The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), led by Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo., is holding a two-day strategic engagement with the newly appointed Parliamentary Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of efforts to strengthen Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
The engagement is aimed at bringing UCC and Parliament together to discuss key policy and legislative issues affecting Uganda’s growing digital sector. The discussions are expected to help ensure that laws and policies remain relevant as technology continues to change rapidly.
A major focus of the meeting is strengthening policy and legislative alignment to support Uganda’s vision of becoming a more digitally connected country. The engagement is being held in line with the goal of achieving a Connected Uganda 2030, which seeks to expand access to digital services and create an environment where technology can contribute more effectively to national development.
The discussions are also addressing emerging regulatory challenges within the communications sector. As more Ugandans gain access to the internet, smartphones and digital platforms, new challenges continue to emerge, requiring strong and up-to-date regulations.
Digital safety is another key issue being discussed during the engagement. UCC and the Parliamentary ICT Committee are looking at ways of promoting safer use of digital platforms while protecting users from online threats and other forms of digital harm.
The meeting is also focusing on responsible online engagement. With social media and other online platforms playing an increasingly important role in communication, UCC is expected to work with Parliament to encourage responsible use of these platforms while supporting a safe and inclusive digital environment.
The sustainable growth of Uganda’s communications sector is also among the issues on the table. The sector has continued to play an important role in connecting people, businesses and institutions, making effective regulation and supportive legislation important for its continued development.
The two-day engagement provides an opportunity for lawmakers and the communications regulator to share ideas, identify gaps and explore practical solutions to challenges facing Uganda’s digital sector. It is also expected to strengthen cooperation between Parliament and UCC as the country moves towards its long-term digital transformation goals.
The engagement comes at a time when technology is becoming increasingly important in education, business, government services, communication and everyday life. UCC says continued collaboration with Parliament will be important in creating policies and laws that support innovation while protecting users and promoting sustainable growth.
