Connecting the world and beyond

Uganda project

Implementation strategy and action plan for advancement of digital transformation in Uganda
2024  

The preparation of the Review of the implementation of Uganda's National Broadband Policy 2018 and proposed interventions report has entailed carrying out a situation analysis of the broadband ecosystem in Uganda. The analysis has covered ICT contributions to gross domestic product (GDP); mobile network coverage; Internet pricing; traffic and usage patterns, both locally and globally; and assessing how Uganda is ranked among globally tracked ICT indices such as the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), the E?Participation Index, the Network Readiness Index, the GovTech Maturity Index and the Local Online Index. This was supplemented with the collection of information from stakeholders that had a stake in implementation of the 2018 National Broadband Policy. The gathered information is captured in a matrix that indicates each objective and attendant strategies, the activities undertaken to implement the strategy, as well as the outcomes of those actions, reported level of implementation by the stakeholders, challenges met in the process, and proposed mitigation measures to address them. The report shares a detailed analysis of the implementation status of the 2018 National Broadband Policy. Overall, Uganda's digital transformation is on an upward trajectory, driven by the foundational work laid under the 2018 National Broadband Policy. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file  
 
Study on common utility infrastructure sharing framework and standards for ICT infrastructure along roads and crossings in Uganda
2024  

The preparation of the Review of the implementation of Uganda's National Broadband Policy 2018 and proposed interventions report has entailed carrying out a situation analysis of the broadband ecosystem in Uganda. The analysis has covered ICT contributions to gross domestic product (GDP); mobile network coverage; Internet pricing; traffic and usage patterns, both locally and globally; and assessing how Uganda is ranked among globally tracked ICT indices such as the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), the E?Participation Index, the Network Readiness Index, the GovTech Maturity Index and the Local Online Index. This was supplemented with the collection of information from stakeholders that had a stake in implementation of the 2018 National Broadband Policy. The gathered information is captured in a matrix that indicates each objective and attendant strategies, the activities undertaken to implement the strategy, as well as the outcomes of those actions, reported level of implementation by the stakeholders, challenges met in the process, and proposed mitigation measures to address them. The report shares a detailed analysis of the implementation status of the 2018 National Broadband Policy. Overall, Uganda's digital transformation is on an upward trajectory, driven by the foundational work laid under the 2018 National Broadband Policy. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file  
 
Digital skills capacity building in Uganda
2024  

The Digital skills capacity building needs assessment for priority sectors in Uganda report seeks to analyse the most significant gaps in digital skills acquisition within key priority sectors in Uganda and propose training initiatives to bridge these gaps. It complements previous studies conducted by the National Information Technology Authority - Uganda (NITA-U) and the Uganda Institute of Information Communications and Technology (UICT), which identified challenges such as unharmonized deployment of ICT staff and misalignment between ICT in education, digital skills training and industry needs. As such, the digital skills needs assessment aims to identify and address the barriers related to human resources capacity among the public and private sectors, forming a critical part of the Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on the National ICT Development Strategy project. The specific objectives of the digital skills needs assessment are to: Develop a methodology to conduct a digital skills assessment for priority sectors in Uganda, based on existing tools, including the ITU Digital Skills Assessment Guidebook, etc.; Assess current and emerging digital skills supply and demand to identify gaps and opportunities; and, Develop a capacity-building action plan for the priority sectors. The report outlines the approach, findings and recommendations for the digital skills needs assessment. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project . The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file  
 
Last-mile connectivity projects in Uganda
2024  

The Assessment of last-mile connectivity interventions in Uganda report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of connectivity projects, examines their ecosystems and proposes sustainable strategies for improvement. Ensuring inclusive connectivity is vital for bridging the digital divide and fostering equitable access to digital resources, which is crucial for Uganda's socio-economic development. The analysis identified key stakeholders and implementers involved in last-mile connectivity, examining the diverse models and approaches used in these projects. As such, the study assessed the usage, challenges, successes, sustainability and gaps within these projects, providing a detailed understanding of Uganda's connectivity landscape. The study highlights the need for innovative solutions to bridge this digital divide, including leveraging alternative technologies such as satellite Internet and TV white space (TVWS) to overcome geographical barriers and extend services to hard-to-reach areas. The recommendations in the report can serve as a road map for strategic interventions aimed at bridging connectivity gaps, fostering innovation and empowering communities across the country. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file  
 
National big data in Uganda
2024  

The Assessment of the big data landscape in Uganda report presents the results of a review Uganda's big data landscape that was undertaken 2024. In September 2023, the Government of Uganda launched the Big Data Utilization Strategy 2023-2027 to enable it to make data-driven decisions that will drive economic growth. At the same time, work was being done to develop the National Data Strategy, with elements of nascent data technologies, such as big data analytics, being promoted. The results of the assessment support the Government's implementation of the Big Data Utilization Strategy, which is aligned with Uganda's Third National Development Plan (NDP III), the Digital Uganda Vision 2040 and the complementary national Digital Transformation Roadmap 2023/24-2027/28. The assessment also contributes to the national Digital Transformation Roadmap for achieving the Digital Uganda Vision, by assessing the baseline status of available big data in the country and contributes to the implementation of Uganda's Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV). The big data development interventions proposed in the strategy involve data resource evaluation, data science capacity development and big data project pilots. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file  
 
