Theme: Harnessing Digital Innovation to Power Sustainable Local Solutions for Uganda’s Development Goals

The 9th National Conference on Communications (NCC-2025) brought together Uganda’s leaders in government, academia, and industry to explore how digital innovation can drive sustainable development and empower local solutions. The landmark event, hosted at ISBAT University in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Gulu University, served as a platform to align ICT growth with Uganda’s national development goals.
Distinguished Guests and Leadership
The conference was graced by highly respected leaders, including:
🎤 Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi – Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Guest of Honor
🎤 Hon. Nyombi Thembo – Executive Director, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
🎤 Hon. Fred Jachan Omach Mandir – Chancellor, ISBAT University
🎤 Prof. K. M. Mathew – Vice Chancellor, ISBAT University
🎤 Prof. Openjuru L. George – Vice Chancellor, Gulu University
🎤 Ms. Sylvia Mulinge – CEO, MTN Uganda
In his keynote address, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi emphasized the critical role of ICT in transforming Uganda’s socio-economic landscape and reaffirmed government support for policies that enable sustainable digital growth.

Reaffirming UCC’s Role
Delivering his remarks, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of UCC, highlighted the Commission’s dual role as both a regulator and enabler of ICT growth. He noted that initiatives such as School ICT Competitions, the National Testbed at UICT, and strong partnerships with academia are building the foundation for a more inclusive digital future.

At ISBAT University, we proudly echo these words as they align with our vision of creating platforms for innovation, nurturing talent, and empowering students to develop real-world solutions that address Uganda’s unique challenges.
Academia and Industry Collaboration

The conference also underscored the importance of academia-industry partnerships. Leaders from the academic community, including Prof. K. M. Mathew of ISBAT University and Prof. Openjuru L. George of Gulu University, stressed the need to cultivate future-ready graduates with skills that match Uganda’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Adding to this momentum, Ms. Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, addressed participants on the role of the private sector in driving digital inclusion and innovation. She emphasized how collaborations between telecom operators, government, and academia can create scalable, technology-driven solutions that directly contribute to Uganda’s development goals.

ISBAT University’s Commitment
As the host institution, ISBAT University remains committed to driving ICT-led transformation. Through research, innovation hubs, and academic-industry linkages, we continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s digital future.
The NCC-2025 is not just a conference; it is a call to action for all stakeholders—government, regulators, academia, and industry—to work hand in hand in building sustainable local solutions powered by digital innovation.
Together, we are shaping a future where technology is not only an enabler but also a driver of Uganda’s development goals.