Govt moves to replace struck-down computer misuse law

The Government is set to table a new bill on computer misuse to curb the violation of individuals’ rights through digital platforms, State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga, has said.

Kabbyanga said the move follows growing concern over the misuse of digital platforms, including social media, to abuse the rights of others. He noted that the Government has the capacity to trace individuals who engage in such violations.

His remarks come against the backdrop of a recent Constitutional Court ruling that nullified several provisions of the Computer Misuse Act, citing concerns over infringement on freedom of expression. The decision has since prompted the government to consider a revised legal framework that balances digital rights with responsible usage.

Kabbyanga said the government is working on a new law to address gaps in the current legislation and regulate misuse, including on platforms such as TikTok. He added that regulation is necessary, just as it is in the mainstream media.

Kabbyanga said, “Technology investments alone are not enough. The next phase of transformation will be defined by leadership, coordination and disciplined execution. Today, Chief Information Officers are not merely technical experts, yet they are strategic drivers of institutional performance and national development”.

Kabbyanga made the remarks while addressing the press at the Uganda Media Centre on March 26, 2026, ahead of the forthcoming Chief-level Executives Conclave 2026 scheduled for April 24, 2026, at the National ICT Hub under the theme “The CIO as a Business Strategist”. He said technology must be used responsibly.

He also handed over 25 laptops donated by the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda to Uganda Media Centre executive director Allan Kasujja to support their work.

He explained that the engagement will support Government priorities such as expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening e-government systems, enhancing private sector competitiveness, and promoting cybersecurity and digital trust.

“This strategic national platform is designed to strengthen digital leadership, improve execution, and enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in the digital economy, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV),” he said.

Kabbyanga added that on April 23, 2026, students and graduates will attend a tech leadership workshop, during which the National Tech Skills Talent Programme 2025 to 2035 will be launched.

He said the programme is intended to bridge the ICT skills gap, reduce reliance on external expertise, and create structured pathways for employment, innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning Uganda as a regional hub for digital talent.

(L-R) NITA-U executive director Dr Hatwib Mugasa, Uganda Media Centre executive director Allan Kasujja, and minister Godfrey Kabbyanga during the briefing. Photo by Wilfred Sanya

He added that the government is supporting the growth of the digital sector economically and recognises the increasing role of platforms such as X and TikTok in providing income opportunities, particularly for young people.

“We are engaging global platform providers and relevant stakeholders to ensure content creators access monetisation opportunities and creator funds,” he said.

Kabbyanga noted that the National Information Technology Authority Uganda continues to expand the National Backbone Infrastructure to extend high-speed internet connectivity across the country, improve regional integration, and strengthen network resilience.

“We have significantly reduced the cost of internet, making broadband more affordable and accessible, while ongoing last-mile connectivity initiatives are ensuring that schools, health centres, and local government institutions are connected online,” he noted.

The executive director of the National Information Technology Authority Uganda, Hatwib Mugasa, said their focus is on aligning ICT with sectors such as agriculture, finance, business, and media.

Mugasa said, “We call upon the captain of these industries to come and share expertise since we cannot succeed alone unless we come together to speak the same language”.

He added that the authority seeks to understand stakeholder challenges and align ICT solutions accordingly.

“We would like to understand the problems of stakeholders and how to achieve their ICT objectives, like people operating in Kikubo should tell us what they need in ICT for them to perform better,” he said.

The executive secretary of the CIO CxO Digital Leadership Forum, Gideon Nkurunungi, emphasised the need for innovation to drive economic growth.

Nkurunungi said, “Incremental growth cannot deliver Uganda’s ambition under NDP IV. If we are to become competitive in the global economy, we must embrace new technologies built to support us.

He urged the development of platforms and systems that create jobs and unlock revenue, accelerating Uganda’s transition towards a digital economy.

Nkurunungi outlined five strategic pillars, including skills development and certification, talent identification and nurturing, employment and industry linkages, retention and career growth, and innovation and entrepreneurship, with a target of 500,000 technology professionals by 2035.

“For years, we have held conferences about AI, digital transformation, and innovation. We now have the technology, the leadership, and the urgency. The CIOs convening on 24th April are coming together to roll out technology solutions across sectors.” He remarked.

He added that Uganda is accelerating artificial intelligence adoption and strengthening cybersecurity resilience, noting that the country faces millions of cyber threat attempts annually.

“ICT is no longer just a sector. It is an employment engine. If Uganda gets digital skills right, we unlock jobs, exports, outsourcing, and innovation at scale.”