Kampala Digitalization Conference 2018 Report

Managing the
4th Industrial
Revolution in
East Africa:
Insights from the first
Kampala Digitalization
Forum
December, 2018
Donnas MINISTRY
Ojok | Bernard
OF ICT & Mukhone | Pius Enywaru
NATIONAL GUIDANCE
MINISTRY OF ICT &

NATIONAL GUIDANCE
Contents
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Contextual Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What can East Africa learn from Estonia? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Where is Estonia’s Digital Future? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
What lesson for East Africa from Estonia?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Data Management, Ownership and Protection: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Presentation by Dr. Pencho Kuzev, Data and Digital Policy Coordinator,
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The Data Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The Data Ecosystem Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
EU’s Data Regulatory Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
GDPR Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT & NG): An Overview. . . . 17
Key Functions of the Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Structure of the Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Government of Uganda ICT Sector Plans and Programmes . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Key challenges faced by the government for using ICTs as transformative
tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Possible solutions to the Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Industry 4.0: Obstacles and Opportunities for East Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Cloud Computing Capability as a Proxy Measure for Digital Economy . . 34
Balancing Regulations and Incentives for the Growing Digital Economy 37
Robots, Codes and Brains - Harnessing the Emerging Technologies of the
Fourth Industrial Revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Some Recommendations from the Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Introduction
On 15th & 16th November 2018, constructive dialogue between
some of East Africa’s key players the private sector actors and
in the digital sphere gathered at government stakeholders in the East
Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, African region�
Uganda to discuss challenges and
opportunities ushered in by Industry .
4.0 and how to e ectively manage
it, especially from a policy
angle� At the conference,
participants discussed the current
status quo and development
potential regarding digitalization
and the fourth industrial revolution
in East Africa� Focusing on
innovation and technological
advancement, regulatory
frameworks and incentives, open
data and data management, the
conference facilitated an enthralling
and informative exchange
between experts, policy makers,
entrepreneurs and innovators�
Most importantly, the conference
encouraged and intensified
Contextual Background
At the global stage, digitalization or how we process and share

and global interconnectedness data; it is actually leading us into a
is transforming economic, social new industrial age, referred to as
and political developments at a “Industry 4.0”. The “Fourth Industrial
rapid pace. Innovation in digital Revolution” will take us beyond the
technology is not only changing the previous big steps – automation and
way we communicate and connect, introduction of computers – into a
Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Insights from the first Kampala Digitalization Forum
1
new era of smart and autonomous to Industry 4.0 in the near future.
systems fueled by data and machine But the challenges remain immense:
learning. from skilling labor, extending
physical infrastructure to ensuring
The digitalization trend is a challenge global competitiveness, attracting
and opportunity for the African international investment and
continent� If the providing strong and conducive
transformative power of this regulatory frameworks.
trend is harnessed effectively it
can contribute significantly to .
economic and human development
and prosperity� While Africa as a
whole is still lagging behind
other world regions, it is at
the same time the continent
with the potential for the most
rapid and radical
transformations� Access to internet
is spreading fast, mobile networks
are reaching even remote areas,
and local innovators are pushing
for technological advancement� A
number of countries in Africa have
the highest growth rates regarding
the extension of digital ecosystems
in worldwide comparison�
Optimistic experts regard
digitalization as a key factor for
sustainable economic development
and transformation� Some even
expect African economies –
especially in East Africa – to leapfrog

2 Insights from the first Kampala Digitalization Forum
What can East Africa learn from Estonia?
In 2016, the UN declared access to At the East Africa Digitalization
internet a universal human right� Conference, Lembit Loo, the Europe,
But 15 years earlier, Estonia, a Baltic Middle East and Africa Director
country with just about 1�5Million at Net Group shared some key
people had made it a human right insights from Estonia� Net Group is
for its citizens to access internet� a technology company that helps to
In 1997, six years after Estonia establish and develop businesses
gained independence from the in Estonia� Mr� Lembit explained
Soviet Union, electronic- the E stonian model and
governance (e-governance) experience in using technology
was launched; e-tax came in 2000, a to transform governance in the
year before digital ID� “Some 370 country� In his presentation, he
million digital signatures have been explained the various sectors
provided, saving Estonia the that have seen a total
equivalent of 2 per cent of gross transformation thanks to the use
domestic product every year,” says of ICT and data�
Kaspar Korjus, managing director
of e-residency1. It is officially called e-
Estonia�
Lembit Loo from Estonia sharing the Estonian digitalization experiences at the Conference
1 Pick up O (2018). Estonia: the world’s most advanced digital society? Racconteur Article dated 05th Sept 2018

3
The digitalization in drive in Estonia the government has accurate
would not have been information on employment, start-
occasioned without a supportive ups, investment hubs, the pensions
government policy and favorable in addition to all the information
political will� The government available from the ministries, banks,
took a leap in faith and hospitals, schools, etc. All efforts are
provided the necessary funding made to make sure that the data is
infrastructure to make cleaned, validated and verified
digitalization a reality in Estonia� before it is then shared with the
In the aftermath of independence, public and other relevant
particularly progressive leaders stakeholders� The availability of
decided to leverage advanced accurate date is key in making
technology as a means of simplifying crucial and relevant political and
the lives of citizens� E-governance policy decisions�
was adopted as strategy by the Taxes in Estonia are declared
government of Estonia to online. When the tax season
improve the competitiveness of starts and people start
the state and increase the declaring their taxes in Estonia,
wellbeing of its people, while 90% of the declarations are done
implementing hassle-free on the first day� This is unusual
governance� As early as the because people usually wait for the
mid-1990s, the government last day to do so, which is an
made radical moves to eliminate unpleasant process and
paper in its interactions with cumbersome� The reason people
citizens, forming the basis of what make declarations on the first day is
would become an almost entirely that they get some money from
digital society2, the first in the the government and this is usually
world3� already in their accounts and due
In Estonia, data is highly to be used from the day before the
prioritized and used to make audit is done� The process is fully
key policy and political decisions� automated and the money is already
According to Lembit, one of the in the bank accounts� It is, therefore,
immediate benefits of digitalization an easy process so people take
is not the sole access to data, but to advantage of that�
accurate data. In Estonia, for
instance,
2 High P (2018). Lessons From Estonia, the Most Digitally Advanced Country In The World. Forbes Article dated 15th Jan 2018.
3 Ibid

