The first-ever International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) will take place in Uganda from July 1–4, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Godfrey Kabyanga, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, disclosed the information on Tuesday during a breakfast meeting at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel.
More than 700 delegates from different nations are anticipated to attend the symposium, according to Minister Kabyanga, who also stated that Uganda will gain from the opportunity to improve its worldwide reputation and boost tourism.
According to him, Uganda will be introduced to the global ICT scene in a unique way by the symposium, which will help the nation achieve its high ICT goals. In particular, the government plans to use ICT to leverage economic growth and enhance the lives of its citizens by implementing initiatives aimed at reducing poverty. He went on to say that Ugandans are prepared to face and overcome the test that the symposium represents, in addition to being an opportunity.
According to Minister Kabyanga, Uganda has made significant investments in the growth of its ICT sector, and the results are visible.
“To support the digital transformation agenda, the government has invested in ICT infrastructure over the years and established an enabling environment through a strong legal and regulatory framework,” he stated.
The chance for Uganda to host this conference, according to Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), “underlines the country’s commitment to the ITU council, of which Uganda is a member.”
According to Mr. Nyombi, exchanging experiences and best practices among regulators and participants in the ICT industry promotes the execution of the national ICT strategy.
He went on to say that Ugandans are especially proud to share their country’s achievements, like the universal communication access and service program, experience closing infrastructure connectivity gaps, and gaps in digital literacy, as these can teach other nations facing comparable difficulties important lessons.
Because of Uganda’s low smartphone penetration rate of 22%, it is challenging to properly advance the digital agenda. The objective for digital transformation is being impacted by Uganda’s low smartphone adoption rate, he claimed.
Every year, regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from around the globe come together for the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) to exchange ideas, share experiences, and work together to develop the best regulatory practices and policies.
