As Uganda steadily advances toward its ambition of becoming a digitally empowered society and a knowledge-based economy by 2040, Uganda’s technology finds itself at a critical moment. From expanding broadband coverage to nurturing local innovation hubs, the momentum is real. But beneath the surface, political uncertainties, especially the threat of internet shutdowns during elections, switching off Social Media platforms, among others, cast a shadow over the country’s digital aspirations.
In a candid conversation with Kalisho Info, Nashaba Victor, Team Leader at VINAStech, shared his reflections on Uganda’s tech journey, the role of the private sector, and the delicate balance between progress and politics.
Victor began by pointing to a shift in national thinking. “Uganda is moving from seeing ICT as a luxury to recognizing it as essential infrastructure,” he said. “We’ve laid over 3,000 kilometers of fibre connecting towns and government institutions. There are more than 26 million mobile subscribers. The government wants 90% broadband coverage by 2040. That direction is clear that we’re building a digital-first economy.”
But he was quick to caution that infrastructure alone isn’t enough. “We’re not just laying fibre; we’re rewiring mindsets,” he explained. “Digital skills, cybersecurity, innovation—these are the pillars. If we don’t skill our people and secure our systems, that fibre just becomes decoration.”
Uganda’s tech environment has grown rapidly, with incubation hubs, software startups, and local ICT firms like VINAStech becoming part of the national development story. Yet Victor sees a gap between innovation and impact. “We have brilliant innovators and strong hubs. The government is funding innovation through programs like NIISP. But many solutions don’t go beyond the prototype stage. Either the government doesn’t buy local, or private businesses still think foreign software is safer.”
He believes companies like VINAStech must bridge that gap. “Our job is to build systems that solve real problems: e-governance, digital payments, cybersecurity, small-business automation. Government needs us, and we need government. Without private sector leadership, digital Uganda will remain a document, not a reality.”
As Uganda digitises faster, cyber threats are rising just as quickly. Victor pointed out that while progress has been made, like establishing national and sectoral CERTs, many gaps remain. “Every business today is a digital business; even a roadside kiosk, once it starts, using mobile money is inevitable. But most SMEs have no cybersecurity framework. Even some public institutions are vulnerable. Cybersecurity is one of the biggest threats to Uganda’s digital future.”
He stressed the need for investment in digital hygiene, data privacy awareness, and trusted cloud infrastructure, especially as more government systems go online.
When the conversation turned to politics, Victor’s tone shifted. “Elections always put the tech sector in a strange paradox. On one hand, government is pushing for digital inclusion and online citizen participation. On the other hand, there’s the real possibility of internet restrictions or shutdowns.”
Uganda has experienced digital blackouts during past elections, and the impact is devastating. “An internet shutdown is like switching off the oxygen of a digital economy,” Victor said. “It disrupts hospitals, banks, SMEs, education platforms, and even agriculture systems that rely on real-time data. It sends a chilling message to investors. And most importantly, it stalls our journey to a knowledge-based society.”
He acknowledged that security concerns are valid, but argued that the cost of shutdowns far outweighs the problems they aim to solve. “We need stronger cyber monitoring, faster incident response, and better public communication, and not blanket shutdowns. If we want to meet Vision 2040 targets, 95% of government services online, 90% citizen access to e-services, then we must treat the internet as national infrastructure, not an optional service.”
Victor remains optimistic about Uganda’s digital future. The Digital Uganda Vision 2040 outlines a bold path: universal connectivity, widespread digital literacy, strong local innovations, secure systems, and a thriving digital economy. But he believes these goals will only be achieved through consistency and political stability.
“The next five years will determine if Uganda joins the global digital race or stays behind,” he said. “We need predictable policies, affordable internet, strong institutions, and uninterrupted digital access. If we get those right, the world will be surprised by what Ugandans can build.”
