ugandans but also position the nation as a regional leader in digital transformation.
