Uganda Advances Digital Future: AI Strategy Workshop Kicks Off As Stakeholders Explores Kenya’s Tech Successes

Kampala/Nairobi – April 28, 2026Uganda took a significant step forward in its digital transformation journey today as the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance officially launched a three-day stakeholder engagement workshop at the Innovation Hub Uganda to refine the country’s much-anticipated Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Strategy.The workshop brings together key stakeholders from government, private sector, academia, civil society, and the tech community to review and strengthen a draft strategy developed through nationwide consultations. Officials say the goal is to produce a final document that is inclusive, realistic, and fully aligned with Uganda’s broader digital transformation agenda.Speaking on the importance of the process, Ministry officials emphasized that the strategy will provide a clear roadmap for harnessing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to drive innovation, improve service delivery, create jobs, and boost economic growth.Meanwhile, in Nairobi, Uganda’s delegation to the Connected Africa Summit 2026 is actively championing regional collaboration under the theme “Uniting Africa’s Innovation for an Inclusive Digital Market.”Led by the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Ugandan team is engaging with African leaders, regulators, innovators, and global technology partners to explore opportunities for deeper digital integration across the continent.As part of the high-level engagements, the delegation visited a state-of-the-art smartphone assembly plant in Athi River, where they witnessed the full local production process of affordable 4G smartphones — from component assembly to final testing and quality control.The team also toured the Nia Fiber plant, gaining insights into fiber optic manufacturing, and explored Kenya’s flagship Konza Technopolis, one of Africa’s most ambitious smart city and innovation ecosystem projects.Dr. Baryomunsi described the visits as eye-opening and highly instructive for Uganda’s own digital ambitions.“Learning from Kenya’s successes in local smartphone assembly, fiber infrastructure development, and innovation hubs like Konza gives us practical models we can adapt to Uganda’s context,” the Minister noted.He added that Uganda remains committed to building a vibrant digital economy that leaves no one behind.The Ministry’s strong participation at the Connected Africa Summit 2026 underscores the Government of Uganda’s determination to position the country as a serious player in the Fourth Industrial Revolution through strategic investments in AI, emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, and regional partnerships.Stakeholders at both the Kampala workshop and the Nairobi summit expressed optimism that these coordinated efforts will accelerate Uganda’s journey towards a knowledge-based, digitally empowered society.Ends