Uganda moves to monetise TikTok and X creators

KAMPALA - The Ugandan government is moving to position the country’s growing digital creator economy as a serious engine of jobs and income, signalling a shift in how it views platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), not just as social spaces, but as economic tools.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday (March 26) ahead of a national ICT leadership forum, Minister of State for ICT Godfrey Kabbyanga said the government is actively working with global technology companies to ensure Ugandan content creators can earn directly from their work online.

The goal, he noted, “is to unlock revenue streams such as advertising, subscriptions, and creator funds, opportunities that have largely remained out of reach for many local creators”.

The effort goes beyond platform access. The government is also looking to strengthen digital payment systems and policy frameworks to make it easier for creators to receive earnings, particularly from international platforms.

For a country with a young, increasingly digital population, the move reflects a broader recognition that online content creation is no longer a side activity; it is becoming a viable livelihood.

This push comes as Uganda continues to expand its digital infrastructure. Investments in the national backbone network have helped reduce the cost of internet access, while new initiatives are extending connectivity to schools, health centres, and underserved communities.

Public Wi-Fi programs and last-mile connections are also being rolled out to bring more people online.

At the same time, the government is trying to build the skills needed to support this digital shift.

A new National Tech Skills Talent Program, set to run from 2025 to 2035, aims to reduce reliance on foreign expertise while creating clearer pathways for employment and innovation among young Ugandans.

These efforts form part of a wider digital transformation agenda that officials say is beginning to take shape.

Mobile penetration is rising, digital payments are expanding, and sectors such as fintech, agritech, and e-commerce are showing signs of growth. Still, officials acknowledge that technology alone will not drive the next phase.

Leadership and execution, they argue, will determine whether these gains translate into real economic impact.

That question will be central to the upcoming CIO–CxO Conclave, scheduled for April 24 at the National ICT Hub. The gathering is expected to bring together government, private sector, and development partners to focus on practical challenges—from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to infrastructure resilience and digital trust.

The event will also host the launch of national awards recognising leadership in digital transformation.

“I am also pleased to announce that the Conclave will host the launch of the 2026 CIO–CxO Digital Transformation and eGovernment Leadership Awards, aimed at recognising institutions and leaders delivering measurable impact in Uganda’s digital journey,” stated Kabbyanga.

Additionally, the event will hold a workshop aimed at preparing students and graduates for roles in the evolving digital economy.