Medical digitalization in Estonia is students’ digital thinking� Work
a key priority. If an Estonian visits a is ongoing to have all studying
hospital, the doctor will immediately materials on the system by 2020. By
have all access to his/her then studying should feel like a
information� If there is an accident, game to make studying more
you simply call an ambulance and by efficient. This is a long term plan
the time it arrives, the medical staffs and the ICT department is already
already have your medical history, working to make it possible�
including allergies� So they start
immediately to treat you; they do .
not have to go through the entire
process of assessment� You also
have access to your own medical
information, results of the diagnosis,
when you last visited the doctor, your
x-ray images and so on� There is
also a digital prescription service�
If one takes a particular
medication regularly, one does not
need to go to the doctor or even
take a prescription to the
pharmacy to get the medication�
One can simply email a doctor and
have him respond to all of one’s
needs� One only goes to the doctor
when one’s condition is serious�
Over 85% of the schools use the

e-school system. This means that all
grades are tracked� However, the
system is very unpopular because
it cannot track whether students go
to school or not� In some schools,
the onboarding process of teaching Estonia also has a framework
some students technology courses for connecting all the different
and programming has already registries and services. Over 900
started with a view to building the organizations are connected and the

5
framework can help to move and and services are easily accessible.
share data across all these How one keeps the data and
organizations once it is needed� It is information secure is something that
projected that the operations comes up often. Estonia was the first
would bring in over $500 million country to be hit with a cyber-attack
per year� by a neighboring country. In 2007
the Estonian government decided
All this was successful because of to move the Bronze Soldier from
the good legislative systems across the center of Tallinn to a military
the organizations and MDAs� It cemetery on the outskirts of the
allowed for smooth integration of city. The decision sparked outrage
the systems and, ultimately, sharing in Russian-language media and
data across all connected platforms� Russian speakers took to the streets.
Allowing the technology to be used Protests were exacerbated by false
and also agreeing to move this data Russian news reports claiming that
across the platforms from every firm the statue, and nearby Soviet war
helped the process� graves, were being destroyed. Online
services of Estonian banks, media
outlets and government bodies were
taken down by unprecedented levels
of internet traffic. Massive waves
In Estonia, Block-chain technology of spam were sent by botnets and
is used to make sure that data is huge amounts of automated online
safe in the system. However, no requests swamped servers. The
government system is put on block result for Estonians citizens was that
chain and the systems are thus kept cash machines and online banking
safe by the government. Block-chain services were sporadically out of
is therefore used for property and action; government employees were
land registration, and in tracking unable to communicate with each
systems, the health system etc. other on email; and newspapers
and broadcasters suddenly found
In Cyber-security security domain, they couldn’t deliver the news 4. The
Estonia still takes the lead but government increased investment
it’s not resistant to cyberattacks. in security systems and learnt a lot
There is all this data and information from the attack. Today, the Cyber-
online. The country has gone digital Defense Centre of excellence located
4 Damien McGuinness (2017). How a cyber-attack transformed Estonia. BBC News Article dated 27th April 2017.

in Estonia conducts a lot of trainings .
and assessments of everything
related to security and as part of
cyber defense league.
Estonia also has a Data Embassy, a

concept that works on the same lines
as the usual embassies in different
countries� The concept was first put
into use in Luxembourg, because
there is a data center and server
belonging to Estonia that very
few people know about� The
center has all the information about The Destrad system makes sure
investments, agencies, ministries that none of your data is accessed
and the public sector� Even when without your permission. If at all
worst-case scenarios, such as it is, then the system is locked
natural disasters, happen, the immediately and a report is sent.
country will continue to exist and You are then immediately notified of
operate� In the embassies, there are the person accessing your data and
land registries, population registries why they are accessing it.
and much more� The
government is opening other data
embassies in other countries�
To further strengthen security,

only authorized personnel are
allowed access to particular
systems and data. Everyone who
logs into a public sector service to
access any form of data or system
is identified by an access number
that is given to only a few people.
This provides a great level of
accountability and confidentiality.

7
Where is Estonia’s Digital Future?
The system is aimed at achieving solutions for the government. The

zero-bureaucracy. They are looking overall aim is to build a real-time
to utilize the data to make better economy where everything is readily
policies and decisions on governance, available. This will be achieved
such as those related to taxation. through consolidating on successful
The government is setting up policies, improving on weak areas
different e-government hackathons and forging strong partnerships with
that anyone can join to develop new the private sector.
Timeline
1997 2002 2005 2008 2014

Milestones
of Estonia E-GOVERNANCE DIGITAL ID I-VOTING E-HEALTH E-RESIDENCY
becoming the
E-services are Rollout of a Estonia Patient health Transnational
world’s most
launched; 99 mandatory becomes data made digital ID
developed
percent of public national ID first nation available for access
digital
services are card that in history to online; 95 per to public
society
non available as provides offer internet cent of data e-services;
e-services digital access voting in generated e-residents
to all secure a national by hospitals/ can establish/
e-services election doctors is now manage an
digital EU business
remotely
What lesson for East Africa from Estonia?
With National ID systems in countries out, they had to work purely with
like Uganda, mobile IDs could come what they had. The change was
in handy. For instance, NIRA could gradual and to get everyone on
share online versions of ID’s to board, they had to make the systems
all citizens who would wish to very easy to use while accessing
have them. This could then be public services. When they made
accepted for use in all registration, access to services easier, very many
documentation and other processes. people were attracted to join and
use the services”.
Again, East African countries
should work within their resource In addition, the available resources
limits just like Estonia did. Lembit should be put in the best use.
explained that “when they started Many of the solutions that were
built in Estonia were custom-built to to be interconnected and have all
cut down on costs. They make their information. Rather than trying to
systems open source to any country map all connections that may exist
that needs it but it is not, however, in the future, it was decided that one
fully open source. framework had to be adopted.
Sometimes in the digital sphere, .

policies come in after some
practices have been tested.
East African policy makers should
be confused about whether to
prioritize policies or practices. The
most important thing is having the
will and the right intentions. For
Estonia’s case, the two decisions
that were made about the ID
number and that the systems had

