By:
Robert Kwaku Annor
The
Ministry of ICT & National Guidance in Uganda has convened sector-based
focus group discussions as part of efforts to develop the country’s National
Emerging Technologies Strategy.
The
engagement brought together stakeholders from government, industry, academia
and the private sector to share perspectives on how emerging technologies can
support Uganda’s digital transformation and economic growth.

Participants
discussed the potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence,
blockchain, the Internet of Things, big data, robotics, cloud computing and
quantum computing in strengthening innovation and expanding opportunities
within the country’s digital economy.
Speaking
during the discussions, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Aminah
Zawedde, said Uganda is at a critical point in its digital transformation
journey and that policy decisions taken today will shape how the country’s
economy, institutions and society evolve in the coming decades.

According
to her, the development of the strategy is intended to guide the responsible
adoption and deployment of emerging technologies while positioning Uganda to
benefit from global technological advancements.
The
consultations form part of a broader process aimed at gathering inputs from key
stakeholders to ensure that the National Emerging Technologies Strategy
reflects the priorities of government, industry and the wider technology
ecosystem.