The Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance Godfrey Kabyanga, has called on Uganda to seize the moment and lead Africa’s digital transformation.
Addressing journalists ahead of the 2nd National ICT Summit, at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, he said “This is not just another annual event, it is a strategic convening where ideas translate into action, and commitments transform into tangible national impact”.
The event is to run from 17-18 July, 2025 to be held under the “Harnessing Digital Innovation for Sustainable Economic Growth,” the summit will bring together government ministries, private sector leaders, innovators, academia, and development partners to confront the most pressing questions of Uganda’s digital future.
“How do we unlock productivity in agriculture through digital tools? How do we bring precision diagnostics and mobile health to our healthcare system? How do we prepare our youth for the digital economy? And how do we scale Uganda’s BPO sector into a major job creator and export engine?” Kabyanga posed to the audience.
The Minister reiterated government’s unwavering commitment to implementing the Digital Transformation Roadmap (2024–2028), calling it “not a vision statement, but an execution manual.” The roadmap focuses on five pillars: digital infrastructure, e-government, digital skills development, private sector innovation, and cybersecurity.
“We must not just adopt technology, we must shape it,” he emphasized. “Regulation must enable innovation, not stifle it. Our talent pool must grow in both depth and diversity. And our digital economy must expand from Kampala to Karamoja, from Masaka to Gulu.”
He praised the broad cross-section of stakeholders, highlighting the importance of an inclusive ecosystem for real digital change. “This is not a one-ministry mandate. Digital transformation is a whole-of-nation priority,” he said.
A particular highlight of this year’s summit is the inclusion of immersive showcases, B2B clinics, and live solution demonstrations.
“These aren’t just exhibition spaces,” he said. “They’re platforms for collaboration, learning, and problem-solving. Let’s use them well.”
Kabyanga commended the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU) for its leadership in organizing the summit and reaffirmed government’s commitment to co-creation with the private sector.
“To the private sector: We need your ideas, your investment, and your innovation. Government can lay the digital rails, but the trains of transformation must come from you,” he stated, noting that the ICT sector has consistently contributed 7–8% of Uganda’s GDP since 2017.
He also called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to take ownership of the digital agenda. “Let’s make sure digital transformation isn’t just a policy, it’s a lived reality for every Ugandan.”
Kabyanga issued a powerful call to action: “The digital future will not wait for us. We must lead it, together. May this summit spark ideas, forge new partnerships, and accelerate Uganda’s journey toward a sustainable, tech-powered economy.”
