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KAMPALA - The Government on Thursday (August 17, 2023) launched the Digital Transformation Roadmap, outlining in detail how it is expected to revolutionise Uganda’s technological landscape and establish the nation as a beacon of digital innovation in the region. 

In many of his speeches, President Yoweri Museveni has severally singled out four sectors, including agriculture, service, ICT, and industry, as the main vehicles of government to foster growth and development. 

The ICT sector, with an impressive average growth rate of 14.8% and a 9% contribution to GDP, is seen as the driving force behind the nation’s socio-economic surge. 

Officiating at the launch on Thursday at Serena Kampala Hotel, Vice President Jessica Alupo thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners for supporting the Government in developing the roadmap. 

Noting that the youth represent the future of every country, including Uganda, Alupo said this roadmap is a significant step towards ensuring that Uganda has a prosperous future. 

“[Through ICT] we intend to create new opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, provide our youth with the jobs and opportunities they deserve,” she said. 

Alupo noted that as well as creating opportunities for the country’s youth, ICT can help Uganda become an important player in the region. 

Alupo noted that as well as creating opportunities for the country’s youth, ICT can help Uganda become an important player in the region. (All Photos by Wilfred Sanya)

“I am glad that the Digital Transformation Roadmap addresses this issue through the digital skills and the innovation pillars,” she said. 

“By advancing our digital agenda, we are doing more than just supporting integration; we are driving it forward.” 

Alupo said efforts are underway to ensure that all the aspects of the roadmap are fully integrated into the next National Development Plan (NDP IV) in a bid to accelerate national development. 

“Digitalisation is not merely a chapter in our national story; it is the ink with which our future will be written,” she said. 

The roadmap will last five years (2023-2027) and is expected to cut across all sectors of government. 

It is anchored on five pillars, which include Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity, Digital Services, Cyber Security, Data Protection & Privacy, Digital Skills and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 

The roadmap details the ‘how’ of Uganda’s journey towards a fully digital society, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2040. 

With a five-year cycle, the roadmap aims to lay a robust foundation for digital ambitions, while remaining agile in response to technological shifts.