9
Data Management, Ownership and
Protection:
Presentation by Dr. Pencho Kuzev, Data and
Digital Policy Coordinator, Konrad-Adenauer-
Stiftung
Whilst the world’s most important presentation offered key insights
resource now is data, there is a crucial on global perspectives around
need for a fervent understanding data management, ownership and
of how best to manage, own protection.
and/or protect it. Dr. Pencho’s
Dr. Pencho Kuzev, the Data and Digitalization Cordinator at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung making a
presentation on Data Management, Ownership and Protection

The Data Spectrum
He noted that data can best be around the world� Closed data is
managed if we know what kind of data that can only be accessed by
data it is because data can exist on its subject, owner or holder 6� Closed
a spectrum: from Open via Shared datasets are not shared with the
to Closed. Open data is the idea public� Some reasons that the owner
that some data should be freely might decline to make their dataset
available to everyone to use and open to the public is because they
republish as they wish, without are concerned about competitors
restrictions from copyright, patents stealing their research findings, or
or other mechanisms of control5. It for privacy reasons7� Here is a
has gained momentum due to the illustration of the data spectrum by
recent adoption of open government the Open Data Institute�
policies by many governments
5 https://www.opengovpartnership.org/theme/open-data
6 Open Data Institute
7 Rei Morikawa (2018). Response to Quora Question: What are “open” and “closed” data sets?

11
The Data Ecosystem Barriers
Data management, ownership, To illustrate this complexity, Dr.
protection and access to it is riddled Pencho painted this scenario: a bank
with many barriers, For instance; has a contract with a client to provide
the client with a bank account and
• If data is held by another person
a personal loan. At the end of the
and they do not want to share it,
first year, the bank uses the client’s
it becomes a big problem.
personal data to check whether they
• In many case, legislation does are eligible for a better type of loan
not fully addresses challenges and a savings scheme. The same
around data ownership, bank wants to share the client’s data
protection and management. with insurance firms. This scenario
Case studies and examples enabled the audience to discuss
around this are comprehensively some key questions: should the
captured in the proceeding bank use the client’s existing data to
sections of this report which determine where or not to give him
captures insights from the panel another loan? Should the data be
discussion sessions. shared with the insurance company
• . in question? What should be the
limit of data that clients give to their
service providers?
Many contending opinions where

expressed. For instance, it was noted
• Usually, there are a plethora that the bank can use the existing
of unanswered questions data to give or deny the client loan
regarding data management, if there is a session where the client
protection and ownership� is taken through the basics of why
Moreover, it is extremely difficult the decision was made. Another
to set policy guidelines because participant noted that the bank
of the ever-evolving nature of data of the client can be shared with
data� Questions like, can data another insurance company if the
be processed for any purpose? permission of the client is sought in
Can we use data for another advance.
purpose? How much data can be
collected?
EU’s Data Regulatory Framework
During the session, Dr. Pencho gave healthcare to banking and beyond10.
some insights about the new EU The GDPR is designed to11:
Data Framework, highlighting its key • Harmonize data privacy laws
challenges and opportunities. The across Europe,
framework was introduced to adopt • Protect and empower all EU
European standards and regulations citizens data privacy
to support the competitiveness of • Reshape the way organizations
EU industries and enterprises in across the region approach data
the digital economy by allowing privacy.
for a swifter and flexible uptake
of innovative technologies 8. One GDPR reshapes the way in which
of the key aspects of the new EU sectors manage data, as well as
Data Regulatory Framework is the redefines the roles for key leaders
General Data Protection Regulation in businesses, from CIOs to CMOs.
(GDPR). According to the EU, the CIOs must ensure that they have
new GDPR which replaces the Data watertight consent management
Protection Directive 95/46/EC is processes in place, whilst CMOs
the most important change in data require effective data rights
privacy regulation in 20 years9. management systems to ensure
The regulation will fundamentally they don’t lose their most valuable
reshape the way in which data is asset – data12.
handled across every sector, from
GDPR Principles
The EU General Data Protection individuals’ personal data. The
Regulation (GDPR) outlines six data controller is responsible for
data protection principles that complying with the principles and
organizations need to follow when must be able to demonstrate the
collecting, processing and storing organization’s compliance practices.
8 EU Digital Transformation Monitor (2017). Big data: a complex and evolving regulatory framework
9 EU GDPR Website
10 ibid
11 ibid
12 Ibid

13
The principles are summarized below First, in the event of a data breach,
as explained by the IT Governance the unauthorized individual will only
European Blog13. have access to a limited amount of
data. Second, data minimization
i. Lawfulness, fairness and makes it easier to keep data accurate
transparency and up to date.
The first principle is relatively self-
evident: organizations need to make iv. Accuracy
sure their data collection practices The accuracy of personal data is
don’t break the law and that they integral to data protection. The GDPR
aren’t hiding anything from data states that “every reasonable step
subjects. To remain lawful, you need must be taken” to erase or rectify
to have a thorough understanding data that is inaccurate or incomplete.
of the GDPR and its rules for data Individuals have the right to request
collection. To remain transparent that inaccurate or incomplete data
with data subjects, you should state be erased or rectified within 30 days.
in your privacy policy the type of
data you collect and the reason v. Storage limitation
you’re collecting it. Similarly, organizations need to
delete personal data when it’s no
ii. Purpose limitation longer necessary.
Organizations should only collect
personal data for a specific purpose, vi. Integrity and
clearly state what that purpose is, confidentiality
and only collect data for as long as This is the only principle that deals
necessary to complete that purpose. explicitly with security. The GDPR
Processing that’s done for archiving states that personal data must
purposes in the public interest or be “processed in a manner that
for scientific, historical or statistical ensures appropriate security of the
purposes is given more freedom. personal data, including protection
against unauthorized or unlawful
iii. Data minimization processing and against accidental
Organizations must only process loss, destruction or damage,
the personal data that they need using appropriate technical or
to achieve its processing purposes. organizational measures”. The GDPR
Doing so has two major benefits. is deliberately vague about what
13 The GDPR: Understanding the 6 data protection principles

measures organizations should or pseudonyms personal data
take, because technological and wherever possible, but they should
organizational best practices are also consider whatever other options
constantly changing. Currently, are suitable.
organizations should encrypt and/
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Data