National AI landscape in Uganda
2025  

The Uganda national AI landscape assessment report provides a detailed account of the findings from a review undertaken in 2024. A baseline survey was conducted to identify challenges faced by key public and private actors in Uganda's AI ecosystem, including but not limited to research and development, education, governance, marketing, and deployment, mapping also the AI stakeholders in Uganda across the value chain. A benchmarking study was carried out on Rwanda and Kenya as countries that share economic similarities with Uganda and have made significant strides in creating an enabling environment providing supportive infrastructure for AI deployment and use; and on United States with well-developed AI regulatory frameworks, infrastructure and skills to ensure the findings are relevant and adaptable was selected as a relevant reference standard for this assessment. The study also shares the results of an assessment of the availability and extent of readiness of supportive infrastructure for the deployment of AI in the delivery of e-services by the Government and evaluate the existing skills in AI development, deployment and use in Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments was conducted and finally a proposed AI risk management framework was developed. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file  
 
Uganda National Green Data
2025  

The Uganda national green data center strategy and guidelines offers Uganda the means to address environmental concerns while enhancing its economic and technological competitiveness. Thus, marrying innovation, inclusion of the local population, and sustainability, will make the country a model for sustainable digital transition in the region. To be successful, the approach needs all stakeholders involved, including government, private sectors, international partners, and local communities. The surge in demand for digital infrastructure opens Uganda up to several critical challenges: Environmental concerns: Data centres remain energy-intensive facilities that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, hence the need to migrate to low-carbon infrastructure in order to meet climate commitments. Regional competition: While countries such as Kenya and South Africa have made considerable efforts to attract innovative technologies, Uganda has the opportunity to become a leader. By embracing clean, innovative technologies, Uganda will be able to leapfrog its competitors, establish itself as the market leader and set an example for green digital technologies in East Africa. Socio-economic concerns: The digital transition offers a unique opportunity to integrate communities by promoting green jobs and equitable economic benefits. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file  
 
ICT solutions for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Uganda
2025  

The Pre-feasibility study for the development of inclusive ICT solutions for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Uganda report shares the results of a survey of existing learning centres for persons with disabilities in Uganda and considers the roll-out of an integrated national ICT system for such centres, with the view to enhancing digital access and inclusivity for persons with disabilities, in alignment with Uganda's broader digital transformation objectives. Thus key objectives of the study include: conducting a survey of learning centres for persons with disabilities across Uganda; performing a pre-feasibility analysis for an integrated national ICT system; developing technical specifications for model ICT-enabled learning centres; and providing budget estimates for proposed systems. The study involved surveying 57 ICT centres, including 20 primary schools, 30 secondary schools and seven community centres, and engaging stakeholders through interviews and focus group discussions to gather insights on existing challenges and opportunities. The assessment revealed significant gaps in ICT access for persons with disabilities, including limited infrastructure and resources at many learning centres, challenges in accessing assistive technologies and digital content tailored to diverse needs and insufficient training programmes to enhance digital skills among persons with disabilities. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file  
 
ICT Equipment Manufacturing in Uganda
2025  

The Preliminary study on the state of local ICT equipment manufacturing in Uganda report represents an exploration of Uganda's potential to develop a dynamic and competitive local ICT equipment manufacturing sector. At its core, this study seeks to provide actionable insights and recommendations to foster technological self-reliance, drive economic diversification, and create meaningful employment opportunities. Uganda's ICT manufacturing sector is still in its infancy. The nation remains heavily reliant on imported components, which creates cost inefficiencies and limits competitiveness. However, national policies such as Vision 2040 have emphasized the sector's transformative potential. What is required is a cohesive strategy to translate these aspirations into measurable outcomes. Through this study, the gap is bridged by conducting an in-depth evaluation of the current ecosystem, consulting stakeholders, and benchmarking against regional peers like Kenya and Rwanda. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file  
 
Study on scoping the existing policy and regulatory framework for the management of e-waste under extended producer responsibility in Uganda 2023
2024  New!  

The Study on scoping the existing policy and regulatory framework for the management of e-waste under extended producer responsibility in Uganda 2023, shares a comprehensive review of the e-waste management policies, laws and regulations, and suggests possible revisions to such texts. The existing framework for financing e-waste management is based on a model whereby the public sector finances the whole value chain. The model has demonstrated its weaknesses, and as of now, very little quantity of e-waste has been collected and recycled. The financing model must therefore be improved by creating a new model based on a financially sustainable framework with the involvement of key stakeholders - such as EEE producers (importers, distributors, manufacturers and resellers); retailers and collectors; and recycling companies - through a fair and economically viable extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework for the EEE sector. The report was developed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with the support of Divisions and Services in ITU Headquarters and ITU Regional Office for Africa under the 'Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy' (2021-2024) project . The project is a collaboration between the Government of Uganda and ITU, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDSSCF) and ITU's ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF).
Available inelectronic file