Uganda is positioning itself at the centre of Africa’s digital future after securing the bid to host the Digital Government Africa Summit 2026, even as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently underscored the role of technology and innovation in driving socio-economic transformation during a State House engagement with national leaders signalling a strong policy push toward digital governance and service delivery.

Uganda will host the 2026 edition of Digital Government Africa from October 6th to 8th, under the leadership of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey.

The summit, one of Africa’s leading platforms on e-governance, will convene government leaders, technology experts, private sector players, development partners, and investors to explore innovative solutions aimed at improving public service delivery and strengthening digital systems across the continent.

Addressing the media at the Uganda Media Centre, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, described the summit as a reflection of Africa’s shifting priorities, where digital transformation is no longer optional, but fundamental to governance, economic growth, and citizen engagement.

He emphasized that Uganda’s role goes beyond hosting, positioning the country as an active contributor to shaping Africa’s digital agenda through policy, infrastructure development, and innovation.

The summit is expected to elevate Uganda’s profile as a regional hub for digital governance, while offering a platform to showcase progress in areas such as e-services, digital identity systems, and integrated government platforms.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, highlighted strides made in strengthening data protection frameworks and securing digital systems to safeguard citizen information.

He noted that the summit will also unlock opportunities for key sectors, including agriculture, by leveraging digital tools to connect farmers to wider markets and improve productivity.

Stakeholders are now urging government agencies, private sector players, and especially the youth to actively participate, describing the summit as a gateway to innovation, skills development, and continental collaboration.

As Uganda prepares to host the high-level gathering, the event is expected to draw participants from across Africa and beyond reinforcing the country’s growing influence in shaping a digitally-driven future for the continent.