By: Kanto Kai Okanta
The
Ministry of ICT & National Guidance has convened the 6th Joint Coordination
Committee Meeting of the Uganda ICT Industry Promotion Project, known as
UJ-Connect, to assess implementation progress and outline strategies for
long-term sustainability.
UJ-Connect
is a partnership between the Government of Uganda and Japan designed to
strengthen Uganda’s information and communications technology ecosystem. The
initiative focuses on creating an enabling policy environment, enhancing the
competitiveness of ICT human resources, facilitating business matching between
Ugandan and foreign ICT enterprises, and promoting technology-driven
entrepreneurship.
According
to the Ministry, the project has delivered measurable outcomes over the past
three years. These include improvements in policy and regulatory frameworks,
the expansion of industry-aligned digital skills training programmes, and the
strengthening of business linkages between Ugandan and Japanese companies. The
initiative has also supported startups, helping them develop innovations and
position their solutions for global markets.
Officials
noted that the coordination meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to
evaluate achievements, address implementation challenges, and define priorities
aimed at ensuring the continuity and impact of the programme beyond its current
phase.
The
UJ-Connect project forms part of Uganda’s broader digital transformation
agenda, which seeks to leverage ICT as a driver of economic growth, job
creation, and international collaboration.
