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Tag: Chris Baryomunsi

  • Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa cautions Kanungu against sectarianism

    Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa cautions Kanungu against sectarianism

    The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has cautioned the people of Kanungu especially the youth against sectarianism based on religion, emphasizing that it hinders development and has no place in Parliament.

    The Deputy Speaker said while officiating as the chief guest at the graduation of 101 students at Great Lakes Regional University, Kanungu District on Saturday March 22nd 2025.

    He congratulated Dr. Chris Baryomunsi on his installation as Chancellor and commend the graduates on their achievements.

    He highlighted how the university, founded by an Anglican, was later rescued by a Catholic during a time of crisis—an example of unity over division. Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa urged everyone to focus on progress and development.

  • Thirty and Still Giving: MultiChoice Uganda Celebrates 30 Years of revolutionizing entertainment

    Thirty and Still Giving: MultiChoice Uganda Celebrates 30 Years of revolutionizing entertainment

    Kampala: MultiChoice Uganda, the home of great Pay-TV entertainment, has today marked its 30th anniversary celebrations with a grand event to revel its remarkable contribution to Uganda’s entertainment landscape.

    The gala at Mestil Hotel, brought together subscribers, key sector stakeholders and trailblazers in the entertainment industry to honour MultiChoice Uganda’s three decades of excellence and impact.

    The anniversary event served as a platform for MultiChoice to highlight its journey which has evolved from what was a budding prospect in 1994 to a household staple that has redefined how Ugandans relate with and consume content.

    MultiChoice Uganda entered the Ugandan market in 1994 with the vision of becoming the leading provider of first-class entertainment. Over the past 30 years, it has been key in shaping the country’s entertainment landscape
    The event was graced by Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, who commended MultiChoice Uganda for elevating the country’s entertainment landscape to an international level by promoting film as a tourist attraction.

    “MultiChoice Uganda has played a pivotal role in transforming our media and entertainment landscape. Over the past three decades, they have not only provided exceptional pay-TV services but have also been a beacon of progress and development,” he narrated, “their contributions have been instrumental in our journey especially during the time of transitions from analogue to digital broadcasting, enhancing the quality of television services for millions of Ugandans.”

    He explained that, “In alignment with our National Development Plan, MultiChoice Uganda has seamlessly integrated into our vision for a prosperous and technologically advanced Uganda. The National Development Plan emphasizes the importance of digital transformation as a catalyst for sustainable development and socio-economic growth.”

    “Through it’s local content development and skills-transfer initiatives in the last few years, MultiChoice Uganda’s efforts have significantly bolstered this vision, ensuring that our citizens have access to world-class entertainment from both local and international content,” he remarked.

    In his address, Glauco Ferreira, the Regional Director, MultiChoice Africa Holdings, expressed the business’ gratitude to the line ministry, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, regulator, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), acknowledging a conducive regulatory environment. “Marking 30 years is no mean feat, and being able to remain steadfast in our mission is a testament to a regulatory landscape that enables businesses flourish,” he said.
    “Our focus remains the same, being Africa’s most-loved storyteller through the incredible local stories you watch on DStv and GOtv across the continent,” Ferreira noted.

    Hassan Saleh, the Managing Director, MultiChoice Uganda commended stakeholders including subscribers and staff who been integral to the business and its existence from inception to date.
    “Allow me convey our deepest gratitude to our subscribers, staff, multi-sectoral partners, and staff for walking this journey of a thousand miles, the feedback, great campaigns, and collaborative efforts towards who we are today, thirty and still giving,” Saleh pronounced.

    He noted that “It is indeed a great honor to witness the incredible milestones made to this day that embody who we are and what we stand for,” observing that, “Over the past 30 years, we are proud to have made a significant impact by contributing to the economy through job creation, investment in local content production through M-net, supporting the country’s analogue to Digital migration efforts, sports promotion and skilling through the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF).

    Saleh narrated that, “In the last six years, we have spearheaded a local content renaissance, partnering and collaborating with and proving aspiring filmmakers with opportunities to showcase their work on platforms tailored for local content, Pearl Magic and Pearl Magic Prime.”
    These collaborative efforts, he explained have seen up to 40 commissioned and licensed shows brought to your screens, with more expected in the months ahead.

    “As we look to the future, we are focusing on the digital transformation of content delivery. The recent enhancements to our GOtv Stream and DStv Stream services, refreshed self-service platforms, MyDStv app and MyGOtv app as well as the reintroduced Showmax 2.0 Video-on-Demand platform, a demonstration of our commitment to deliver the best in Entertainment.