Management
Dr. Pencho noted that, KAS will around data management, especially
actively be involved in the discourse at a political and policy level by;
• Contributing to reshape clearer data management policy frameworks

in Germany and Europe
• Proposing an alternative Data Ownership Concept
• Shifting from a Target Culture to a Data Culture in Society
• Promoting the concept of Open Governments around the world
• Promoting Data Literacy
Institutionalization of ICT by the Government of Uganda:

Presentation by Judith Odoi, Assistant Commissioner for
Human Resources, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance
(MoICT&NG).
Judith Odoi from the MoICT&NG

15
The Cabinet under Extract No. 77 national and international policies
(CT 2016) approved the creation and strategies such as: The Uganda
of the Ministry of Information, Vision of 2040 of “Transforming
Communications Technology Uganda Society from a peasant to a
and National Guidance and also Modern and progressive country with
appointed the Minister and Minister 30 years”; the National Development
of State to be responsible for it. Plan II 2016/17 – 2019/2020 vision
The creation of the Ministry was of “Improving Public Service
occasioned by the fact there was/ Management, by creating and
is “ineffective communication of approving operational structures
Government programs in all the and systems for effective and
communications (Television, Radios, efficient service delivery”; the NRM
Newspapers and social media) and Manifesto (2016-2021), roadmap of
inadequate sharing of information “taking Uganda to a Competitive middle
about Government programs and Income Country from predominantly a
achievements”. low income society”; the sustainable
Development Goals (Global Agenda)
The government of Uganda of “ending extreme poverty and
realizes that ICT offer a wide array fighting inequality and injustice” as a
of transformational tools to means of achieving a better future for
improve communication and the all within the next fifteen years; the
delivery of public services� ICT Sector Strategic and Investment
Increased use of Information and Plan 2015/16 -2019/20 Mission which
Communications Technology and is “to provide leadership and enabling
other technological advancements environment for promotion of ICT as
will undoubtedly contribute toward an industry and enabler to Uganda’s
the achievement of Social Economic Development”.
development goals in Uganda in
line with other key

Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT
& NG): An Overview.
In 2016, the Ministry of Public Vision: “A knowledgeable and
Service approved the Structure productive Society driven by
and Establishment Analysis of the Information, Communications
Ministry in line with its Mandate Technology and National Ideology”.
“To provide Strategic Leadership
and Supervision in Information Mission: “To provide effective
Management and Dissemination, communication, utilization of
Communications Technology and Communication Technologies and
Ideological Orientation for sustainable ideological orientation for socio-
Development” economic transformation”.
Key Functions of the Ministry

integration of information and
• Developing and reviewing
Communications Technologies
Policies and legal framework
in Government functions and
on acquisition, collation,
processes and procedures
dissemination and
utilization of Information • Developing Policies, Standards
and Communication and Guidelines on safe use and
Technology. disposal of Information and
Communications Technologies
• Coordinating communication of
Government Policies, programs, • Developing a National Ideology
projects and achievements that supports the Socio-
Economic Transformation
• Providing guidelines for
Agenda
collection of information;
and acquisition and • Promoting a positive change
utilization of Information and of mind set, attitudes and
Communications Technology perceptions of the Citizenry
towards National Development
• Coordinating the planning and
• Coordinating the
development of Information and
implementation of the
Communications Technology
Government Communication
• Enhancing E-government Strategy

17
Structure of the Ministry
The Ministry is headed by the Political Secretary are as follows;
leadership and supported by the Department of Finance and
Permanent Secretary who is the Administration, Human
Accounting Officer. The ministry has Resource Management
3 main directorates, namely; Division Policy and Planning
i. Directorate of Information, Unit, Procurement and
Communications and Disposal Unit, Internal Audit
Technology Services Unit, Communications and
with the following Resource Centre,
Departments: Department of v. Affiliated Institutions
Communications Services and 1. National Information
Department of Information Technology Authority
Management Systems. Uganda
ii. Directorate of Infrastructure 2. Uganda Communications
and Investment with the Commission
following Departments:
3. Posta Uganda
Department of Information
and Communication 4. Uganda Institute of
Technology, Infrastructure Communications
and Department Technology (UICT)
of Information and 5. Uganda Media Centre
Communication Technology,
6. Uganda Broadcasting
Research and Investment.
Corporation
iii. Directorate of Information
7. New Vision Newspaper.
and National Guidance with
the following Departments: vi. The Ministry is also
Department of Information the parent Ministry
Dissemination and Public for all Information and
Relations and Department of Communications Technology
National Guidance. Professionals and
Communications officers.
iv. Support Department
and Units reporting
directly to the Permanent

Government of Uganda ICT Sector Plans and
Programmes
Information and Communications foundational support to the
Technology as a Sector is expected initiatives of the sector i.e.
to greatly improve the citizenry policy, legal, infrastructure,
because it has the potential to:- manpower resources and
• Boost the Country’s export information security.
and foreign exchange ii. Enabling environment
• Create employment and to support ICT growth
wealth and utilization; includes
components to which
• Improve national productivity
initiatives will inspire trust,
by making Government
confidence in the use of
and business enterprises
ICTs and thereby bring
more efficient, effective and
about growth in ICT and its
globally competitive.
utilization.
• Improve availability of digital
iii. ICT for service delivery;
content and e-products,
includes all interventions
automation of Government
aimed at harnessing the
processes and inter-agency
potential of ICTs as an
connectivity and innovation.
enabler of growth and service
• Bridge the gap between delivery.
industry and the academia
and commercialization of In all these action areas, the Human
research and development. Resource is the most critical factor in
This industry is therefore, driving the sector to spur growth. The
expected to greatly contribute Re-organized structure will deliver
to the national GDP. the sector goals with the appending
structures in all the Ministries,
The Sector Strategic plan has Departments and Agencies. It is
spelt out three (03) areas of therefore the responsibility of the
activation which are:- ICT Ministry to ensure that all MDAs
i. Foundational support to have:-
ICT development; includes • Appropriate ICT structures
all components that render • ICT positions filled

