The Ministry of ICT will this month hold inaugural Chief-level Executives (CIO–CxO) Conclave 2026, scheduled for 24th April 2026 at the National ICT Hub, under the theme: “The CIO as a Business Strategist.”
This Conclave is a strategic national platform designed to strengthen digital leadership, improve execution, and enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in the digital economy, in line with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
Godfrey Kabyanga Ict State Minister says Uganda continues to make steady progress in digital transformation.
“We are witnessing growth in mobile penetration, expansion of digital payments, improved e-government service delivery, and increasing private sector innovation across key sectors such as fintech, agritech, and e-commerce,”he stated.
but quickly adds that technology investments alone are not enough. saying the next phase of transformation will be defined by leadership, coordination, and disciplined execution.
“Today, Chief Information Officers are not merely technical experts—they are strategic drivers of institutional performance and national development.The Conclave will bring together leaders from government, the private sector, and development partners to focus on practical solutions in critical areas, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital payments, infrastructure resilience, and shared digital platforms.,”he stressed.
According the minister this engagement directly supports Government priorities—expanding digital infrastructure, building skills, strengthening e-government systems, enhancing private sector competitiveness, and promoting cybersecurity and digital trust.
“I am also pleased to announce that the Conclave will host the launch of the 2026 CIO–CxO Digital Transformation and eGovernment Leadership Awards, aimed at recognising institutions and leaders delivering measurable impact in Uganda’s digital journey,”he said.
In addition, on 23rd April 2026, we shall convene students and graduates for a Tech Leadership Workshop, during which we will officially launch the National Tech Skills Talent Program (2025–2035).
This program is designed to close the ICT skills gap, reduce reliance on external expertise, and create structured pathways for employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship—positioning Uganda as a regional hub for digital talent.
Kabyanga noted that government is also taking deliberate steps to support the growth of the digital creator economy. We recognise the increasing role of platforms such as X and TikTok in creating income opportunities, particularly for young people.
“We are engaging global platform providers and relevant stakeholders to ensure Ugandan content creators can access monetisation opportunities, including advertising revenue, subscriptions, and creator funds. At the same time, we are strengthening digital payment systems and policy frameworks to enable seamless earnings and enhance global competitiveness,”he emphasized.
Government, through the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda, continues to expand the National Backbone Infrastructure to extend high-speed internet connectivity across the country, including strategic border points to enhance regional integration and network resilience.
This investment has significantly reduced the cost of internet, making broadband more affordable and accessible, while ongoing last-mile connectivity initiatives are ensuring that schools, health centres, and local government institutions are brought online.
In addition, targeted interventions such as public Wi-Fi and community access programs are being rolled out to extend internet access closer to citizens, particularly in underserved areas.
These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to delivering affordable, inclusive, and nationwide connectivity as a foundation for Uganda’s digital transformation.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon all stakeholders—government institutions, private sector, academia, development partners, and the media—to actively participate in the CIO–CxO Conclave 2026 and support Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