    A refreshed Showmax 2.0 was launched giving guests a glimpse into what to expect on the platform, a culmination of a strategic collaboration between Comcast’s NBC Universal and Sky, leveraging cutting-edge technology behind Peacock, a globally acclaimed streaming service.

    Showmax relaunched will give subscriber subscription options for Mobile and All Devices including a Mobile-only English Premier League option as well as bundle connections. Prices are affordable starting from as low Ugx 11,400.

  • Huawei Technologies Uganda Successfully hosts the 3rd National ICT Job Fair 2024

    Huawei Technologies Uganda Successfully hosts the 3rd National ICT Job Fair 2024

    Kampala: Huawei Technologies Uganda Company Limited in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has successfully launched the National ICT Job Fair 2024, held at National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa.

    The two-day event set for 21st and 22nd November, was officiated by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja and attracted over thousands of participants, including fresh graduates, ICT professionals, industry leaders, and key government and private policy makers, marking a significant milestone in fostering innovation, skill development, and employment opportunities in Uganda’s ICT sector.

    Themed “Shaping Uganda’s Digital Future: Bridging Skills, Innovation and Opportunity” the job fair provided a dynamic platform for participants to connect with potential employers, gain insights from keynote speakers, and explore the latest trends in technology. Over job opportunities and internships were showcased by leading companies in the ICT industry, including Huawei Technologies.

    Dr Aminah Zawedde PS MoICT

    The chief guest, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja the Prime Minister, upon arrival inspected the different exhibition booths from the different companies that where showcasing what they do and what opportunities they are offering to the youth in the ICT sector of Uganda. In her opening remarks she highlighted the government’s commitment and prioritization of ICT in its development plans for the socio-economic transformation of the country.

    Mr. Ssali Gao Deputy Managing Director Huawei Technologies Uganda

    “Through strategic investments in infrastructure, skills development and innovation, we are creating an enabling environment for ICT to thrive,” Hon. Nabbanja said, noting that ICT remains one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, offering limitless opportunities and unlocking opportunities for economic growth, empowers our youth, and positions Uganda in the global digital economy. She thanked the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for the strategic partnerships with key stakeholders like Huawei Technologies to bridge the digital divide and skill mismatch gap to unlock the potential of our youth and build a robust ICT ecosystem.

    Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja Prime Minister of Uganda speaking at the Job Fair

    Senior officials from the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, other government line ministries, agencies and departments were present at the job fair. Hon. Dr. Chris Bayromunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance in his key note address pointed out that the ministry is charged with the mandate of driving digital transformation in the country and ensuring technology benefits all Ugandans. “We must invest in young people and make them an asset for the country, not a burden.” said the honorable minister. Also, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT, Dr. Aminah Zawedde pointed out the ministries’ goal of creating at least 30,000 direct jobs related to the ICT sector. she went on and said “We are emphasizing innovation and interpretation to get solutions that address the challenges facing the country.”

    Participants of the 3rd Annual ICT Job Fair

    Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong said that ICT is a key driver of development. The industrial chain cooperation, one of the 10 partnership actions announced by China during the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in September this year, includes plans for China and Africa to build a digital technology cooperation center and initiate 20 digital demonstration projects, he said. “With its continued growth, I believe the ICT sector can create more job opportunities for talented young men and women, greatly addressing their concerns and fostering digital inclusiveness,” Zhang said.

    Hon Dr Chris Bayromunsi Minister of ICT & NG

    Mr. Ssali Gao, The Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Uganda in his speech emphasized Huawei’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and the industry. “At Huawei, we believe technology is a bridge to opportunity. They say that thanks to technology, the world has become one small global village and I could not agree more. In the near future, technology and ICT will be the backbone of every industry in the world. This means that skilled personnel in these sectors will be highly needed.” “This, ladies and gentlemen, is why we are here today, attending this ICT job fair,” said Mr. Gao.

    Attendees directly met and engaged with leading Ugandan institutions in the ICT industry offering jobs, internships, and training exploring potential roles in areas such as software development, data science, network engineering, and cyber security. The skills development and training workshops provided hands-on sessions led by experts from Huawei and other industry leaders which offered training in sought-after skills, including coding, digital marketing, resume writing and AI applications.

