ICT experts discuss digital revolution at Kampala conference

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KAMPALA - More than 300 experts in information and communications technology (ICT) from East Africa and beyond are meeting in Kampala to discuss digital revolution in the region.

The three-day 13th annual East Africa Information Security Conference got underway on Wednesday (September 18) at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme 'Interconnected Ecosystems: Navigating the Challenges'.

It is organized by Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Uganda Chapter. Vision Group and the Uganda Institute of Information Communication Technology (UICT) are among the sponsors.

Speaking on day one, Aminah Zawedde, the ICT and national guidance ministry permanent secretary, said the focus of the government is on leveraging digital skills, enhancing e-services, infrastructure development, strengthening cyber security and data protection.

She said promoting innovation and entrepreneurship are also key in the digital transformation roadmap to propel Uganda towards economic transformation.

“The ICT sector continues to grow at an average growth rate of 14.8%, contributing 9% to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and our digital transformation roadmap is not merely a document, but a testament of commitment to harnessing technology for sustainable development."

The roadmap states that by 2028, Uganda should have 75% of entities with access to adequate and relevant capacity for increased operational and responsive cyber security.
It also targets that in four years from now, Uganda should have 85% enhanced protection of national critical information infrastructure.

The roadmap goes on to outline a comprehensive strategy to integrate digital technologies across all sectors of the economy as Uganda stands at the threshold of a new era.

Aminah Zawedde, the ICT and national guidance ministry permanent secretary, said promoting innovation and entrepreneurship are key in Uganda's digital transformation roadmap. (Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

The president of ISACA Kampala Chapter, Maurice Taremwa, said they work to strengthen digital trust in this era of enhanced interconnectivity.

“Our interconnected ecosystems are growing increasingly complex, integrating technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things," he said.

"While these advancements offer unprecedented opportunities, they also present challenges in terms of security, governance, and compliance.

“We are here to forge practical strategies that ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of our digital assets while upholding the highest standards of data privacy and ethical technology governance," said Taremwa.

"Our collective journey towards professional excellence is a cornerstone of this conference."

Taremwa underlined the importance of collaboration as the "lifeblood of success in our shared endeavors".

The ongoing conference is seen as serving as a catalyst for multi-stakeholder dialogue, fostering partnerships across professional spheres, government agencies, and private sector organizations.

Agnes Freda Namulindwa, an ICT expert and academic registrar at UICT, emphasised that ICT is critical in the country’s development.

She said the conference is a timely opportunity to discuss how ICT can be harnessed in achieving the development goals.

Emmanuel Muganhwa, an information security manger at Vision Group, revealed that the media company’s support of the conference was informed by the fact that ICT professionals and scholars need to acquire more knowledge and skills on how to secure people’s data amidst growing online violations across the globe.

Justine Nantaba, also an ICT expert at Vision Group, urged online users to avoid sharing passwords of their bank accounts, emails and social media platforms to avoid unnecessary breaches.

Abdourahman Badjie, an ICT expert from Gambia, expressed hope that the experts meeting in Kampala will guide Africa on ICT integration in its development framework.