The First Deputy Prime Minister and minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has welcomed a proposal to establish the East African Digital Hub in Uganda, saying it will strengthen the country’s information and communications technology sector.
The proposed hub is part of the wider African Heritage initiative, a high-level global and regional platform that seeks to promote Africa’s identity, culture and traditions while advancing digital innovation across the continent.
The announcement was made during a media briefing ahead of the African Heritage Summit, which is expected to take place in Uganda in November 2026.
Kadaga assured the project’s promoters that the government would give the proposal the attention it deserves.
“This is a very great opportunity for us as a country. The government will carefully consider this proposal, and the relevant leadership will engage to ensure that such opportunities are properly handled for the benefit of Uganda,” she said.
She said the proposed East African Digital Hub has the potential to strengthen Uganda’s position as a regional technology and innovation centre while creating employment opportunities for young people and supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Speaking at the briefing, the chief executive officer, Moses Siloko Siasio, who is leading the hub project, said the initiative will begin with the African Heritage summit before engaging the Ugandan government on establishing the regional digital hub.
“This is a great opportunity to realise our dream of establishing a digital hub in Uganda, just as we have done in other parts of Africa. Our target is to tap into the ICT sector and create opportunities that will support innovation, digital skills and investment,” Siasio said.
The minister for ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, welcomed the proposal, saying it aligns with Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
She said the government has already developed a roadmap that prioritises digital transformation across public institutions.
“In ICT, we have a roadmap that includes digital transformation, where many government services are now delivered electronically, including e-services, e-procurement, and digital records management. This is important because it promotes transparency and efficiency,” Lumumba said.
She added that the government’s commitment to digital systems creates a favourable environment for investors.
“We encourage more investments in this country because we are transparent and committed to creating an environment where investors can operate with confidence,” she said.
The Minister of Trade, Sanjay Tanna, said Uganda’s youthful and educated population is a key advantage for ICT investment.
He said Uganda produces more than 300,000 graduates every year, creating a strong market for digital services and innovation.
“Our country has one of the youngest populations in the world. Every year, Uganda produces more than 300,000 graduates. This should give investors confidence that there is strong demand for ICT services and a workforce ready to drive innovation,” Tanna said.