    Furthermore, esteemed speakers and panelists from government, academia, and the private sector discussed trends, challenges, and future prospects in Uganda’s ICT landscape availing connections with ICT professionals, innovators, and peers to explore partnerships and collaborations.

    Huawei Technologies Uganda Company Limited is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. Operating in Uganda since 2001, Huawei is committed to innovation, collaboration, and empowering communities through technology. The National ICT Job Fair is part of Huawei Technologies global cooperate social responsibility initiative. The job fair connects the students’ and young professionals ICT talent to the job opportunities in Huawei ICT ecosystem.

  • ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi: Government to Continue Working with Huawei to Achieve the Digital Transformation

    ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi: Government to Continue Working with Huawei to Achieve the Digital Transformation

    Kampala: The Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Chris Baryomunsi has said that government of Uganda is to continue working with Huawei to fast-tracking digital in order to achieve the 2040 digital vision.

    He made these remarks yesterday at the Huawei ICT Congress 2023 held at Sheraton Hotel Kampala.

    The Huawei ICT Congress is a mirror of the Mobile World Congress always held in Barcelona where Huawei has been a top exhibitor showcasing the latest technology. The Huawei ICT Congress 2023 with the theme “Guide to the Intelligent World” organized by Huawei Uganda is aimed at Building collaborations between Uganda & Huawei to support & deploy AI in all sectors of Uganda’s Economy. Huawei exhibited technology in Smart converged offices network, smart education solutions, green datacenter solutions, Huawei cloud, national digital transformation solutions, 5G to Business and Rural networks. This is the second time Huawei is holding such an event in Uganda.

    The Minister of ICT and National guidance Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi emphasized the need to embrace and integrate technology in all sectors of the Uganda’s economy such as agriculture, education and Health among others for better service delivery and productivity.

    “We must embrace technology because during the COVID-19 lockdown, children in urban areas who had access to technology benefited more than those in rural areas… so during that time (covid-19 lockdown) ICT was more appreciated by many others who never thought needed technology. Our desire as the ministry is that when we speak of 4th industrial revolution and the technological advances, we must move and Join the rest of the world,” said Chris Baryomunsi.

    “We want thank Huawei for the good work you are doing, you are one of the committed partners, we have worked with you in many programs such as the National Backbone Infrastructure just as the NITA ED mentioned and we shall continue working with you in the future for our digital transformation journey,” he added.

    In attendance at the congress was Dr. Amina Zawedde, Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT and National guidance NITA-U’s Hatwib Mugasa, Huawei Vice president of Carrier Business Group Southern Africa Mad Chen, Huawei Vice President of Enterprise Business group Amy Xia and Huawei Uganda MD Gaofei.

    While giving her remarks, The Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT and National Guidance Dr. Aminah Zawedde applauded Huawei for enabling various digital opportunities in Uganda called upon all innovators, tech start-ups, and BPO firms to take advantage of the opportunities availed by Huawei. She said that digital transformation is part and parcel of all government agendas to acknowledge the fast-growing sub-sector.

    “Thank you, Huawei for the enormous opportunities provided to the Ugandan population. Digital transformation is at the heart of the country & we need to acknowledge that the country is transforming at a very fast rate thus we as a ministry have been tasked with creating an enabling digital vision having the people at the center of it all” she said

    The Executive Director of NITAU Uganda, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa said that they are working together with Huawei, to establish a National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) that spans over 4,000 kilometers across the country.

    He said this has enabled access to high-speed internet for businesses, schools, and communities in remote areas of Uganda. The NBI enabled the successful implementation of e-government services which have greatly improved efficiency and transparency in government operations.

    “We are working tirelessly to ensure that the policy’s goals are achieved by providing the necessary infrastructure and support for the digital transformation of Uganda” he said

    According to Huawei’s Vice President & President of Huawei Cloud of Southern Africa Stone He, “Last year, Huawei and Ugandan operators worked together to deepen connectivity to connect more people, homes, enterprises, Improve ICT skills for young people and joint innovations. With the strong support of the Ministry of ICT, We are glad to see that, Uganda’s network coverage and quality has been significantly improved, Internet users continued to increase, and the digital economy is showing gradual progress”.

    “We hope that this year, we will continue to work with the Ministry of ICT and the operators in Uganda to improve coverage, user experience, unleash digital productivity and enable digital transformation, Create more business and social value for Uganda,” he added

    Previously, Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launched the Huawei DigiTruck project in Uganda to provide free digital skills training for more than 10,000 beneficiaries over three years as part of digital transformation and inclusion.

