Here’s a bold statement: Uganda stands on the brink of a digital revolution that could unlock $4 billion in economic value and 1.8 million new jobs by 2030, but there’s a catch. Despite its vast potential, the country faces significant hurdles that keep millions disconnected from the digital world. And this is the part most people miss: even with 96% 4G coverage, a staggering 75% of Ugandans under mobile coverage still don’t use the internet. Why? High costs, unreliable energy, and a lack of digital skills are just the tip of the iceberg.
According to a groundbreaking report by the GSMA, the global organization for mobile operators, Uganda’s digital expansion could be a game-changer. Unveiled at the GSMA Digital Africa Summit in Kampala, the study, titled Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Uganda – Opportunities, Policy Reforms and the Role of Mobile, highlights how the mobile sector—already contributing 9% to the national GDP and employing 2.3 million people—could supercharge productivity in agriculture, trade, manufacturing, and services. But here’s where it gets controversial: the report argues that without urgent policy reforms, Uganda risks leaving millions behind in the digital divide.
The GSMA identifies mobile connectivity as the linchpin for inclusive growth, but barriers like expensive smartphones, sectoral taxes, and energy gaps are stifling progress. For instance, while 11.46 million Ugandans use mobile internet, this represents just 22% of the population. Is it fair to tax telecommunications so heavily when it could be the key to lifting millions out of poverty? The report urges the government to recognize telecom infrastructure as essential national infrastructure and calls for a digital-friendly tax system, regulatory stability, and affordable smartphones. It also advocates for modernizing laws around AI, cloud computing, and data protection to foster a competitive digital economy.
If these reforms are implemented, the GSMA predicts that 4G coverage could reach 99% of the population, connecting 19 million Ugandans to the internet. But here’s the real question: Can Uganda’s leaders and stakeholders come together to turn this vision into reality? Angela Wamola, GSMA’s Head of Africa, puts it bluntly: ‘Uganda’s digital transformation is fundamentally about its citizens. By making access affordable and policies predictable, digital progress can benefit everyone.’
The path to shared prosperity is clear, but it requires bold action. What do you think? Are these reforms feasible, or is Uganda’s digital future too ambitious? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the nation’s digital destiny.
