Technology 24 July 2026 Nile Post
Uganda's Digital Growth Must Translate to Tangible Life Improvements, Says UCC Official
Uganda Communications Commission Director of Finance Haruna Musinguzi emphasized at the State of the Digital Economy conference that the nation's expanding digital infrastructure must be measured by its impact on citizens' lives, not just connectivity metrics. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/358828/uganda-must-ensure-digital-infrastructure-improves-lives-uccs-musinguzi-tells-sode-2026
Uganda’s burgeoning digital landscape needs to evolve beyond simply increasing internet access and mobile subscriptions. The focus must shift towards how this infrastructure actively improves public services, fosters job creation, and drives economic growth, according to Haruna Musinguzi, Director of Finance at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Speaking at the third annual State of the Digital Economy (SODE 2026) conference, Musinguzi echoed sentiments from Next Media Group CEO Kin Kariisa, who called for a move “beyond connectivity.” Kariisa urged policymakers and industry leaders to prioritize leveraging Uganda’s digital ecosystem for economic value, including exporting digital services and enhancing government service delivery.
Musinguzi stressed that the true measure of Uganda’s digital ambitions by 2030 will be its transformation of public service delivery, the emergence of new industries, the generation of quality employment, and the maintenance of a secure and trusted digital environment. “If digital infrastructure does not improve people’s lives, then it remains nothing more than infrastructure,” he stated.
He highlighted that digital transformation should be viewed as a comprehensive national development strategy, encompassing economic, social, and governance aspects, rather than solely an ICT agenda. Musinguzi presented statistics showing Uganda’s significant digital progress, including 47.5 million active mobile subscriptions and 20 million internet subscriptions, as indicators of readiness for the next phase of digital advancement.
The SODE 2026 conference, themed “Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity,” brought together various stakeholders to explore how digital access can be converted into sustainable economic growth. Discussions centered on human capital, policy, infrastructure, and AI/cybersecurity, aiming to ensure technology deployment benefits all Ugandans and positions the nation competitively in the global digital economy.