Uganda UCC: CTO@125 Celebrations Advance Digital Transformation

• Uganda's UCC delegation participated in the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation's 125th-anniversary celebrations in London on September 30, 2026.
• The event featured discussions on digital transformation, a heritage tour tracing telecommunications history, and ministerial roundtables for knowledge exchange among Commonwealth nations.
• The UCC e-Booster programme, which supports locally developed ICT solutions for unserved and underserved communities, received recognition at the CTO Digital Excellence Awards.
• Uganda is an active member of the CTO and currently serves as the First Vice-Chair of its Executive Committee.
• Uganda's participation in CTO activities provides crucial insights, benchmarking opportunities, and strengthens partnerships vital for its digital transformation strategy.

Uganda's active engagement within the CTO, coupled with the recognition of its e-Booster programme, underscores the nation's commitment to advancing its digital transformation strategy through international collaboration and local innovation.

Uganda recently joined fellow member states of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) in London to commemorate the organization's 125th anniversary. The event, held on September 30, 2026, convened a diverse assembly of regulators, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders from across the Commonwealth. The primary objectives were to reflect on the historical trajectory of telecommunications and to deliberate on the pivotal role of digital transformation in fostering socio-economic development.

A high-level delegation from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) represented the nation at these significant celebrations. The Ugandan team was led by Dr. Charity Basaza Mulenga, the Board Chairperson, alongside Board Member Mr. Bernard M. Katureebe, Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, and three additional Directors. Their presence underscored Uganda's commitment to international collaboration and its active participation in shaping the future of global telecommunications.

The celebratory program commenced with a comprehensive heritage tour, offering delegates a unique opportunity to explore the historical evolution of telecommunications. A notable segment of this tour highlighted the pioneering development of early transatlantic telegraph cables, which established crucial communication links between Europe and North America and marked a significant turning point in global connectivity. This historical perspective provided a foundational understanding of how telecommunications have transformed from rudimentary telegraph systems to the sophisticated digital technologies prevalent today.

Following the historical overview, the agenda progressed to forward-looking discussions, featuring keynote presentations that explored emerging technologies and the future landscape of digital transformation. These sessions illuminated the latest developments shaping the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Subsequently, ministerial roundtables provided a vital platform for representatives from member countries to exchange experiences, share diverse approaches, and discuss lessons learned from their respective national digital transformation journeys. These discussions were instrumental for benchmarking progress, facilitating knowledge exchange, and sharing practical insights among the participating nations.

The CTO@125 celebrations culminated in a prestigious Gala Dinner and the highly anticipated Digital Excellence Awards. These awards were designed to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding digital initiatives and innovations originating from across the Commonwealth. A significant highlight for Uganda was the recognition bestowed upon the UCC’s e-Booster programme.

The e-Booster initiative, implemented through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), is dedicated to supporting the development of locally conceived ICT solutions. Its core mission is to address pressing challenges within unserved and underserved communities and sectors across Uganda. This recognition at an international forum like the CTO Digital Excellence Awards underscores the impact and potential of Uganda's homegrown digital solutions.

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) functions as an intergovernmental treaty organization, committed to promoting and facilitating the effective adoption of ICTs globally. Its overarching mission is to foster affordable, secure, and universal access to ICTs, thereby contributing to sustainable development. Uganda maintains an active and prominent role within this organization, currently holding the position of First Vice-Chair of the CTO Executive Committee.

Uganda's consistent participation in CTO activities offers multifaceted benefits crucial for its national digital transformation strategy. These engagements provide invaluable opportunities for knowledge exchange, allowing Uganda to benchmark its progress against other Commonwealth nations and regulatory bodies. Furthermore, they serve to strengthen international partnerships and yield critical insights that directly support the country's ambitious digital transformation aspirations. Lawyers advising on ICT and digital transformation in Uganda should note the UCC's active role in international forums like the CTO, signaling the country's strategic direction and potential regulatory alignment with Commonwealth standards. The recognition of the e-Booster program further highlights government-supported areas for local ICT innovation, indicating key sectors for investment and development.

Lawyers advising on ICT and digital transformation in Uganda should note the UCC's active role in international forums like the CTO, signaling the country's strategic direction and potential regulatory alignment with Commonwealth standards. The recognition of the e-Booster program highlights government-supported areas for local ICT innovation.

Source: Reporting based on industry news and official statements.