  • Uganda Now Saving Over 4 Trillion Shillings Annually in Costs Because of Digitization Says NITA-U

    Uganda Now Saving Over 4 Trillion Shillings Annually in Costs Because of Digitization Says NITA-U

    Kampala: Uganda is now saving 4 trillion shillings annually in costs because of National Backbone Infrastructure says NITA-U Executive Director Dr. Hatwib Mugasa. 

    He made these remarks at the Huawei ICT Congress 2022 currently taking place at the Sheraton hotel Kampala which ended today.
    Mr Hatwib expressed that because of the National backbone infrastructure project, government services have managed to go online and more than 1,400 Ministries, Agencies and Local Government (MDA) offices can now utilize electronic services such as integrated management systems, e-tax, e-passports, hence saving a huge chunk of money and time that would have been spent on making services available to Ugandans.
    NITA-U Executive Director Dr. Hatwib Mugasa. “NITA-U has been working with Huawei for more than 10 years since the National Backbone Infrastructure/e-government project was started. We have rolled out over 4172km of backbone fibre cable in over 62 Districts of Uganda. We are also rolling out last mile fiber cable to extend connectivity to the grass root user all the way to the Parish. In a few weeks from now we shall have completed 764km under the Last Mile Phase and citizens shall be able to access e-government services at 1,400 administrative locations. By digitalizing government processes and hosting them at the National Data Centre, NITA-U has managed to saves the Government of Uganda more than 4 Trillion Shillings annually in direct public expenditure. This cost that would have be spent on paper, manual processes and Data Centres service fees for each MDA,” he said.
    Ms Amy Xia, Huawei’s Vice President Enterprise Business group emphasized the need for digitalization because it is currently an industry consensus.
    She added that Huawei has heavily invested in research and development to benefit countries like Uganda and aid them in their digital process.
    Ms Amy Xia, Huawei’s Vice President Enterprise Business group “As digital transformation has become an industry consensus, the focus has been shifted from “whether or not to go digital”, to “how to go digital!”. Huawei has invested heavily in research and development for Uganda so that we can achieve the creation of new value together. We have carefully considered today to exhibit the various technologies you see here so that we can together walk the digital journey of Uganda,” she said.
    The Huawei ICT Congress 2022 is a mirror of the Mobile World Congress always held in Barcelona where Huawei has been a top exhibitor showcasing the latest technology.
    The Huawei ICT Congress 2022 with the theme “Lighting up the Future” organized by Huawei Uganda is aimed at helping businesses and ICT users such as governments, telecoms, regulators and enterprises innovate business models, improve quality and efficiency, enhance experience, and strengthen resilience in their digital work and productivity, and digital service processes. Huawei exhibited technology in smart homes, smart offices, cloud solutions, safe and smart cities and so much more.
    This is the first of its kind by Huawei in Africa and looks to do many more the coming years.
    In attendance was Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon Chris Baryomunsi, NITA-U’s Hatwib Mugasa, Huawei Vice president of Carrier Business Group Southern Africa Mad Chen, Huawei Vice President of Enterprise Business group Amy Xia and Huawei Uganda MD Gaofei.
  • Uganda’s ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi: Uganda Fast-Tracking Digital to Achieve the Digital Vision 2040

    Uganda’s ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi: Uganda Fast-Tracking Digital to Achieve the Digital Vision 2040

    Kampala: The Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Chris Baryomunsi says government of Uganda is fast-tracking digital in order to achieve the 2040 digital vision.

    He made these remarks today at the Huawei ICT Congress 2020 held at Sheraton Hotel Kampala.

    In attendance was NITA-U’s Hatwib Mugasa, Huawei Vice president of Carrier Business Group Southern Africa Mad Chen, Huawei Vice President of Enterprise Business group Amy Xia and Huawei Uganda MD Gaofei.

    Members who attended the Huawei ICT Digital Congress 2022

    The Huawei ICT Congress 2022 is a mirror of the Mobile World Congress always held in Barcelona where Huawei has been a top exhibitor showcasing the latest technology.

    The Huawei ICT Congress 2022 with the theme “Lighting up the Future” organized by Huawei Uganda is aimed at helping businesses and ICT users such as governments, telecoms, regulators and enterprises innovate business models, improve quality and efficiency, enhance experience, and strengthen resilience in their digital work and productivity, and digital service processes. Huawei exhibited technology in smart homes, smart offices, cloud solutions, safe and smart cities and so much more.

