As Uganda marked its 63rd Independence Anniversary, the country also celebrated a remarkable continental achievement being named the official host of the Digital Government Africa Summit (DGA) 2026. The announcement was made in Lusaka during the closing ceremony of the 2025 edition, earning Uganda well-deserved recognition for its growing leadership in digital transformation across Africa.
The honour was confirmed by Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, who headed Ugandaโs delegation at the Lusaka summit. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with Independence celebrations back home, turned the moment into a double celebration of national pride and continental acknowledgment. When the Ugandan team joined by Hon. Gen. David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs waved the national flag on stage, the hall erupted with applause, symbolizing unity and the spirit of African progress.
Ugandaโs successful bid to host DGA 2026 was the result of close collaboration between the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the National Information Technology AuthorityโUganda (NITA-U), which spearheaded engagement with summit organizers and steered the process that secured the hosting rights.
Dr. Baryomunsi expressed Ugandaโs readiness to welcome the continent to Kampala from 6th to 8th October 2026, just ahead of the nationโs 64th Independence Day. He emphasized that the summit will be a platform to showcase Africaโs digital transformation journey and strengthen collective efforts toward citizen-driven e-governance.
The 2025 Summit, inaugurated by President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, brought together representatives from over 30 African nations, development partners, and global technology firms under the common goal of leveraging digital innovation for better governance and public service delivery. Discussions covered key themes such as Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Cybersecurity, aligning with the African Unionโs Digital Transformation Strategy (2020โ2030).
During the proceedings, His Honour Ndaba Gaolathe, Vice President of Botswana, urged African countries to embrace data-led decision-making and invest in innovation. The event closed with Her Honour Mrs. Mutale Nalumango, Vice President of Zambia, commending participants for their partnership and reaffirming Africaโs shared vision for digital advancement.
Zambiaโs Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, and Mr. Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of the SMART Zambia Institute, congratulated Uganda on being selected as the next host and pledged Zambiaโs full support in the transition process.
Ugandaโs delegation to Lusaka comprised Hon. Gen. David Muhoozi, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita Gowa (Chief of Immigration), Dr. Hatwib Mugasa (Executive Director, NITA-U), Ms. Rosemary Kisembo (Executive Director, NIRA), andMr. Ambrose Ruyooka (Acting Commissioner for ICT Research and Development, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance).
The Digital Government Africa Summit 2026in Kampala will provide a continental platform for sharing best practices, promoting innovation, and showcasing achievements in building inclusive and citizen-focused digital governance systems. It will also highlight Ugandaโs strides under the Digital Transformation Roadmap (2023/24โ2027/28), which prioritizes digital infrastructure, services, skills, and innovation as drivers of socio-economic growth.
As preparations take shape, Ugandaโs hosting of DGA 2026 reaffirms its place at the forefront of Africaโs digital revolution and its dedication to shaping a connected, inclusive, and technology-driven future for the continent.
