Justine Kasule Lumumba the newly appointed Minisiter for ICT has pledged to maintain Uganda strong digital transformation agenda saying many ugandans still need affordable access to digital services and reliable connectivity.
Speaking at the hand over ceremony she said her focus will be on building on the gains already achieved and accelerate the implementation of Ugandas digital transformation road map.
“More young people need the skills required to participate in th digital economy,More buinesses need support to adopt technology innovate and compete in regional markets,”
“We will continue supporting the expansion of digital infrastructure and connectvity,particulary in underserved areas.we will promote secure,reliable and accessible digital services that improve the way government serves citizens and busineses,”she stated.
She further pledged to support innovation,research,entrepreneurship and job creation especailly for the young people and promote digital skills development to ensure that more ugandans are prepared for opportunities in the digital economy.
“The ICT sector will remain akey enabler of the government ATMS strategy and the ten fold growth strategy .Technology must help us improve productivity ,create jobs,attract investment,strengthen service delivery and support economic growth across all sectors,”Mulumba stressed.
Kasule Lumumba expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence placed in her leadership.
“I thank President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting me with this responsibility as Minister of ICT and National Guidance,” she said, committing to advancing the ministry’s mandate in line with government priorities.
She emphasized the need to create structured platforms that can educate and inform Ugandans about the roles of various government institutions and organizations, noting that access to accurate information is critical for national development.
Kasule Lumumba, however, raised concern over what she described as the growing misuse of media platforms, particularly radio stations, which she said are increasingly dominated by political discourse at the expense of public education and guidance.
“On the issue of national guidance, there is concern that media platforms are increasingly being misused. Radio stations, in many cases, focus more on politics than on educating and guiding the public with useful information,” she noted.
She further highlighted a worrying social trend in which traditional parenting roles are being eroded, with electronic media taking center stage in shaping values within households.
“Parenting standards have declined. Television has, in many homes, taken over the role of parents, while radios have become the dominant voice in our sitting rooms,” she said.
Kasule Lumumba underscored the importance of unity and teamwork in achieving the ministry’s objectives, calling on her predecessor, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, and the entire leadership to continue working together.
“Doctor Chris, you have to work with us. Whether you like it or not, we must work together. We are all striving to score in the same goal,” she remarked.
She further anchored her remarks on the principles of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), particularly emphasizing patriotism as a guiding value for public servants.
“Patriotism means loving yourself, but also loving other people, because you cannot exist without them,” she said.
The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has officially handed over office, describing the docket as a “ministry of the future” because of the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in shaping development.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Baryomunsi expressed appreciation to ministry staff, agencies, and stakeholders in the ICT sector for their support and commitment during his tenure
He urged the incoming leadership to build on existing progress and continue advancing Uganda’s digital transformation agenda, particularly in expanding internet connectivity, strengthening digital public services, and supporting the growth of business process outsourcing (BPO).
Baryomunsi also highlighted the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in sectors such as healthcare, noting that emerging technologies would play a critical role in improving service delivery across government.
As he transitions to the Health docket, he pledged continued collaboration with the ICT sector to support innovation and digital integration in healthcare systems.
“As you do your work, continuously evaluate yourself. Are your efforts creating positive results or not? If not, find out why, and look for people who can help you identify solutions and improve,” she advised.
