The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, has urged Ugandans to find alternative technological ways to facilitate communication instead of dwelling on Facebook, the social media platform the government closed during the 2021 general election.
Speaking on October 2, 2025, while opening the two-day National Conference on Communications (NCC) at the ICT Hub in Nakawa, Kampala, Baryomunsi challenged universities and tertiary institutions to invest more in research and innovation in the ICT sector. He emphasized that these innovations should not only inform policy but also guide industry practices.
“There has been a constant cry from the public about reopening Facebook. It was just an innovation by an individual. Why are we unable to create our own platform or any other tool to facilitate communication? You cannot avoid technology today. Whether you hide your head in the sand or not, technology will arrive at your doorstep. Gone are the days when technology belonged to the Western world. We must embrace it, live with it, and integrate it into our daily lives,” he said.
The NCC, organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in partnership with International Business, Science and Technology (ISBAT) and Gulu Universities, ran under the theme “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Power Sustainable Local Solutions for Uganda’s Development Goals.” The ninth edition of the conference aimed to advance research, knowledge exchange, and collaboration between government, academia, and industry stakeholders.
George William Nyombi Thembo, UCC Executive Director, highlighted the importance of aligning academic innovation with market needs. “Academia is excellent at innovating, but the private sector constantly monitors the market. Whatever we develop must have commercial value. We cannot achieve this without engaging the private sector, which ultimately allows us to serve society. Digital innovation is not just about new technology; it is about developing inclusive solutions that improve livelihoods, strengthen service delivery, and drive Uganda’s competitiveness in the global digital economy,” he said.
He added, “Instead of asking government about Facebook, ask whether its absence inspires people to innovate. Necessity drives innovation. If Facebook was important, create a Ugandan-made platform that offers something different.”
Mathew Mathai Kattampackal, Vice-Chancellor of ISBAT University, said the NCC provides a platform for actionable, contextually relevant solutions. “This year’s theme reflects our shared commitment to leveraging technology to tackle Uganda’s pressing socio-economic challenges. The conference brings together industry leaders, academia, innovators, and practitioners to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and co-create solutions aligned with Uganda’s development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
The NCC concluded on October 3, 2025, and continues to serve as Uganda’s flagship platform for dialogue and innovation in ICT. Since its inception, the conference has promoted research, policy development, and technological solutions that advance national development.
