Uganda's Digital Future Requires a Unified National Effort, Says ICT Minister Lumumba

Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (who has since taken over the portfolio from Justine Lumumba), emphasized the need for a comprehensive national strategy to accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation. He stated that the digital journey can no longer be solely government-driven but must involve a concerted effort from all stakeholders.

Speaking at the State of Digital Economy (SODE) 2026, Lumumba highlighted the shift from a “whole-of-government” to a “whole-of-country” approach. This inclusive strategy aims to harness the collective strengths of the private sector, academia, innovators, and development partners to foster a robust digital economy.

While the government’s role is to set policy and create an enabling environment, Lumumba acknowledged that the private sector often leads in innovation and solution development. She stressed that this collaboration is crucial for improving service delivery and creating solutions tailored to the needs of Ugandans, enabling faster progress and better outcomes.

Lumumba also urged Uganda to raise its ambitions by benchmarking against global leaders rather than just countries at a similar developmental stage. Additionally, she supported calls for increased affordability of digital devices and internet access, suggesting that reducing taxes on entry-level smartphones and connectivity would expand the digital market and user base.

The minister described the digital economy as a productive sector deserving strategic investment, capable of driving employment, innovation, and economic growth. However, she pointed out that digital transformation is contingent on critical infrastructure, particularly reliable electricity, which powers data centers and digital services.

Finally, Lumumba called for a balance between economic opportunities in the digital space and the protection of national values, especially for young people engaging with global platforms, ensuring they benefit economically while preserving cultural identity. This push for broader participation comes as Uganda intensifies efforts to make the digital economy a significant contributor to national growth, focusing on utilizing technology for business creation and job access.

Source: Nile Post