Ugandan Digital Government Strategy

The Digital Government Strategy aims to transform Uganda into a digitally empowered society by 2027. The vision of the strategy is to create a digitally empowered society. Its mission is to transform Uganda into a digitally enabled society that is innovative, productive, and competitive.

Strategic goals

• Digital government
• Connectivity
• Trust and security

Strategic actions

• Adapt legislative processes for the digital age
• Revise ICT legislation
• Coordinate the digital transformation process
• Re-engineer public services
• Treat data and information as public assets
• Implement digital government enablers
• Build digital skills across the population
• Adopt emerging technologies
• Ensure universal connectivity
• Expand broadband access
• Protect personal and business data
• Strengthen cybersecurity

Principles

• Digital by design
• Data-driven public sector
• Interoperability by design
• Privacy and trust

Key components

The strategy incorporates several components essential for its implementation.

The legal framework will be regularly updated to remain relevant in the digital age. It includes regulations for secure data exchange, electronic identity, and trust services. The framework encourages innovation while avoiding over-regulation of rapidly evolving technologies.

The organisational architecture focuses on improving coordination among ministries, departments, and agencies. Strengthening the role of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) is critical, ensuring they have adequate resources and skills to lead digital transformation efforts.

The data management component emphasises treating data as a public asset. It involves digitizing registries, assigning standardised identifiers, and ensuring uniform classifications. Metadata will be catalogued to enable interoperability and facilitate efficient data exchange.

The digital government enablers include infrastructure and services like the eID and PKI ecosystems, the UgHub secure data exchange platform, and cloud hosting solutions. These platforms will be enhanced to support the delivery of seamless digital services.

The human capital development aspect aims to integrate digital skills into all levels of education. Awareness programs will target diverse groups, including children and elderly citizens, to foster widespread ICT adoption.

The emerging technologies component supports the adoption of AI, IoT, cloud computing, and automation. Collaborative efforts with academia and the private sector will accelerate the integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

The connectivity section addresses the expansion of broadband infrastructure, improving access to both urban and rural areas. The goal is to ensure reliable and affordable internet for all citizens.

The trust and security measures focus on enhancing cybersecurity frameworks and protecting personal and business data. Continuous assessments and audits will ensure adherence to data protection regulations.

Implementation framework

The strategy relies on a structured approach for implementation. The leadership provided by the president and cabinet ensures political alignment and resource allocation. Inter-ministerial and technical committees manage coordination and execution, while MDAs are responsible for implementing initiatives with support from academia, the private sector, and civil society organisations.

Monitoring and evaluation

The strategy includes regular assessments to measure progress. Mid-term and end-of-term reviews will evaluate the implementation’s effectiveness, allowing adjustments to address evolving technological and socioeconomic challenges.