ICT players seek more support

Information Communication Technology (ICT) players have called upon the government to support them to be able to register and certify their business.

This they say will help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) be recognized and certified to compete and integrate ICT into Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative.

Certification means a formal procedure by which the authority assesses, verifies and attests that a person providing information technology products or services meet prescribed requirements and standards.

Rajeev Agarwal, country director, Techno Brain said that there is no visibility of ICT within the economy especially when it comes to BUBU (local production and consumption).

He noted that tax regulation does not favour ICT to benefit BUBU. The GDP of ICT is meagre and not available yet it can greatly contribute to economic growth.

"There is need to support, mobilise and integrate ICT into BUBU and also make the International Communication Uganda Association vibrant to contribute to the development of ICT as a sector," Agarwal said.

He noted that BUBU policy is very good but it is not integrated into ICT. The policy is in its offing but can be appreciated to contribute to the country's GDP.

Albert Mucunguzi, ICTAU Chairman advised ICT players to embrace the BUBU initiative to spur economic transformation in the IT industry locally.

"As players in the provision of IT products and services, it is important that we support our local enterprises and invest in the delivery of quality services so as to be of value to other industries," Mucunguzi said.

He explained that the IT industry will become more competitive after ensuring that they are certified.

"IT Certification will drive business owners in the IT industry to ensure that the services they provide conform to the minimum acceptable international standards and can thus compete locally and internationally," added Mucunguzi.

Justus Biryomumaisho from Skilling Africa Ltd said ICT sector grapples with a number of challenges affecting the growth of the IT industry such as high-interest rates, inadequate financing and long certification policies which limit them from certifying and registering their companies