Uganda's IT sector discuss strategic course
Babirukamu said data analytics is seen as a vital tool for CIOs to demonstrate value and drive data-driven decisions, allowing leaders to gain insights into business performance through dashboards and real-time data.
Discussions at the breakfast meeting held in Kampala, hosted by the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU), an umbrella body of private sector ICT companies and IT professionals, noted the evolving role of IT leaders.
By Ali Twaha
Journalists @New Vision
KAMPALA - The information and communication technology (ICT) sector convened on April 30 to identify key priorities and tackle challenges.
Discussions at the breakfast meeting held in Kampala, hosted by the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU), an umbrella body of private sector ICT companies and IT professionals, noted the evolving role of IT leaders.
Other discussion included the critical need for translating digital transformation into business impact. According to Collin Babirukamu, executive director IT at the Bank of Uganda, for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), navigating the future demands will go beyond technical expertise.
“Sustainability is rising in prominence as a key CIO priority. This involves thinking beyond traditional IT and considering green computing, reducing digital carbon footprints, and adopting practices like reusing and repairing hardware to extend its lifespan and reduce e-waste,” he said.
Babirukamu said data analytics is seen as a vital tool for CIOs to demonstrate value and drive data-driven decisions, allowing leaders to gain insights into business performance through dashboards and real-time data.
The ICT sector is one of the key priority areas in governments 10-fold growth strategy. Under the strategy, the government plans to expand the economy from the baseline gross domestic product (GDP) of about $50b in FY 2022/23 to $ 500b by the year 2040.
Patrick Kagenda, founder, Data Care Uganda said barriers to local companies participating in large government tenders such as stringent turnover and experience requirements, contribute to capital flight as contracts are often awarded to foreign entities who may then subcontract local firms at lower rates.
He said leveraging local capabilities through collaboration could help retain capital and build domestic capacity.
John Ndabasa, Startup Growth Lead at the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the UN and World Trade Organisation (WTO), said they have been a key partner in supporting the growth and export readiness of Uganda's IT sector.
Elizabeth Ntege, chairperson at ICTAU urged the private sector players to increase collaborations and avoid working in silos. She said this will help in addressing talent gaps and driving innovation.