President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by the Vice President Jessica Alupo, opened the Global Symposium for Regulators-2024 at Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Munyonyo, Kampala, on July 2, 2024.
The event, under the theme: “Regulation for Impact’ is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), bringing together regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from around the world to share experiences and best practices in the ICT sector.
In his speech, Museveni welcomed delegates from outside Uganda and commended ITU for convening the symposium, which is aimed to promote effective regulation and policy-making in the rapidly evolving ICT sector.
The President highlighted the importance of regulating the ICT sector to promote economic wellbeing, innovation, safety, privacy, and the rights of digital technology users. He urged regulators to maximise the benefits of ICTs while minimizing negative consequences.
Uganda, he noted, had pioneered telecom sector reforms in Africa, establishing an independent regulatory body, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), in 1996. This move increased penetration and raised the standard of telecommunication services in the country.
The symposium’s theme, “Regulation for Impact,” resonated with President Museveni’s call for effective regulation. Delegates discussed topics like artificial intelligence, robotics, climate, space, and digital financial services, seeking to harness ICTs for sustainable development.
Museveni urged the ICT regulators to promote the sector’s contribution to the economic wellbeing of the people.
“The theme you have chosen is appropriate because it emphasizes the importance of implementing effective regulations that aim to positive outcomes,” Museveni said.
Museveni noted that Artificial Intelligence being a component of the 4th industrial revolution is increasingly becoming part of people’s lives in homes and workplaces with its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, identity patterns and providing accurate predictions.
“To ensure that Uganda is not a spectator in the 4th industrial revolution, the government established the National Task Force on the 4th industrial revolution to coordinate the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the country’s development agenda,” he said.
He added that Uganda has a fast-growing communication sector that is ripe for more investment, citing, “We have a robust regulatory framework, a good return on investment and a young population that is ICT savvy.”
However, he cautioned on the issue of cyber security which deserves greater attention.
“In the recent years we have witnessed technology being used as a tool for political interference and economic sabotage. Unlike traditional warfare where you can just secure your country by guarding the borders against intrusion, cyber warfare calls for collaborative efforts especially when emanating from outside your jurisdiction. Technology must not be used to undermine the peace and sovereignty of nations but rather to support development.”
The event provides a platform for regulators to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on best practices, aligning with President Museveni’s vision for a vibrant and responsible ICT sector in Uganda and beyond.
