Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu, has called on Uganda’s youth to harness the power of the internet and digital technologies to develop practical solutions to the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
Sahu delivered the keynote address on the second day of the 9th National Conference on Communications, held at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa.
Themed “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Power Sustainable Local Solutions for Uganda’s Development Goals,” the event brought together young innovators, government officials, academia, and private sector leaders. Participants showcased digital solutions in sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and business.
Sahu emphasized that the internet should be viewed not just as a consumption tool, but as a platform for innovation and meaningful impact.
“The challenges in health, education, business, and agriculture are real, but you have the ability to solve them,” Sahu said. “With every megabyte, digital tool, or connection, you can design solutions that transform communities. Seize your moment, collaborate, experiment, and reimagine what is possible.”
He cited examples of how digital access is already transforming lives across Uganda—a farmer in Masaka accessing real-time weather data to improve crop yields, a businesswoman in Kabale managing global operations from her village, and a student in Mbale attending lectures online.
“These are not distant dreams; they are real possibilities enabled by digital innovation,” Sahu added.
He also outlined Airtel Uganda’s ongoing efforts to support the country’s digital ecosystem. These include the completion of a nationwide 100% 4G network rollout, introduction of services like Spam Alert and VoLTE, and strategic partnerships aimed at improving smartphone affordability to close the digital divide.
Representing the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Amos Mpungu, Head of Research, emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the tools and opportunities to drive Uganda’s digital transformation.
“This roadmap reminds us that people are the true roadmap. We must equip young people with resources to help us navigate today’s challenges,” Mpungu said.
Christine Mugimba, Director of Research at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), echoed calls for greater collaboration across sectors. She advocated for a unified national approach to technology and innovation, inspired by successful global models such as Silicon Valley.
“To unlock Uganda’s full innovation potential, we must build an ecosystem that encourages collaboration, supports research, and empowers local talent,” Mugimba said.
The conference renewed calls for public-private partnerships, youth-led innovation, and investment in digital infrastructure as key pillars for accelerating Uganda’s progress toward inclusive, tech-driven development.
