Uganda’s National ICT Policy (2014)

October 2014

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National Regulations

The National ICT Policy (2014) aims to harness the potential of ICT to drive Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation. By addressing infrastructure expansion, service utilisation, research and innovation, and governance improvements, the policy seeks to create a conducive environment for achieving the national vision of a modern and prosperous Uganda by 2040. The government’s commitment to implementing this policy is crucial for leveraging ICT as a tool for development and achieving a knowledge-based society.

Policy Guiding Principles

The guiding principles of the National ICT Policy include:

  • Enhancing public-private partnerships in delivering ICT infrastructure and services.
  • Ensuring universal access to basic ICT infrastructure and services.
  • Promoting technology neutrality of ICT services.
  • Integrating ICT facilities and services consistent with technological convergence.
  • Considering regional and global trends in ICT, as well as human rights principles, democracy, and good governance.
  • Addressing cross-cutting issues such as sustainability, gender, youth, and disability.
  • Promoting cultural and linguistic diversity and identity, including local content.
  • Providing enterprise-oriented and consumer-centric services.

Vision and Mission

Vision: ‘A knowledge society where ICT is central in all spheres of life.’

Mission: ‘To leverage ICT for the transformation of Uganda into a Knowledge Society by 2025.’

Policy Objectives and Strategies

The policy outlines broad objectives aimed at building knowledge-based human capital, promoting innovation, expanding ICT infrastructure, deepening ICT service utilisation, enhancing research and innovation, and improving ICT governance. Key action areas include:

  1. Expansion of ICT Infrastructure: Extending the national backbone infrastructure, integrating communication and broadcasting systems, and promoting reliable and affordable ICT infrastructure in rural and underserved areas.
  2. Deepening Utilisation of ICT Services: Implementing national e-government strategies, creating awareness, and increasing penetration of ICT equipment, services, and applications.
  3. Enhancement of Research and Innovation: Developing an ICT research and innovation strategy, promoting industrial production and software development, and establishing ICT parks.
  4. Improvement of ICT Governance: Consolidating reforms in the policy, legal, and regulatory environment, and setting requisite standards and regulations.

Implementation Framework

The successful implementation of the National ICT Policy requires strategic synergies and partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as civil society. Clear roles, responsibilities, and functions of all stakeholders must be defined, with the Ministry of ICT leading the coordination efforts. Key institutions involved include the National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U), the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and other relevant bodies.