    This is the first of its kind by Huawei in Africa and looks to do many more the coming years.

    Hon. Chris Baryomunsi delivering his remarks at the Huawei ICT Congress 2022

    According to Chris Baryomunsi, ICT is now Uganda’s fastest growing sector and is also a major driver to Uganda’s Middle-income status just as the 2040 Digital vision states.

    He emphasized that because of this reason, the government is fast-tracking digital to harness new emerging technologies such as those exhibited at Huawei congress.

    “We however look to harness new emerging technologies such as those exhibited by Huawei at Barcelona and today for more fruit. We need to look to the future of digital and start implementing the necessary digital infrastructure so that we are not left behind. In building robust ultra-high speed, pervasive, intelligent and trusted high speed ICT infrastructure all over the country, the government has diligently worked towards expanding the nation’s digitalization in a number of fields, in order to unleash the multiplier effect of ICT on associated secondary and tertiary industries for tremendous impact on the economy. Thanks to NITA-U, UCC and other players in this regard. These efforts have borne fruit. ICT is now Uganda’s fastest growing sector and contributes significantly to its GDP”, he said.

    Hon Chris Baryomunsi further thanked Huawei for organizing the congress that has made technologies that have always been talked about like 5G, A.I and many others real.

    “One of the reasons why we came up with the 2040 Uganda Digital vision is to effectively use and encourage adoption of mature and emerging technologies. So I am deeply impressed by their advanced technology, especially their achievements in network security and 5G technology”.

    NITA-U Ed Dr. Hatwib Mugasa checking out the exhibition

    Huawei’s Vice President of Carrier Business Group Southern Africa Mr. Mad Chen emphasized Huawei’s commitment to working together with the government of Uganda to achieve its digital vision of 2040.

    “We are innovating and inventing for the fast approaching digital world and economy. We have invested heavily in our R&D to light the way forward for you and me. Huawei will continue to play its part in helping its customers achieve digitization by; increasing strategic investment into foundational technologies to reshape the technical paradigm, and continuing with its globalization strategy, in standards, talent, supply chain and much more. In Uganda, we hope to continue working together with the Ministry of ICT, NITA-U and all other regulators in Uganda to help you achieve the 2040 Digital Uganda Vision,” he said.

    Huawei Vice President of Carrier Business Group Mad Chen

    The ICT congress is to be held up to 24th March at Sheraton Hotel Kampala.

  • ICT Minister meets podcasters in Uganda to commemorate International Podcast Day

    ICT Minister meets podcasters in Uganda to commemorate International Podcast Day

    For the first time in Uganda over 40 podcasters gathered at Alliance Francaise Kampala’s Akatuuti (platform) to share experiences about their podcasting art form and to bring more awareness to this form of communication aside from TV, Radio, and the newspapers.

    The podcasters hid advice from prominent names of podcasters abroad like George Mpanga (aka George the poet), The Africa Podcast festival (Nairobi), Freddie Boswell (Raydh), and Kotlego C (South Africa).

    Hon Chris Baryomunsi spent the evening with these podcasters and congratulated them upon their effort in creating this kind of content and further noted that there has been a paradigm shift in the mode of communications where there has been a transition from the traditional ways of communicating to the modern ways that are predominantly digital that have advanced communications better because of Technology.

    Podcasting (audio on demand) is syndicated through the web are the convenient option people are gradually choosing to consume their content globally while they cook, commute, do chores, garden, shower, relax and Uganda isn’t immune to this global trend. Out with the music/ radio – in with the podcasts.

    Even the credible news outlets (radio stations) have morphed into podcasting BBC News, NPR, the Economist, the guardian, the Daily Show, and notably Vision Group name it is hosted on all podcast hosting platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, Sticher, etc.

    Ibrahim Bbosa, the Spokesperson of Uganda Communications’ Commission was also impressed at the number of podcasters in attendance and mentioned that “not only is  UCC a regulator, but the implementing body of the ministry of ICT also identifies talent like you the content creators, visual artists and more to facilitate and promote them for sustainable growth and development of Uganda’s communications sector”Since audiences are mired in a lot of clutter on all the available channels of communication, brands and organizations need to find their audience where they are, and believe it or not they are several who would prefer consuming audio content. I believe to achieve great results, a marketing mix through all platforms is great for visibility but if you had to zero down, podcasts are the best channel for audio lovers like Gen X’s and Gen Z’s that are looking for targeted content.”

