Uganda’s digital future will take centre stage later this month as the Internet Society Uganda Chapter (ISOC Uganda) convenes the Uganda Internet Governance Week 2026, bringing together policymakers, legislators, technology experts, civil society, academia and young innovators to shape the country’s digital agenda.
The four-day event will run from July 27 to 30 in Kampala under the theme, Shaping Uganda’s Digital Future: Building an Inclusive, Trustworthy, and Sustainable Internet.
Organisers say the gathering comes at a time when Uganda is rapidly embracing digital technologies, making internet governance increasingly important in ensuring that technology benefits citizens, businesses and public institutions.
The discussions are expected to focus on critical issues including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, online safety, data protection, digital public infrastructure and affordable internet access.
According to ISOC Uganda, the decisions made on these issues today will determine how Uganda harnesses technology to drive economic growth, innovation and social development in the years ahead.
The week-long programme will feature four flagship events aimed at different stakeholders.
The Uganda School of Internet Governance will provide participants with foundational and advanced training on internet governance and emerging digital issues, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure and the United Nations Global Digital Compact.
Young people will also have a platform through the Uganda Youth Internet Governance Forum, which seeks to strengthen youth participation in digital policy while encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, digital rights and online safety.
MPs and parliamentary staff will participate in the Uganda Parliamentary Internet Governance Forum, where discussions will focus on strengthening legislative capacity to address emerging digital policy issues and oversight responsibilities.
The programme will conclude with the Uganda Internet Governance Forum, the country’s leading multi stakeholder platform for dialogue on internet governance.
The forum is expected to generate recommendations that will contribute to Uganda’s national digital policy while feeding into regional and global internet governance processes.
Speaking ahead of the event, ISOC Uganda Chapter Lead Lillian Naryoga said internet governance has become a national issue that affects every Ugandan rather than a discussion reserved for technical specialists.
“The internet has become an essential part of our social and economic lives. Internet governance is no longer a conversation for technical experts alone. It affects every Ugandan. Uganda Internet Governance Week provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute towards building an internet that is open, secure, inclusive and beneficial for everyone,” she said.
Organisers say this year’s edition comes at an important moment in global digital cooperation following the adoption of the United Nations Global Digital Compact and the decision to make the Internet Governance Forum a permanent United Nations platform.
They believe these developments provide Uganda with an opportunity to strengthen its voice in international digital policy discussions while ensuring that the country’s priorities are reflected in global decision making.
The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical workshops, innovation exhibitions, networking sessions and collaborative engagements designed to produce practical recommendations for Uganda’s digital future.
