Homegrown information and communications technology (ICT) solutions are critical for Uganda’s development goals, according to George William Nyombi Thembo, executive director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). Thembo made the remarks Friday at the launch of the 9th National Conference on Communications (NCC), highlighting the need for local innovation to address the country’s challenges.
The NCC, themed “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Power Sustainable Local Solutions for Uganda’s Development Goals,” is scheduled for Oct. 2-3, 2025. It will be jointly hosted by ISBAT University and Gulu University.
“As scientists, researchers, academics and innovators, we must remain focused on generating solutions to the complex problems facing our society,” Thembo said. “Whether through disruptive technologies or progressive policies, research remains the backbone of successful digital transformation.”
Thembo emphasized that the UCC is committed to facilitating and enabling ICT development, aligning with its vision for a digitally inclusive economy.
“We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach every Ugandan,” he said.
First held in 2011, the NCC serves as UCC’s flagship annual forum. It promotes innovation, research and skills development within the ICT sector by providing a national platform for presenting peer-reviewed research, showcasing homegrown ICT innovations and fostering collaboration among academia, industry and government.
This year’s conference will expand its focus on practical solutions. More than 200 secondary school ICT clubs are expected to participate, up from 120 in 2023. These clubs will compete in regional and national-level innovation competitions, presenting solutions designed to address real-world challenges in Ugandan communities.
In addition to academic papers and policy conversations, new capacity-building activities will include hackathons, publishing masterclasses and the establishment of paper writing clubs across institutions.
The 9th NCC also comes as the UCC undertakes a comprehensive impact assessment of the conference program. This review aims to measure the event’s contribution to Uganda’s ICT innovation landscape, academic research output and policy development. Insights from the assessment will inform future editions and strategic focus areas.
UCC invites all stakeholders, including academics, innovators, development partners, policymakers and media, to participate. The commission states that collaborative efforts can shape a future where digital innovation drives Uganda’s sustainable development.
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