Stakeholders call for human-centred digital transformation at Uganda Digital Rights Dialogue

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

Stakeholders from government, civil society, business and the digital rights community have called for a human-centred approach to digital transformation in Uganda during the Multi-stakeholder Dialogue on Business and Digital Rights organised by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA).

The dialogue brought together representatives from the European Union, Enabel, Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, private sector leaders and digital rights advocates to discuss the future of digital governance, artificial intelligence and digital inclusion in Uganda.

Participants highlighted the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies and digital policies are developed with human rights protections at the core.

Discussions at the event focused on Uganda’s National AI and Emerging Technologies Strategy, which is currently in its final stages. Stakeholders noted that the strategy seeks to align with international standards, including ISO/IEC 42001, while positioning Uganda as a leading technology hub in East Africa by 2040.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of increasing digital rights awareness at the grassroots level through the use of local languages and simplified communication approaches to improve inclusion for small businesses and underserved communities.

Participants further discussed the growing role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in enabling secure digital identity verification, financial integration and opportunities within the digital economy, including support for remote work and content creators.

The issue of data sovereignty also featured prominently during the discussions, with participants stressing the need for Uganda to strengthen local technical capacity to manage, secure and control national data systems independently.

Stakeholders agreed that stronger collaboration among public institutions, businesses, civil society and technology experts will be essential in building an inclusive, secure and rights-based digital future for Uganda.