Gulu, ISBAT universities to co-host 2025 National Communications Conference

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The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) says the universities of Gulu and ISBAT will co-host the 9th National Conference on Communications (NCC). The conference is scheduled for October 2 to 3, 2025.

Announcing the decision at a press briefing in Kampala on Friday, August 1, UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo said the upcoming edition will focus on how digital innovation can support Uganda’s development goals.

The conference will be held under the theme: Harnessing Digital Innovation to Power Sustainable Local Solutions for Uganda's Development Goals.

“This year’s edition will convene policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, academia, and innovators to explore the intersection of digital transformation and national development,” Thembo said at UCC’s headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala.

UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo (Fourth right) flanked (on his right) by ISBAT director of Studies Pradeep Kumar. Thembo said the upcoming the 9th National Conference on Communications (NCC) edition will focus on how digital innovation can support Uganda’s development goals. (Credit: UCC)

Launched in 2011, the NCC has become UCC’s flagship annual forum promoting innovation, research, and skills development in Uganda’s ICT sector. The event provides a platform for peer-reviewed academic research, showcases local ICT innovations, and fosters collaboration among academia, industry, and government institutions.

The 2025 edition is expected to retain its core elements, including academic paper presentations, student competitions and high-level policy discussions. However, it is expected to also introduce new features such as hackathons, publishing masterclasses, and the establishment of academic writing clubs in various universities.

“This year, we are scaling up our engagement with young innovators. Over 200 secondary school ICT clubs—up from 120 in 2023—will participate in regional and national innovation contests. These competitions aim to showcase practical solutions to real-world challenges in Ugandan communities,” Thembo added.

The 2025 NCC also comes at a time when UCC is conducting a comprehensive impact assessment of the NCC initiative to evaluate its contributions to Uganda’s ICT innovation ecosystem, academic research, and policy development. The findings, officials say, will inform future editions and strategic priorities.

“UCC invites all stakeholders—academia, innovators, development partners, policymakers, and media—to actively participate in this year’s event. Together, we can shape a future where digital innovation drives Uganda’s sustainable development,” Thembo said.

Speaking at the same event, Pradeep Kumar, Director of Studies at ISBAT University, welcomed the opportunity to co-host the conference. He emphasised the importance of fostering research and innovation to support inclusive growth.

“ISBAT University, in proud partnership with UCC, is excited to announce the call for papers for NCC 2025,” Kumar said. “The conference seeks to bring together thought leaders from academia, industry, and government to explore how emerging digital technologies can address local development challenges and promote sustainability.”

Key Dates for NCC 2025:

Submission site opening: 27 MAY 2025

Submission deadline: 14 AUG 2025

Acceptance Notification: 21 AUG 2025

Camera-ready deadline: 02 SEPT 2025

Conference Dates: 02-03 OCT 2025

Submissions are invited across a range of focus areas, including:

• Digital Innovation for Social Impact
  
  
• Technology for Sustainable Livelihoods
  
  
• Environmental Sustainability through Technology
  
  
• Future Skills and Digital Literacy for SDGs
  
  
• Civic Tech and Digital Governance
  
  

Kumar noted that selected high-quality papers will be published in ISBAT University’s International Journal of Business, Environment, Science, and Technology (IJBEST)—offering contributors both national visibility and academic recognition.

“This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s digital transformation journey while engaging with key voices shaping the future of the ICT sector,” he said.