This morning at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, shared Uganda’s incredible journey in telecommunications during a media briefing at the Digital Africa Summit. The story is truly remarkable. Just twenty-five years ago, Uganda had fewer than 50,000 telephone lines. Today, the country celebrates more than 40 million active subscribers. This growth shows how far Uganda has come and how technology has transformed the lives of ordinary citizens.
The private sector has played a huge role in this transformation. By investing in infrastructure and innovative services, businesses have helped spread connectivity even to remote parts of Uganda, where reaching people used to be a major challenge. According to Thembo, this partnership between the public and private sectors is vital to continue improving the digital landscape. The UCC now focuses on encouraging innovation rather than imposing restrictions, allowing the technology industry to thrive and serve more people across the country.
However, connectivity alone is not enough. Thembo stressed that to fully benefit from technology, Uganda must bridge the “digital usage gap.” This means providing reliable signals, creating relevant content, teaching digital skills, making devices affordable, and developing a strong ecosystem for innovation. The goal is to ensure that every Ugandan, whether in a busy city or a rural village, can access and effectively use digital tools for education, business, and communication.
Affordability remains a critical issue. High costs for devices and data can prevent people from enjoying the benefits of technology. To address this, the UCC is actively working to lower costs, especially through initiatives like the PDM program. This program aims to make both devices and data more accessible to all Ugandans, giving everyone a chance to participate in the digital world. Thembo highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving this goal, thanking businesses and organizations that have contributed to making technology more affordable.
Beyond policy and infrastructure, Thembo also reflected on how technology has changed everyday life for families in Uganda. From education to business, digital tools now touch every part of life. People can communicate faster, learn online, and access services that were once out of reach. This shift shows that technology is not just about connectivity—it’s about improving lives and creating opportunities for growth.
Looking ahead, the UCC is committed to continuing this progress. Thembo emphasized the need to listen to the voices of both citizens and clients, ensuring that policies reflect the needs of real people. By combining innovation, affordability, and education, Uganda is setting the stage for a stronger digital future. Every step, from expanding network coverage to teaching digital skills, brings the country closer to a society where technology empowers everyone equally.
Uganda’s journey from a nation with barely 50,000 telephone lines to one with over 40 million active subscribers is inspiring. It shows the power of collaboration between government, private sector, and citizens. With continued focus on innovation, digital literacy, and affordability, the country is not just keeping up with global trends—it is setting an example for others in Africa. As Thembo concluded, the digital revolution in Uganda is far from over, and by working together, the nation can continue to advance, innovate, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age
