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, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), brought together regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from around the world to share experiences and best practices in the ICT sector.
President Museveni welcomed delegates from outside Uganda, saying, “Karibuni! (You’re welcome!) to the Pearl of Africa.” He commended ITU for convening the symposium, which 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 minimising 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.
The event provided 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.
Read the full statement below.