19
• ICT Units are equipped placed and utilized.
with functional tools and • ICT staffs can exhibit
equipment. professionalism and
• ICT staffs are appropriately appropriate guidance to their
skilled structures.
• ICT staffs are appropriately
Key challenges faced by the government for

using ICTs as transformative tools
Glaring gaps exist in most Ministries, guidance, growth and
Departments and Agencies and development for ICT Cadres
Local Governments levels as shown • No competence profiling for
below. these cadres
• Un-harmonized ICT structures • No schemes of service for ICT
in MDAs. and Communications Cadres
• ICT skills gaps among • Lack of a comprehensive
government officials. skilling program for the
• No recruitment and cadres
succession plans for ICT and • Lack of career guidance for
Communication Cadres decentralized ICT services
• Lack of proper career
Possible solutions to the Problems
The ministry has identified and is set • Analyze ICT Structures and
to implement the following activities nomenclature in MDAs and
to address the problems; LGs.
• Compare and learn from • Analyze ICT programs across
Institutions within the country MDAs
i.e. Ministry of Finance, • Develop a National Activity
Ministry of Public Service Plan/roadmap for the
and Office of the President, management of ICT officers.
among others as well other • Conduct more orientation
countries like both in Africa programs for ICT officers and
and beyond. their supervisors
• Form the Communication and • Formulate an M&E Strategy of
Information Officers forum ICT Cadres.
for heads of Departments and • Harmonization of structures
Units in MDAs. in MDAs and Local
• Conduct Annual ICT Government
Conference.
Welcome to the 2018 Digitalization Public Dialogue: Remarks

by Mathias Kamp, Country Representative, Konrad-Adenauer-
Stiftung, Uganda and South Sudan
Mathias Kamp, Country Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung giving welcome remarks at the
conference
On the second day of the conference, to create an opportunity to critically

the conference was open to the discuss digitalization and industry
general public who work in and/ 4�0 for development considering the
or is interested in the various fields fact that data is the most precious
of the fourth industrial revolution� resource of the 21st century� Mr.
In his welcome remarks, Mr� Kamp Kamp also explained the
reiterated that the Digitalization objectives of the conference
Forum was a milestone event meant noting that it provides a
platform for further
21
understanding the digitalization his optimism that the forum would
policy landscape in East Africa in generate some ideas for debate
addition to identifying the existing and future action. The Forum, Mr.
opportunities and challenges and Kamp advised “should fuel our quest
how best to address them. “Bringing for knowledge and intrigue us to
together all these different players understand the key forces that shape
from various sectors - government, digitalization and how we can harness
private sector and the delegates from the benefits of industry 4.0”.
other countries will undoubtedly elicit
relevant conversations that will matter Uganda 4.0? Opening Remarks
in shaping better policies and practices by Julius Torach
on digitalization in East Africa” The full address by the Acting
Permanent Secretary at the
Although the pertinent issues around Ministry of ICT and National
digitalization couldn’t be exhausted Guidance is quoted below;
in one day, Mr. Kamp expressed
Julius Torach from the MoICT addressing the conference

I welcome you all to Munyonyo; a technologies in the context of the
very pleasant place. I thank you Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
all for coming. It gives me great covering wide-ranging fields such
pleasure to welcome our regional as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big
and international delegates to the Data, Blockchain Technologies and
First Kampala Digitalization Forum Cloud Computing. Associated cyber
2018 organised by the Ministry of ICT security and privacy concerns are
& National Guidance in partnership also being addressed.
with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. I
wish to thank Mr. Mathias Kamp, the During the First Africa Block-
Country Representative for Uganda chain Conference that was held in
and South Sudan for this support. Kampala in May 2018, Hon. Frank
Tumwebaze, the Minister of ICT &
We are glad that the participants National Guidance pledged to set
have turned up in large numbers up an Expert Team to develop a
to discuss such an important and Framework for the adoption and
timely subject of harnessing the promotion of 4IR technologies in the
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) country.
in the transformation of Africa. Internal consultations have
As a Ministry, we have embraced been concluded and he will soon
the developments in this area and announce the roadmap. This
are glad to work with entities and Conference therefore has come
stakeholders such as the UN, the at the right time to provide input
Block-chain Association of Uganda, into what we are doing. For the
the private sector, the Academia and 4IR to be the first sustainable
our agencies to explore how best we industrial revolution, governments
can maximize these technologies. and regulators will need to adapt
Our aim is to ensure the development quickly with the rapidly evolving
of a comprehensive ecosystem for 4IR landscape and provide the
the adoption and promotion of 4IR enabling environment, safeguards,
technologies. investment and oversight to guide
the future that is being built. Support
In that regard, the Ministry has and partnerships will be needed
developed a Digital Uganda Vision to unlock and scale innovation
with 4IR as one of its core enablers. on emerging – and potentially
Government of Uganda through game-changing – technologies and
the Ministry has also started solutions for the people.
training its ICT officers in emerging

23
Foresight, public policies and of an East African 4IR Taskforce or
technological governance will Committee. To our friends from
be needed to avoid or minimize other parts of the world, we wish to
unintended consequences and inform you that the region is ready
protect public interests. Africa must to welcome you to invest here. The
NOT be left behind in this Digital natural resources, the weather and
Revolution. We need an Africa 4.0. the people are very pleasant. I hope
As country we believe in regional you will enjoy your stay and bring
integration and Pan-Africanism. I am your families back for Christmas.
therefore glad to hear that there are
Panel Discussion Sessions
a number of delegates from the East
One of the key highlights of the
African Community here today.
Kampala Digitalization Forum
I wish to urge you to continue were a series of high level panel
working together to maximize discussion sessions that provided
the opportunities of the Fourth a unique platform for key players
Industrial Revolution. The Ministry in the digitalization field in Uganda
is looking forward to having an to share insights, ideas, learnt
engagement about the creation lessons and network with each
other�
Industry 4.0: Obstacles and Opportunities for

