Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap for 2023/2024 – 2027/2028
August 2023
Strategies and Action Plans
Author: Ministry of ICT and National Guidance of the Government of Uganda
The Digital Transformation Roadmap for 2023/2024 – 2027/2028 is a strategic framework designed to guide Uganda’s transition into a digitally inclusive and economically vibrant society. Anchored in the Digital Uganda Vision 2040, this roadmap builds upon previous efforts while introducing focused initiatives to achieve a digitally empowered nation. It sets out the operational steps to bridge the gap between aspiration and action, laying the groundwork for technological advancements to permeate all sectors of society.
The purpose of this roadmap is to provide a structured approach to leveraging emerging technologies, fostering innovation, and enhancing the delivery of digital services. It recognises the transformative potential of ICT to drive economic growth, improve government efficiency, and empower citizens. The roadmap also aligns Uganda’s digital transformation agenda with international benchmarks, ensuring the country remains competitive globally.
Spanning five years, this roadmap identifies actionable steps across key focus areas. These include expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing digital services, improving cybersecurity, fostering innovation, and promoting environmental sustainability. Its scope is comprehensive, addressing challenges such as the affordability of internet access, the digital skills gap, and the need for robust governance. By bringing together public and private sector stakeholders, the roadmap emphasises collaborative approaches to achieve its objectives.
Goals and focus areas
- Develop and expand high-speed broadband, cloud computing, and data centers to enhance connectivity across urban and rural areas.
- Foster the adoption of e-services across government and private sectors, ensuring seamless integration and improved accessibility for citizens.
- Build robust frameworks for cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy to foster trust and safety in digital systems.
- Promote digital literacy through education and training programs that cater to diverse groups, including marginalised populations.
- Support innovation and entrepreneurship by creating an enabling environment for startups and scaling locally developed ICT solutions.
The roadmap is structured into several pillars, each addressing a critical component of Uganda’s digital transformation.
Digital infrastructure and connectivity
Digital infrastructure serves as the backbone of any successful transformation. The roadmap emphasises the expansion of broadband networks, fibre optic installations, and national data centres. While Uganda’s broadband coverage has improved, affordability and accessibility remain significant challenges. The roadmap proposes strategic investments to increase mobile broadband adoption, promote equitable access to fibre nodes, and address connectivity gaps in rural areas. It also underscores the importance of integrating advanced technologies like 5G and satellite communication to future-proof the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Digital services
E-services are central to improving government efficiency and citizen engagement. The roadmap outlines the development of integrated e-services that enhance data sharing and collaboration across ministries, departments, and agencies. Efforts will focus on reducing data silos, automating government processes, and ensuring services are accessible to all, including persons with disabilities and low digital literacy. A user-centred design approach will guide the creation of these services to foster inclusivity and transparency.
Cybersecurity and privacy
Recognising the evolving threat landscape, the roadmap prioritises cybersecurity and data protection. It builds upon Uganda’s existing legal and regulatory frameworks, emphasising the importance of a harmonised approach to implementation. Measures include expanding cybersecurity investments, enhancing incident response capabilities, and promoting public awareness of cyber risks. A strong focus is placed on protecting critical national infrastructure and fostering regional collaboration to mitigate cross-border cyber threats.
Digital skilling
The roadmap acknowledges the growing need for digital literacy in a rapidly changing global economy. Efforts will be directed toward integrating ICT education at all levels, from primary to tertiary. Specialised training programs will upskill teachers and prepare students for careers in the digital economy. Partnerships with the private sector and academia will support these initiatives, ensuring alignment with industry needs and future technological trends.
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Innovation is essential for creating a sustainable digital economy. The roadmap encourages the development and commercialisation of local ICT products and solutions. It highlights initiatives like the National ICT Innovation Hub and the National ICT Initiatives Support Programme, which provide funding and resources to startups. By fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry, Uganda aims to position itself as a hub for digital innovation in Africa.
Preserving the environment
The roadmap emphasises the adoption of green ICT practices to reduce the environmental impact of digital transformation. These include promoting cloud-based services, recycling electronic waste, and using renewable energy sources for ICT infrastructure. By aligning with global sustainability goals, Uganda aims to achieve digital progress without compromising environmental integrity.
Governance and collaboration
Effective governance is critical to the successful implementation of this roadmap. A multi-stakeholder approach, involving government agencies, private sector players, and civil society, ensures coordinated action. Existing institutional frameworks will guide the monitoring and evaluation of progress, with a strong emphasis on accountability and transparency.
Resource mobilisation
To achieve these ambitious objectives, the roadmap outlines a resource mobilisation strategy that includes national budget appropriations, partnerships with development organisations, and private sector investments. It also highlights the importance of aligning taxation policies with digital transformation goals to create an attractive environment for ICT investments.