Browsing: @ministry of ICT

As Uganda’s young population demands transparency and speed, the government is training its communicators to meet them where they are—on WhatsApp, TikTok, and YouTube—with authenticity and urgency.

In a bold step toward a more inclusive digital future, visually impaired Ugandans are mastering computer skills—and leading the charge to bridge the tech divide. At a graduation ceremony held at UICT, graduates of the ICBVI program weren’t just handed certificates; they were handed the tools to rewrite Uganda’s digital future for millions living with disabilities.

A new EPRC study reveals Uganda’s digital economy is booming in ICT, finance, education, and professional services—but the benefits remain largely urban. With sectors like agriculture and mining lagging far behind in digital integration, the country faces a stark divide in job quality, wages, and opportunity. Can targeted investments and inclusive policy reforms bridge the gap?

In Kampala’s bustling markets, vendors are swapping paper ledgers for smartphones, thanks to a groundbreaking digital skills program. With mobile money, inventory apps, and online marketing, traders like Jane Nakitto are transforming their businesses. “Now my phone tells me what sells best,” she says. The program, a collaboration between the Ministry of ICT, MTN Uganda, and Huawei, is empowering 851 vendors to embrace the digital economy—one transaction at a time.

Uganda is set to host the Middle East-Africa Digital Transformation Summit (MEA-DTS) 2025, bringing together policymakers, investors, and tech leaders from across Africa and the Middle East to explore emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech, and smart city solutions. Scheduled for June 25-27, 2025, at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the summit aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, EAC Vision 2050, and Africa Agenda 2063, aiming to accelerate digital adoption, economic growth, and financial inclusion. With H.E. President Yoweri Museveni as the chief host, discussions will focus on ICT-driven solutions for education, healthcare, and governance, alongside policies to enhance investment and digital trade. The summit is expected to position Uganda as a regional tech hub, fostering job creation, digital literacy, and innovation-driven development.

Uganda has made impressive strides in ICT, increasing internet penetration from 25% to 67% and expanding digital literacy programs across the country. However, challenges like uneven rural access, affordability issues, and a lack of universal digital literacy remain. With a population of 46 million, ensuring equitable access to ICT services is crucial for socio-economic transformation.

Uganda’s National ICT Job Fair, scheduled for November 21-22, is set to empower job seekers with critical skills, direct employer connections, and hands-on tech experience. With workshops, networking, and interactive labs, the event aligns with Uganda’s digital growth strategy, helping bridge the employment gap in a rapidly expanding ICT sector.

In a groundbreaking step for education in Uganda, the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) has unveiled the country’s first Augmented and Virtual Reality (AVR) lab. This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with VR headsets, AR glasses, and interactive smart screens, is set to enhance STEM education by providing students with immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Designed to support Uganda’s digital literacy goals, the lab offers students and faculty a powerful tool for conceptual comprehension and practical skills development, marking a new era in tech-based learning.

Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, has been awarded the ICDL Africa Recognition Award 2024 for her leadership in digital transformation. The award celebrates her commitment to bridging the digital divide and her innovative initiatives that have placed Uganda at the forefront of digital inclusion in Africa. Under her guidance, Uganda has launched a nationwide digital skilling program, expanded e-Government services, and rolled out policies to empower rural and underserved communities through technology.

At the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) commemoration, held at Makerere University, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi emphasized the critical need to bridge information gaps between the Ugandan government and its citizens. He announced the launch of a new TV program, “The FrontPage,” aimed at educating the public on the roles of various ministries. The event also highlighted concerns about restricted access to information, the role of journalists, and the digital transformation’s impact on public engagement.