East Africa
In this panel discussion session, Africa, for example with regard
experts discussed the current to value chains, productivity and
digitalization landscape and major employment. They also looked at
digital development trends in East the level of 4IR preparedness visa vie
Africa. They also discussed the the initiatives being undertaken by
opportunities of the fourth industrial governments and the private sector
revolution for economies in East to taps it’s potential.
Africa and the role of digitalization
in promoting sustainable economic The panelist discussants were both
growth. The experts also explored from the public and private sector
pertinent question about whether organizations from across the
leapfrogging to Industry 4.0 will East African region. They included;
provide solutions for some of the Julius Torach, a Commissioner
major economic challenges in East for Information Technology at
Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and Enterprise Uganda; and Maureen
National Guidance; Jones Mrusha, Agena, an ICT4D professional from
Co-Founder of KINU Innovation the Regional Universities Forum
Hub in Tanzania; Kenneth Legesi, for Agriculture (RUFoRUM). The
Manager of Strategy and Innovation session was moderated by Doreen
at Deloitte Uganda; Ronald Mukasa, Komuhangi, Business Journalist with
Business Development Manager at NBS TV, Uganda.
Session panelists
The session started with an need to have the right legislation,

exploratory discussion on the skillsets and the infrastructure.
meaning of the fourth industrial He gave an example of the Data
revolution and its key variables. Protection and Privacy Bill that
Julius Torach noted that Uganda as has been tabled before Parliament
a country is getting ready for the noting that “this legislation will help
4th Industrial Revolution because with privacy and the protection of
the government is creating reliable data in line with digital security for
connections and taking necessary the country”. Furthermore, “the
actions that we need to get us government has set up a data center
there. For this to happen at a faster to critically look into digital security”,
pace and more effectively, Torach Torach noted.
emphasized that there is an urgent

25
According to the ICT .
Commissioner, the Ugandan
government wants to create
awareness of the potential and
opportunities for the 4th
Industrial Revolution and prepare
the country for the emerging
technologies� The government is
also focused on supporting
innovation in the country through,
for example increased funding.
The president promised to spend
Kenneth Legesi from Deloitte Uganda

However, according to, Mrusha Jones are seriously underestimating its
from KINU Innovation Hub, most potentials. For example, he noted
African countries like Tanzania where that “Africa generates billions of
he comes from are not prepared to tap data but none of it being in our
into the opportunities provided by possession, which means we are
Industry 4.0 and address challenges losing out a lot”. Indeed, Africa has
around it because governments a chance of participating in the 4IR

not as consumers but as owners of learn and understand the potentials
the revolution - with data at hand, of the 4IR in order to come up with
Africa is ready for the digital age. informed policies to influence and
As a continent, we need to critically guide relevant actions.
Mrusha Jones from KINU Innovations Hub, Tanzania
It should be noted that the impact .

of the 4th Industrial Revolution
revolves around defending what we
call a digital economy and how to
work around it. We need to know
what lies ahead and get to learn how
we can work with it.
During the session, Maureen Agena

also decried the stifling regulatory
environment which will continue
making the 4IR a farfetched reality
in the lives of most people in
Uganda. For instance, “how can
we be here talking about innovation

27
Maureen Agena from the Regional Universities Capacity Building Forum on Agriculture
Ronald Mukasa from Enterprise control the economy. He stressed

Uganda warned that although there the need to take this debate to the
is a small section of Ugandans who entrepreneurs and get the question
are excited about the 4th Industrial of exposure out of the way. He
Revolution, the majority probably do added that there is need to bring
not even know that we are in the 4th the entrepreneurs on board and get
Industrial Revolution and yet among them to adapt to these technologies.
these are the entrepreneurs who

Ronald Mukasa from Enterprise Uganda
He also stressed the need to stop what the possibilities are.

expecting the government and .
government officials to do everything
for us. To illustrate the need for
private initiatives, he said that the
emergence of Safe Boda is a vivid
example of how boda-bodas can be
regulated. “The rapid pace at which
Safe Boda revolutionized and brought
order to the boda-boda transport
industry even when the government
had failed is simply unbelievable”,
he remarked. To Mukasa, Africa
has the possibility of leapfrogging
but there is an urgent need to have
a conversation with an everyday
trader and the ordinary citizens on

29
There was a call for the Ministry of to 87% of the people live in rural
ICT and National Guidance to stop areas.
focusing on the things it has done
because it is running late and time The key lesson from the session was
is running out fast. Instead the that although the unprecedented
government should borrow a leaf pace of the speed of Industry 4�0 and
from other neighboring countries multifaceted nature, we’ll probably
like Kenya and beyond in taking never be ready� But at the very least,
the much desired actions to fuel we should be able to learn more
Industry 4.0. about it and learn and share
relevant experiences as much as
There was also a clarion call to stop we can� Moreover, a collaborative
limiting digitalization to only mobile approach at the policy and
applications because there are very infrastructure level within the East
many problems that need to be African region can give us more
solved using innovative approaches leverage�
and models. For instance, what is Frameworks for Digital Markets:
being done to get people in the rural A Look at Past and Present
areas join the online spaces? This is Trends. Presentation by John
particularly important in the context Walubengo
of Uganda where the majorities, up
John Walubengo from the MultiMedia University, Kenya

John Walubengo, an ICT expert and significant structural reforms across
Dean of the Faculty of Computing and the continent. With the increase
IT at Multimedia University in Kenya in production efficiency and scale,
gave an input presentation showing small businesses grew from serving
the origins and the key features a limited number of customers to
of the past Industrial Revolutions large organizations with owners,
(1st to 3rd) up to the current one manager and employees serving a
(4th Industry Revolution). His larger number14.
presentation also provided key
digitalization statistical trends and Industry 2.0: The beginning of
the indicators of digitalization in 20th century marked the start of the
Kenya, highlighting the most critical second industrial revolution. The
ones. He also discussed the currents main contributor to this revolution
trends of digitalization in East was the development of machines
Africa and how this is impacting/ running on electrical energy.
could impact current and future Electrical energy was already being
developments in the region. A used as a primary source of power.
comprehensive synthesis of his Electrical machines were more
presentation is elaborated below; efficient to operate and maintain
both in terms of cost and effort unlike
Industry 1.0: Fed-up with the the water and steam based machines
prevailing status-quo characterized which were comparatively inefficient
by absolute poverty, limited and resource hungry . During this
production capabilities mostly era, various production management
because of using hands and the sole techniques such as division of labor,
resource in production, the Brits just-in-time manufacturing and lean
had to do something. The pockets manufacturing principles refined
of scientists and mercantilists of the underlying processes leading to
the time thought about ideas to improved quality and output16.
graduate from hand to machine
use in production processes. In the A classic example of Industry 2.0 is
late 18th century, steam engines Fords’ adoption of conveyer belts
were introduced helping the British technology in car manufacturing.
industrial class to mass produce Henry Ford took the idea of mass
goods, especially textiles, steel production from a slaughterhouse in
and iron. Soon, the technologies Chicago: The pigs hung from conveyor
spread across Europe sparking off belts and each butcher performed