    Aggie Patricia Turwomwe, President Podcast Association of Uganda (PAU) “Podcasting is a new area in Uganda, yet podcasts have been around globally. This audio on demand is one of those digital platforms through which we can all communicate therefore I commended you for organizing yourselves to tap into the infinite possibilities. Let’s walk together to grow the industry, and if the policies aren’t favorable for you, tell us so that we tailor the one’s that fit your needs to create an enabling environment for podcasting to become stronger in Uganda” – Hon Chris.

    He was happy to meet the young creatives, pledged Government’s support, and also invited the Association leadership for a formal meeting to grow this platform to strengthen podcasting so as to get more Ugandans to podcast vital information well as increase the number of listenership as a way of reaching new audiences.

    “The need for electronic and online communications has become more important and necessary especially this era of COVID 19, the government announced several measures with restrictions, and now it has fast realized that it can reach more Ugandans through other channels of communications like students of schools through which learners can access information even when they aren’t in physical classrooms and even for us because learning never ends therefore, we need to popularize podcasts because many people in Uganda aren’t aware that you can meaningful communication through this medium” Hon. Chris confessed that he is a regular and proud listener of podcasts himself and tends to find helpful information on his mobile phones.

    The technical bits certainly might be more apparent among others the cost of production, fast and speedy internet, cheap data bundles and equipment, social media platforms restrictions like the closure of Facebook early this year, free VPN services that keep collecting data in the quest to promote their content on social media platforms. Podcasts are here to help listeners take control of their time, enrich themselves with a lot of knowledge for personal and industry growth by listening whenever they need to.

  • ICT Minister Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi: Uganda to be region’s top ICT hub

    ICT Minister Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi: Uganda to be region’s top ICT hub

    The Minister of ICT and National Guidance and the Managing Director Huawei Uganda, Mr. Gao Fei launched the Huawei ICT Talent Development Report in Kampala on Friday 27th August 2021 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

    Research shows that people and organizations’ ability to access and use ICT services is more likely to drive economic development than ICT education and skills.    

    Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi who launched the ICT Talent development report, awarded the most Outstanding lecturer Mr. Olinga Peter John who trained the winners of the Huawei ICT Competition in 2020 both regional and global level.

    Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi awarding Mr. Olinga Peter John the outstanding lecturer in 2020 at the Huawei ICT Academy

    He lauded initiatives such as the Huawei ICT Academy, Huawei ICT Competition, and Huawei Seeds for the future among others as helping to make Uganda realize its 2040 vision and 2014 National ICT Policy sooner since through initiatives such as these that involve skilling of young people, Uganda achieve socio-economic Development and be relevant in the new digital era.

    The Minister of ICT and National Guidance said, “ICT is a critical part to Uganda’s socio-economic development and big enabler of job creation, business growth, innovation, export, and efficient public service delivery.”

    Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (Left) and Managing Director Huawei Uganda Mr. Gao Fei (Right)

    The ICT minister revealed that Uganda wants to be the region’s top ICT-enabled country and to realisethis digital transformation young people should have the skills, passion, determination and support to develop and use their ICT skills to drive this country forward. He added that Government needs partners in private sector such as Huawei, not only in implementing technology solutions, but more importantly in working together to build the skills in our current and future workforce.

    “The NRM government have put digital upskilling a top priority and this is witnessed in the Vision 2040. Which is, Uganda shall develop and improve its ICT capacity, building efforts by adopting globally-benchmarked, industry-rated skills assessments, and training and certification standards. These efforts will be coupled with international industry collaboration in testing and certification standards,” he said.

    The ICT minister said Uganda’s National ICT policy of 2014 highlights strategies of human resource development including inclusion of a comprehensive and regularly updated computer literacy module in the curriculum at all levels of education using international benchmarks as a reference.

    Huawei has been playing an active role in Uganda’s digital transformation through technological infrastructure and digital upskilling. This has been the case since 2007 when Huawei started its collaboration with the Ministry of ICT when the National Backbone infrastructure project commenced.

    Huawei ICT Development Report 2021 launch was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister RukiaNakaddama Isanga, Minister of Education – higher education Hon. Dr JC Muyingo, and Chinese embassy

    Representative (the economic and commercial counsellor) Mrs. Jiang Jiqing and the Huawei Southern Africa regional VP Mr. Frank Yang Chen among others.