By Felix Oketcho
Uganda’s Business Out Sourcing Sector is projected to hit $600billion as Uganda launches first Business Out Sourcing Guidelines.
Currently, Uganda’s local BPO market is valued at $3 million, a small share of the $100 million total BPO sector value in the country.
Ministry of ICT and National Guidance unveiled a new Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) policy aimed at creating jobs and tapping into the rapidly expanding global BPO market by 2030.
According to Ministry of ICT Commissioner Moses Watasa the policy seeks to position Uganda as a leading BPO hub, enabling the country to compete on the global stage.
“It emphasizes partnerships with academic institutions to equip students and the wider population with the skills required for the BPO industry,”Watasa said.
BPO involves companies outsourcing services such as customer support, data entry, accounting, and IT solutions to skilled professionals.
Prof. William Bazeyo, Chairperson of the BPO Council, expressed confidence that the new policy would transform public service delivery and create jobs, especially for Uganda’s youthful and educated population.
He highlighted Uganda’s advantages, including a young, well-trained workforce with strong English language proficiency.
“Uganda produces more graduates annually than Kenya and Tanzania combined. Our English is globally competitive, giving us an edge in the BPO sector,”he added.
Prof. Bazeyo called for government involvement including favorable taxation policies and supportive infrastructure for BPO to thrive.
“With internet costs declining, more Ugandans can participate in remote jobs, including healthcare roles like nursing for clients abroad,” he noted.
He urged Permanent Secretaries to embrace the policy, arguing that outsourcing would cut operational costs for ministries while improving service delivery.
“Ugandans must believe in the potential of working remotely for global clients. This policy offers a framework that protects both employers and employees,” Prof. Bazeyo said.
Dr. Rebecca Isabella Kiconco, Vice Chairperson of the BPO Council, stressed the need for aggressive marketing and strategic partnerships to unlock the sector’s potential.
“We need to be visible. Uganda has what it takes to compete globally, but nobody knows about us. We must aggressively market and shout at the top of our voices so that we are heard,” Dr. Kiconco said.
With the African Union (AU) projecting that 60% of the marketplace will be digital by 2030, Dr. Kiconco believes Uganda can tap into this opportunity through collaboration.
“Achieving over 150,000 BPO jobs by 2030 will not magically happen. The government must work with the private sector, which in turn must engage with academia. Development partners are also crucial for funding and facilitation,” she emphasized.
Dr. Kiconco revealed that the Ministry of Finance is developing a framework to provide incentives for BPO operations. She also called for tax reforms to attract international investors.
“Conversations about taxes being paid after invoicing need to be had to make Uganda attractive to both international and local investors,” she noted.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi ICT Minister said that his ministry will monitor progress through key performance indicators such as productivity growth in the BPO industry, the number of skills development programs initiated, foreign investment volumes, and the acquisition of industry certifications.
He added that the policy will play a vital role in strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness in the global BPO landscape while providing employment opportunities for the country’s growing workforce