Every once in a while, a country arrives at a moment where it must choose, not out of pressure, but out of purpose. I believe Uganda is at such a moment.
We are witnessing the world change swiftly. Technology is evolving into the new currency of economies, of access, and power.
The question we must all grapple with is simple: Will we be consumers of someone else’s innovation, or creators of our digital destiny?
For me, the answer lies in something deeper than connectivity and devices. It lies in people.
In talent. In building systems and infrastructure that allow that talent to thrive, not just in Kampala, but in every corner of this country.
Digital transformation is about the potential of unlocking what already exists in our communities but has long been held back by a lack of access, resources, or opportunity.
I believe there are three things we must prioritize. First, we need a strong digital backbone.
Without reliable infrastructure, whether it’s internet connectivity, cloud platforms, or data centres, innovation cannot take root.
Ideas need highways to travel, and if those highways are broken or missing, then even the most brilliant minds are cut off from possibility.
If we want our children to compete in the global economy, if we want small businesses to scale beyond borders, then our networks must be fast, affordable, and available to all.
Second, we must invest in local innovation. Uganda has no shortage of talent.
Young coders are building agricultural apps in Gulu, educators in Mbale are using digital tools to bridge learning gaps, and health workers in Fort Portal are using mobile tech to reach underserved patients. But we need to do more than applaud them; we need to support them, invest in them, and clear the path so their ideas can grow.
Innovation needs an ecosystem of funding, mentorship, market access, and policy that encourages risk-taking and rewards creativity.
Third, and maybe most importantly, we need to be intentional about inclusion.
It cannot be that only the urban and the privileged get to be part of the digital economy.
Every Ugandan deserves access. Because true transformation happens when everyone moves forward together.
These reflections were cemented for me during the 2nd National ICT Summit, where I had the honour of contributing alongside fellow changemakers.
In my role at Roke Telkom, I’m often reminded that our job isn’t just to provide infrastructure, it’s to connect dreams, to power possibility, to stand in the gap between vision and reality.
Uganda’s digital future is already taking shape, and it will only be meaningful if we build it ourselves, with our values, our people, and our needs in mind.
The work is ours. And the time is now.
Timothy Mugenyi is the Head of Partnerships and Community Impact at Roke Telkom
