Uganda strengthens data governance framework to boost digital connectivity
Date: 2025-06-07
The Ministry of ICT & National Guidance has concluded a high-level Data Protection & Privacy CEO Conference, marking a significant step in Uganda's journey toward robust digital governance. The event, organized in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission and the Personal Data Protection Office, brought together over 200 corporate leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to address critical data protection challenges in the digital economy.
Minister for
ICT & National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi set the tone for discussions,
emphasizing the conference's role in operationalizing Uganda's Data Protection
and Privacy Act (2019). "Effective data governance forms the bedrock of
digital trust and economic transformation," stated Baryomunsi.
"This gathering accelerates our collective responsibility to protect
citizens' digital rights while enabling innovation."
The full-day
symposium featured intensive sessions on harmonizing organizational data
practices with Uganda's legal framework, East African Community standards, and
global privacy regulations like GDPR. CEOs from Uganda's banking, telecom, and
e-commerce sectors shared compliance roadmaps, while regulators outlined
enforcement mechanisms for the four-year-old legislation.
"The
digital economy contributes 8% to Uganda's GDP, but this growth must not
compromise privacy," remarked a
leading fintech executive during panel discussions. The conference particularly
highlighted risks in emerging areas like digital ID systems, AI-driven
services, and cloud adoption – all rapidly expanding in Uganda's tech
landscape.
With East
Africa's data protection landscape evolving, Uganda's initiative positions the
country as a regional leader in balancing innovation with citizen rights. The
Ministry announced plans to institutionalize the conference as an annual
platform, coinciding with capacity-building programs for small businesses
navigating compliance requirements.
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
