Uganda participated in the Global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit 2025, convened from 4th to 6th November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, joining international leaders working to shape the future of digital governance.
Held under the theme “DPI in Practice: Implementing Tomorrow’s Digital Society Today,” the summit brought together representatives from over 100 countries, including policymakers, technology experts, innovators, and development partners to share experiences and explore strategies for building inclusive, citizen-centered digital systems.
Eng. Doreen Gift Bujjingo, Senior ICT Infrastructure Engineer at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, represented Uganda and—together with Vimbai Tsododo of Zambia delivered a joint presentation on an innovative initiative titled “Designing the LC1 Digital Certification System: Building Trust Infrastructure for Uganda.”
For many years, the LC1 letter has served as a critical document for confirming identity and residence for Ugandans seeking services such as employment, education, banking, and legal support. However, the existing handwritten process has been affected by delays, limited accessibility, and vulnerability to forgery. The proposed LC1 Digital Certification System is set to transform this experience.
The new system will replace manual letters with digitally signed, instantly verifiable credentials. Institutions such as schools, banks, and security agencies will be able to validate information within seconds. The platform will integrate with NIRA and the Electoral Commission to ensure secure identity authentication and will also support offline use through QR-coded printed certificates for citizens in remote locations. With a centralized digital register for over 70,000 LC1 chairpersons, issuance time will drop to minutes, and verification to just seconds.
“Our objective is to strengthen digital trust and improve access to essential services starting at the community level. Digitizing LC1 certification ensures faster, safer, and more transparent service delivery for every Ugandan,” said Eng. Doreen Gift Bujjingo during her presentation.
The proposal was applauded as one of the most compelling African DPI use cases presented at the summit, demonstrating how government-led digital innovation can curb fraud, increase efficiency, and empower citizens. MTN also expressed interest in supporting the initiative.
The project further highlighted growing collaboration between Uganda and Zambia, with both countries sharing expertise in digital governance, public services, and infrastructure supporting stronger regional integration.
As Uganda continues to accelerate its national Digital Transformation agenda, the LC1 Digital Certification System represents a major milestone toward efficient, inclusive, and citizen-driven public service delivery, setting an example for other African nations aspiring to build trusted digital ecosystems.