31
only a part of the task of butchering Revolution but is much faster in
the animal. Henry Ford carried over terms of velocity, scope and systems
these principles into automobile impact. The Fourth Industrial
production and drastically altered Revolution is disrupting almost
it in the process. While before every industry in every country and
one station assembled an entire creating massive change in a non-
automobile, now the vehicles were linear way at unprecedented speed19.
produced in partial steps on the The Fourth Industrial Revolution
conveyor belt—significantly faster describes the exponential changes
and at lower cost17. to the way we live, work and relates
to one another due to the adoption
Industry 3.0: Advances in the of cyber-physical systems, the
electronics industry in the last few Internet of Things and the Internet
decades of the 20th century ushered of Systems20. It is characterized
in the third industrial revolution. by a fusion of technologies that
The invention and manufacturing is blurring the lines between the
of a variety electronic devices physical, digital, and biological
including computer hardware and spheres, collectively referred to
software substantially resulted in as cyber-physical systems21. It is
reduced effort, increased speed, marked by emerging technology
greater accuracy and even complete breakthroughs in a number of
replacement of the human agent fields, including robotics, artificial
in some cases. The automation intelligence, nanotechnology,
processes and software systems quantum computing, biotechnology,
have continuously evolved with the the Internet of Things, the Industrial
advances in the electronics and IT Internet of Things (IIoT), fifth-
industry since then18. generation wireless technologies
(5G), additive manufacturing/3D
Industry 4.0: This is a further
printing and fully autonomous
build-up of the developments that
vehicles22.
took place during the Third
Industrial
14 Howard, E (2018).The Evolution of the Industrial Ages: Industry 1.0 to 4.0. Simio Blog Article
15 Ibid
16 Ibid
17 Dossenter (2018). Industrial Revolution - From Industry 1.0 to Industry 4.0
18 Howard, E (2018).The Evolution of the Industrial Ages: Industry 1.0 to 4.0. Simio Blog Article
19Schwab N (2018). The Fourth Industrial Revolution.
20Marr B (2018). The 4th Industrial Revolution Is Here - Are You Ready? Forbes Article dated Aug 13th 2018.
21Ibid
22WEF (2018). “The Fourth Industrial Revolution: what it means and how to respond”. World Economic Forum

The Four Industrial Revolutions
Key triggers of Industry 4.0

33
Cloud Computing Capability as a Proxy
Measure for Digital Economy
ledgers and subsequently access
According to BSA (Business them.
Software Alliance), Policies that
create an environment conducive What are the key indicators of
to cloud computing will produce a Digital Economy and how can
significant, positive results for they be measured?
the growth of digital economies/
markets. Examples of cutting-edge These inconclusive parameters are
technologies enabled by cloud the stimulants for a thriving Digital
computing include: Economy;
Data Analytics: Cloud computing .

allows a tremendous amount
of data, collected from multiple
locations, to be stored and analyzed
in a cost-effective way. This enables
data analytics to be performed on a
large scale.
Artificial intelligence uses

vast amounts of data to “train”
algorithms to solve complex
problems and achieve certain goals.
Cloud computing allows this data to
be collected and analyzed efficiently. Measurement yardstick
Block-chain: There are multiple • Is there a data protection law or

uses for block-chain technology regulation in place?
from financial transactions to • Is the data protection authority
manufacturing, and many new uses enforcing the data protection law
are constantly emerging. Cloud or regulation in an effective and
computing allows participants in transparent manner?
block-chain transactions to remotely
• Is the cross-border data transfer
too restrictive?
record information in decentralized
Security: Users of cloud computing • Are arrangements in place for the
and other digital services need cross-border exchange of data for
to be certain that cloud service law enforcement purposes that
providers can manage the security are transparent and fair?
risks of storing their data and
running their applications on cloud Intellectual Property: As with the
systems. Largescale national and creators of other highly innovative
international cybersecurity attacks and fast-evolving products,
are now common. providers of cloud computing
services rely on a combination of
Measurement yardstick patents, copyrights, trade secrets,
and other forms of intellectual
• Is there a national cybersecurity
property protection. To encourage
strategy in place?
investment in cloud research and
• Is the national cybersecurity development, intellectual property
strategy current, comprehensive, laws must provide clear protections
and inclusive? and effective enforcement of
• Are laws or guidance on security misappropriation and infringement.
requirements transparent, risk- Online intermediaries should
based, and not overly prescriptive? be offered incentives to operate
responsibly and should enjoy safe
Cybercrime: The huge quantities harbor from copyright liability when
of data that companies and they do so.
governments store in their computer
Measurement yardstick
networks have long attracted the
attention of bad actors. In order Are copyright laws or
to protect data holders and deter regulations in place that are
cyber criminals, governments must consistent with international
use legislative, investigative, and standards to protecti
enforcement tools. ntermediaries (Cloud
providers/ISPs/Content Providers/
Measurement yardstick etc�)
Are copyright laws or regulations
• Are there cybercrime laws or effectively implemented?
regulations in place?
• Are cybercrime laws or regulations Are there clear legal protectionsin
consistent with the Budapest place for software-implemented
Convention on Cybercrime? inventions?

