As Uganda's digital landscape continues to evolve, leaders from government, business, technology, academia and the innovation ecosystem will gather at the Next Conference Center on 24 July 2026 for the third edition of the State of the Digital Economy (SODE 2026).
Organised by our communications agency Nextcom the conference will take place under the theme "Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity."
Over the past three years, SODE has grown into one of Uganda's leading platforms for conversations about digital transformation. Each edition has brought together policymakers, regulators, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and young creators to examine how technology can accelerate national development and improve everyday lives.
This year's edition builds on that foundation by asking a timely question: How can Uganda turn digital access into meaningful opportunities for its people?
While internet connectivity, smartphone ownership and digital services continue to expand across the country, attention is increasingly shifting towards how these advances translate into employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth.
SODE 2026 will explore this transition through discussions centred on four key pillars: Human Capital, Policy, Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
The conference will examine how Uganda can strengthen digital skills, build resilient digital systems, create enabling policies and prepare citizens and businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Beyond the keynote conversations and panel discussions, SODE 2026 will feature innovation exhibitions, fintech showcases, GovTech demonstrations, creator economy sessions and interactive masterclasses, giving participants an opportunity to experience how technology is transforming industries across Uganda.
One of the highlights of this year's programme will be the Vibe Hackathon, where young innovators will collaborate with experienced developers to solve real-world challenges using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The challenge is expected to demonstrate the creativity and problem-solving potential of Uganda's growing technology community while inspiring practical solutions to everyday challenges.
The conference also provides an important platform for dialogue between government, regulators, the private sector, and young innovators at a time when digital transformation continues to shape the country's economic future.
Uganda has made significant progress in expanding mobile connectivity, digital payments, and online services over recent years. However, conversations across previous editions of SODE have consistently highlighted the importance of ensuring that these advances create lasting value through better digital skills, stronger cybersecurity, supportive regulation, and broader participation in the digital economy.
SODE 2026 will take place on Friday, 24 July 2026, at the Next Conference Center, Next Media Park, welcoming policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, developers, educators, students, and everyone interested in shaping Uganda's digital future.
As Uganda continues its digital transformation journey, the conversation is no longer simply about getting connected. It is about ensuring every connection creates opportunity, every innovation solves a real challenge, and every citizen has a chance to participate in the country's digital future.