Uganda’s next ICT sector growth phase will require greater investment in digital skills, local content, innovation, affordability, and cybersecurity.
This is according to Fred Otunnu, the director of corporate affairs at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), during a familiarisation visit to the regulator.
The engagement was attended by government representatives from the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance as part of ongoing ministerial engagements to assess the achievements and priorities of state agencies.
Otunnu noted that Uganda’s communications sector continues to experience steady, upward growth.
He said that national statistics show active SIM card subscriptions have reached approximately 47 million, while smartphone usage has climbed from 18 million to 20 million devices.
Internet subscriptions and data consumption also maintain an upward trajectory as more Ugandans pivot to online education, e-commerce, digital platforms, and electronic government services.
Furthermore, mobile money usage has risen by an estimated 9%. Concurrently, the cost of internet services continues to decline, making digital connectivity increasingly accessible across the country.
"The communications sector has grown steadily over the years, but the next phase requires us to strengthen the digital ecosystem by ensuring that more Ugandans can access affordable services, develop digital skills, and benefit from local innovation," Otunnu stated.
To unlock this next phase of development, Otunnu identified digital literacy, local content generation, innovation, affordability, and cybersecurity as the primary strategic pillars.
He noted that the UCC’s expanding regulatory responsibilities demand adequate funding to effectively oversee the sector and manage critical national assets, including radio spectrum and communications monitoring infrastructure.
Addressing attendees, the minister of ICT and national guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, urged the UCC to aggressively tackle issues directly impacting everyday consumers. She highlighted service quality, fair billing practices, internet routing, and responsible content regulation as key areas needing immediate attention.
"We must ensure that technology and regulation work for our people by improving service delivery, protecting consumers, promoting national values, and addressing misinformation," Lumumba said.
The minister emphasised that technology must deliver practical solutions to improve daily life. She concluded with a call for closer collaboration between the ministry, the UCC, and other government bodies to accelerate digital inclusion, foster local innovation, and secure a resilient digital economy.
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