By Beatrice Kayaga| On 30 July 2026, the Internet Society Uganda Chapter convened the third edition of the Uganda Parliamentary Internet Governance Forum (UPIGF), in partnership with the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) with support from the Civil Society Alliances for Digital Endowment (CADE). Under the CADE project, CIPESA works with partners to bridge the gap between legislators and the civil society. With understanding of the volatility in the technology sphere, partners keep parliamentarians abreast of the growing trends, building measures to uphold the rule of law through digital rights Across Africa. This year, the  Forum brought together 50 participants, 32 males and 18 females; including 19 members of Parliament, 1 regulator, civil society organisation members, the private sector, and development partners The discussion centred on how Uganda can harness technology for national development while ensuring that no one is left behind. This was a timely session, ushering in new members of the 12th parliament of Uganda, where they received an intensive brief on the fundamental rights of internet governance as they start their 5 year long term of office.The main highlights were three interconnected priorities critical to Uganda’s digital future; meaningful connectivity, empowering young people to innovate and adopt artificial intelligence (AI), and developing laws that are responsive to technological issues. In recognising connectivity as a foundation for the digital transformation, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, reiterated that internet connectivity is core to development and contributes to the achievement of the sustainable development goals. Hon. Lumumba cited statistics from the Uganda Communications Commission  which show that Uganda has 58.3 million active mobile phone device connections, 61.6 million SIM registrations, and 2.37 billion mobile money transactions a year. For millions of Ugandans, digital services provide a means for paying for goods and services, and supporting household livelihoods.

“Connectivity is now a payment infrastructure and whatever disrupts it, interrupts household income, not just communication,” Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba noted.

According to the Minister, two issues stand in the way of connectivity and these are; first the cost of internet bundles and devices which remain prohibitive for many rural communities, women, persons with disabilities and young people. Secondly, connectivity disruptions caused by infrastructure development works which has prompted the government’s proposal for a shared utility corridor in order to reduce disruptions. She expressed optimism that the challenges affecting connectivity and digital access would be progressively addressed through the National Backbone Infrastructure’s last mile. The next priority point would be to ensure that connectivity translates into tangible economic opportunities for individuals and communities. Members of Parliament identified artificial intelligence (AI preparedness as a strategic priority for Uganda’s economic transformation, citing the country’s youthful population. The minister called for AI solutions that are practical, people-centred and focused on solving the everyday challenges of citizens. A significant step towards AI preparedness is the validation of Uganda’s Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report  earlier this year by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in partnership with UNESCO. The assessment was developed through consultations involving government, academia, the private sector, civil society and development partners. The UPIGF reaffirmed the critical role of Parliament in shaping Uganda’s digital future through progressive legislation, effective oversight, and inclusive representation. Edrine Wanyama presented concerns about protecting personal data and safeguarding users’ rights in an era of expanding AI and platform use. He emphasised that as AI systems rely heavily on data, legal protections such as data privacy have become more relevant. The other issues raised was the need to review Uganda’s SIM card registration and recycling processes to address emerging security and privacy concerns. Given that telephone numbers are increasingly linked to mobile money accounts, bank accounts, government services, the recycling of SIM numbers can expose citizens to risks such as fraud, unauthorised access, impersonation and loss of access to important services. The Minister urged telecommunications operators, regulators, and Parliament to collaboratively design safeguards that strengthen consumer protection.  Participants identified several priority issues for the UPIGF to address. These included: 

• Fast-track outdated laws that have been overtaken by technology including the Electronic Signatures Act, the Electronic Transactions Act and the Computer Misuse Act so that they keep pace with technological change.
• Strengthen Parliament’s accountability and oversight role in safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms, including ensuring transparency where individuals are arrested or detained for expressing views or participating in lawful public discourse.
• Review the legal and regulatory framework governing SIM card registration and number recycling, working with government agencies, telecom regulators, mobile network operators to develop stronger safeguards for citizens’ data. 
• Pass laws that create an enabling environment for innovation, including reducing the laws that reduce tax burden on technology start-ups, innovation hubs and locally developed digital products, so Uganda can benefit from the global AI economy.
• Prioritise policies and legislative measures that promote affordable internet access for all Ugandans, given that the high cost of data remains a major barrier to meaningful digital inclusion.