A New Era for Uganda’s Digital Future
The Stanbic Ongea Digital Summit 2025 marked a turning point in Uganda’s innovation landscape. With creators, policymakers, regulators, investors, and impact-driven organisations in one space, the summit showcased how digital transformation is rapidly reshaping our economy, civic engagement, and national identity.
As Friends of Uganda (FOU), our team was honoured to participate in this landmark event, reinforcing our mission to promote peace, unity, inclusive empowerment, and responsible digital citizenship across all regions of Uganda.
Our presence at the summit demonstrates our commitment to building a nation where youth, elders, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) all benefit from digital progress. And as Uganda moves deeper into the digital age, our shared responsibility becomes even more essential.
Why the Digital Era Matters for Peace and National Development
1. Technology Is Now a Driver of Economic Growth
Today, digital technology is no longer optional, it is the backbone of modern business, financial inclusion, and job creation.
The summit highlighted:
- Growth of Uganda’s creator economy
- Expansion of digital entrepreneurship
- Increasing demand for digital skills
- New opportunities in fintech, e-commerce, and e-governance
This aligns strongly with FOU’s vision of empowering youth and communities with digital knowledge to create jobs, launch businesses, and participate confidently in Uganda’s economic growth.
2. Digital Spaces Influence Peace, Unity & Civic Engagement
From social media to online campaigns, the digital world shapes public opinion. When used responsibly, it becomes a powerful tool for:
- Promoting national unity
- Countering misinformation
- Reducing electoral tension
- Encouraging peaceful participation
- Strengthening civic education
FOU’s ongoing Digital Peace Messaging Program contributes directly to this shift, helping Ugandans engage with information critically and peacefully.
3. Inclusion Is No Longer Optional, It’s a National Requirement
The summit emphasized the importance of accessible, inclusive digital development.
FOU serves:
- Youth
- Elders
- Women
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
Digital empowerment must reach every citizen, regardless of location, background, or ability. This inclusivity is at the heart of FOU’s programs and national campaigns.
FOU at the Summit: Representing Uganda’s Push for Peace & Inclusion
Our delegation engaged stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, tech hubs, educational institutions, and creator networks.
Key Outcomes of Our Participation
- Strengthened partnerships with digital innovators
- New pathways for youth empowerment programs
- Opportunities for joint peace campaigns
- Engagements with policymakers on safe & inclusive digital spaces
- Visibility for FOU’s national initiatives
We also presented the mission of FOU to hundreds of youth and creators who expressed a strong desire to contribute to a peaceful, united Uganda.
How FOU’s Vision Aligns With Uganda’s Digital Transformation
1. Youth Empowerment Through Digital Skills
FOU is expanding digital literacy, online safety training, and creative entrepreneurship across Uganda.
2. Peacebuilding Through Technology
We use social media tools, communication channels, and civic engagement platforms to promote:
- constructive dialogue
- national pride
- peaceful participation before, during, and after elections
3. Supporting the Creative and Innovation Ecosystem
We advocate for policies that allow creators to grow their talent into sustainable careers, a major theme of the summit.
4. Strengthening Digital Inclusion for PWDs & Elders
By promoting accessible digital education, assistive technologies, and inclusive event designs.
Meeting Stakeholders: A Strong Step Toward National Impact
The summit gave us the opportunity to engage:
- Creators
- Innovations hubs
- Government agencies
- Cultural leaders
- ICT thought leaders
- Financial institutions
- Private sector partners
We discussed collaborations on peace campaigns, digital citizenship education, and national unity initiatives.
Our biggest takeaway: Uganda is ready to embrace a digital-driven peace and development agenda, and FOU is ready to lead.
The Role of Creators in Building National Unity
Creators have become true influencers of national mindset.
Their voices matter. Their platforms matter. Their impact matters.
FOU encourages creators to:
- Promote responsible content
- Avoid hate speech & misinformation
- Amplify unity messages
- Inspire youth toward peaceful participation
- Use creativity for national transformation
This aligns directly with the summit theme:
digital creativity as an economic and social equalizer in Uganda.
What’s Next for FOU?
Following the summit, Friends of Uganda is expanding its digital and peace-centered initiatives:
- Nationwide Digital Civic Education Campaign
- FOU Youth Reunion for Peaceful Elections
- National PWD Digital Inclusion Program
- Climate & Environmental Protection Programs
- Digital Skills & Creative Economy Training Hubs
- Community Peace Dialogues in All Regions
- Inter-district Debates & Public Speaking Programs
We believe that a peaceful, united, and digitally empowered Uganda is not only possible, it is within reach.
Uganda’s Digital Future Is a Shared Responsibility
The Stanbic Ongea Digital Summit 2025 showcased the incredible potential of Uganda’s creative and tech ecosystem.
FOU’s participation reaffirmed our commitment to building a nation where digital innovation fuels:
- peace
- unity
- economic empowerment
- inclusion
- community leadership
As we continue to collaborate with key partners, youth groups, Elders’ Councils, women networks, and PWD communities, we remain guided by one powerful truth:
