Uganda has the potential to connect four million more citizens to the Internet, create 1.79 million new jobs, and generate $3.9 billion (UGX 14.6 trillion) in economic value by 2030, if key digital policy reforms are implemented.
This is according to a newly released report by the GSMA aimed at providing insight into growing Uganda’s digital economy.
Titled ‘Driving digital transformation of the economy in Uganda – opportunities, policy reforms and the role of mobile’, the report was unveiled at the Digital Africa Summit Uganda, yesterday. The launch was attended by local industry figures, which included Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda and Baluku Godfrey, state minister for ICT and national guidance.
The GSMA, a global organisation representing the mobile ecosystem, highlights that Uganda’s mobile sector is central to the country’s digital future, connecting people to education, healthcare, financial services, and new business opportunities. The East African country already boasts 96% 4G population coverage and 11.46 million unique mobile internet users, representing 48% of adults.
Godfrey, however, stressed that three in four citizens within coverage still do not use mobile broadband, a challenge he referred to as the ‘usage gap’.
“The economy is private sector-led, and we must work together to bridge the usage gap. We need reliable networks, affordable devices, digital literacy, and localised content so Africa can lead in innovation, not just adoption,” he said.
Angela Wamola, head of GSMA Africa said the usage gap remains a challenge and the digital economy needs to be more inclusive.
“Uganda’s digital transformation is about people – enabling every citizen, entrepreneur and community to thrive in a connected economy. By making access more affordable and policies more predictable, Uganda can ensure that digital progress delivers for everyone,” she said.
The report calls for five priority reforms that include creating a stable investment environment, reducing mobile sector taxes, improving smartphone affordability, strengthening energy and infrastructure coordination to modernising digital regulations.
Mulinge added that the GSMA analysis shows that implementing the outlined measures could extend 4G coverage to 99%, increase Internet users to 19 million, and generate $560 million (UGX 2.1 trillion) in additional tax revenue.
“Progress is not an aspiration but a deliberate choice. By aligning policy, investment, and digital literacy, Uganda can truly harness the power of mobile technology to transform education, healthcare, and financial inclusion across the country,” said Mulinge.
The report further emphasises that digital inclusion is a cornerstone for Uganda’s National Development Plan IV and Digital Uganda Vision 2040, which positions Uganda as a key player in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
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