Uganda-US Diaspora IT Professionals Ambassador’s Roundtable Breakfast Meeting
The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, Washington D.C. hosted the Uganda-US Diaspora IT Professionals Ambassador’s Roundtable Breakfast Meeting on December 19, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala. Under the theme “Building Partnerships in ICT,” the event brought together prominent leaders, experts, and innovators from both Uganda and the U.S. to discuss the future of information and communications technology (ICT) and how collaboration with the diaspora can drive growth and innovation in Uganda's tech sector.
The event featured notable keynote speakers, including Ambassador Robinah Kakonge, Uganda’s Ambassador to the U.S., and Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. It was designed as a platform to foster dialogue around the evolving role of ICT in Uganda’s development and explore how partnerships between the U.S. diaspora, Uganda’s government, and the private sector can accelerate technological growth.
The event began with welcoming remarks by Henry Gamba, the moderator, who acknowledged the event’s significance and encouraged interactive discussions. Ambassador Kakonge provided context on the event’s theme, sharing her personal experience of a meeting with a Ugandan working at Microsoft in Washington D.C., and highlighting ongoing efforts to bring diaspora expertise back to Uganda’s tech sector.
Government Representation and Vision for Uganda's ICT Future Minister Musenero spoke passionately about Uganda’s commitment to integrating science, technology, and innovation to drive national development. She emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to empower women in technology, foster industry growth through policies supporting climate technology and industrialization, and create opportunities for youth through hands-on skills training. The Minister also urged the diaspora community to invest in Uganda's emerging tech sector.
A lively panel discussion on "Ugandan Women in Technology" featured influential voices such as Diana Ninsiima, Primera Mutoni, and Angella Kakumirizi. The panelists shared their personal experiences and emphasized the importance of mentorship, leadership, and skill-building to empower women in STEM fields. They discussed the challenges women face in male-dominated industries and how initiatives like Girls for Girls and Healthware are working to provide mentorship and career opportunities to women in Uganda.
Insights on Uganda's Technology Landscape
A panel focused on Uganda’s technology and innovation landscape included discussions on the potential for ICT to drive economic growth. Francis Ssessaazi, Robert Mutyaba, and Professor Charles Kwesiga provided valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Uganda’s ICT sector. Key topics included the need for investment in infrastructure, certification standards for IT professionals, and the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D printing in advancing Uganda’s manufacturing and service sectors.
Messages from U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp.
In his closing remarks, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, commended the gathering for its focus on fostering collaboration between Uganda and the U.S. in ICT. He highlighted the transformative potential of ICT for sectors such as education, healthcare, and financial inclusion. Ambassador Popp reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Uganda’s tech sector, emphasizing initiatives that promote investment, trade, and digital literacy, and announced the upcoming SelectUSA conference, which will focus on gender equality in the tech sector.
The meeting underscored the critical need for partnerships to address challenges in Uganda's ICT sector. The discussions emphasized the importance of skill development, infrastructure investment, and collaboration between the government, private sector, and the diaspora. With emerging technologies poised to transform industries across Africa, Uganda stands at the forefront of technological innovation, and the Uganda-US Diaspora IT Professionals Ambassador’s Roundtable Breakfast reinforced the importance of collective action in realizing this potential.
As Uganda continues to build its digital economy, events like these provide invaluable platforms for driving forward innovative solutions, fostering new partnerships, and promoting Uganda’s role as a leader in Africa’s technological future.
