Uganda's digital transformation took centre stage on Friday, 24th July 2026, as leaders from government, the private sector, academia, development partners, innovators and young creators gathered at the Next Conference Centre for the third edition of the State of the Digital Economy (SODE 2026).
Organised by our communications agency - NextCom, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and other partners, this year's conference was held under the theme, "Beyond Connectivity: Turning Access into Opportunity."
The discussions reflected on how Uganda can build greater value from its growing digital infrastructure by creating jobs, strengthening businesses and expanding opportunities for citizens through technology.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, challenged stakeholders to move beyond expanding digital access and focus on solutions that improve livelihoods. She encouraged innovators, businesses and researchers to develop technologies that respond to real challenges while reaffirming the government's commitment to building an inclusive digital economy.
Our Group CEO Kin Kariisa reflected on Uganda's progress over the past two decades, noting that the country's conversation has moved from achieving internet connectivity to creating value from it. He called for greater investment in digital skills, affordable internet and devices, and wider monetisation opportunities for local content creators.
Opening the conference, NextCom General Manager and Chief Marketing & Ventures Officer Joy Mwangi highlighted the role of collaboration in advancing Uganda's digital economy. She reaffirmed NextCom's commitment to supporting organisations through digital communications while investing in programmes such as Next Creata that equip young people with practical digital skills linked to employment and entrepreneurship.
The conference also explored the growing creator economy, with Next Media's Head of Content Hubs, Eugene Kavuma, sharing how Next Creata is helping young Ugandans build sustainable careers through content creation, digital storytelling and creator development.
Beyond the main stage, participants engaged with innovation showcases, exhibitions and networking sessions that connected policymakers, entrepreneurs, technology companies, financial institutions, students and digital innovators.
Now in its third edition, the State of the Digital Economy continues to provide a platform where ideas, policy and innovation come together to shape Uganda's digital future. As conversations concluded, one message stood out clearly: expanding access is only the beginning. The greater opportunity lies in equipping more Ugandans to use digital technologies to create businesses, generate income and drive national development.
As organisers of the State of the Digital Economy, we continue to create platforms that convene conversations capable of influencing national development.
Uganda's digital future will be defined by how effectively technology creates employment, supports entrepreneurship, strengthens businesses, improves public services and expands opportunities for citizens across the country.
The conversations have been held. The ideas have been shared. The partnerships have been strengthened.
The next step is turning those conversations into action.
That is the challenge and the opportunity that now lies before Uganda's digital ecosystem.