35
Industry Standards/Data Measurement yardstick
Portability: Users need data
• Is a national strategy or
portability and seamless
platform in place to promote the
interoperable applications if they
are to make full use of cloud- development of cloud services /
computing services and the digital digital products?
economy. IT industry organizations • Are there any laws or policies in
are developing international place that implement technology
standards that will ensure optimal neutrality in government?
portability. Government support for
• Has the country signed and
these voluntary, industry-led efforts
implemented international
is highly important. Countries must
also promote global harmonization agreements that ensure the
of e-commerce rules, tariffs, and procurement of cloud services is
relevant trade rules. free from discrimination?
Measurement yardstick Broadband Readiness: Digital

economies and cloud computing
• Is there a regulatory body
require extensive, affordable
responsible for standards
broadband access, which in turn
development for the country?
requires incentives for private
• Does the government participate sector investment in infrastructure
in international standards setting and laws and policies that support
process? universal access.
• Is there a law or regulation that
gives electronic signatures clear Measurement yardstick
legal weight?
• Is there a National Broadband
Free Trade: Cloud services operate Plan & to what extend is it
across national boundaries, and implemented?
their success depends on access • What are the key statistics about
to regional and global markets. the; ITU ICT Development Index
Restrictive policies that create (IDI); Active Mobile Broadband
actual or potential trade barriers will Subscriptions (% of population);
inhibit or slow the evolution of cloud Average Mobile Data Connection
computing. Speed Cost of Broadband as
percentage of the Average
Incomes?
Balancing Regulations and Incentives for the
Growing Digital Economy
could be supported to benefit
This panel discussion session from opportunities ushered in
explored the regulatory challenges by digitalization; the actual and
with regard to digitalization and the potential incentives for local business
virtual economy in East Africa. It development and innovation as well
also discussed the steps that have as international investment as well
been undertaken by governments as how the competitive advantages
in East Africa to provide adequate in the region could be strengthened.
responses in terms of regulation Moderated by Michael Niyitegeka,
and policy-making. Gaps within the Uganda Country Manager
the digital economy were also for ICDL Africa, the session also
identified and discussed during had inputs from Ali Hussein from
the session. Similarly, the experts KICTANet, Kenya; Angela Mirembe
during the session explored the from Coding with Heels; Hon.
major trends with regard to key Godfrey Osotsi, a Member of Kenya’s
regulatory challenges, for example National Assembly Committee on
regarding aspects such as data ICT; Badru Ntege from the Private
(access, ownership, and security); Sector Foundation of Uganda
how the local private sector
Panel Discussion session moderated by Michael Niyitegeka

37
Niyetegeka opened the discussion by One of the panelists, Angella
asking the panelists about the kind of Mirembe reiterated that the
incentives that need to be created to problem of youth exclusion in the
make sure that the people in the East digital economy could be solve by
African community are not passive equipping them with the requisite
but active participants in the digital digital skills and changing their
economy. The panelists agreed mindsets� “If we are to fully tap into
that East Africa’s youth continue to the possibilities of the digital world,
be kept in the background yet they we need to start early and encourage
constitute the biggest proportion the younger generation to get
of the population. The inexorable knowledgeable early� Right now,
march of digitalization is leaving life is not about what you studied or
them out and yet they need to be what you are qualified for. The issue
put at the forefront of these efforts that we should be addressing is what
so that they can start thinking you can do rather than what you
fast. Thus, if we do not respond qualified in”, she emphasized.
fast enough, the majority of young
people will be left behind and this
is disastrous from security, stability
and development perspectives.
Angella Mirembe from Coding With Heels

Despite the exclusion, a lot is being of working on a Data Protection Bill
done by the East African countries in in its legislature. Data is critical and
terms of involving the young people countries that will manage their
and this is a promising venture for data well will make a great deal of
young people. Innovation hubs are progress.
being put in place and incentives are
also being rolled out by countries to The people are the employers of
improve on innovation. the government and a civil servant
is meant to serve the people. There
The panelists also noted that is, therefore, need to enhance civic
technology is growing faster than participation.
legislation and there is need to strike
a balance between legislation and One of the insights that were
technology. In Africa we have very generated during the plenary
many laws but the real challenge discussion was the need to involve
lies in their implementation in the the judiciary in this discourse.
various policies. For instance, Ali The argument here was that if
Hussein decried the current situation legal policy makers have a better
where 21st century challenges are understanding of the challenges
being solved with 20th century and the opportunities of the digital
systems with 19th century mindsets. economy, they would be able to
come up with inclusive laws and
In terms of regulations, though, policies to support the evolutionary
Kenya is making significant progress and revolutionary processes of
but, admittedly, has not yet attained digitalization.
its target. There is strong public
participation, and that is a good step During the session, East Africa’s
towards coming up with a human- youth were encouraged to let their
centered design for making policies. passion for innovation drive their
In the mobile telecommunication initiatives. As Angela noted; “when
industry, the government has made you look at great innovators, you will
it easy for local investors to get notice that they did not really give up
incentives to invest in Kenya. The because of the unfavorable political
Government of Kenya has amended landscape but instead went ahead to
the law so that local investors can build something because of what they
benefit from a tax grace period of up believed in. “You have to ask yourself
to 10 years. Kenya is in the process what you can do. I think it is time we

39
stopped being spoon-fed, get up and important than ever because in the
get things done”, she called the youth digital economy, most businesses
to action. are online and with intangible
assets. In the digital age, millions
A clarion call for a massive investment new innovations and content is
in intellectual property management being created at the same time and
was also made by Hon. Osotsi. This is it is imperative that there rights of
in light of the fact that the value and ownership of these contents and
relevance of intellectual property applications is guaranteed.
in the new digital age is now more
Hon. Osotsi from the Parliament of Kenya
Another point of concern noted by has failed to figure out what it is. Is it
Hon. Osotsi was also the difficulties an Insurance company, is it a bank,
around policy formulations and and is it a Telecom company? It has
implementation around the digital advanced so quick that we don’t know
economy. For instance “we are how to regulate them” - Hon Osotsi
talking about private companies like noted. He also warned that failing
Safaricom where government in Kenya to regulate ICT sector in East Africa
is dangerous for development. A Moreover, “policy needs to be
case in point as he noted was recent researched and well thought out
a MPESA in Kenya that caused a lot and this can best be perfected
of inconvenience and many made through practical iterations and past
losses. “This reminds us of the urgent experiences” he stressed.
need to decisively deal with dominance
in the telecommunications sector in our An important point from this session
country - lest we expose the country was that the young people and those
to the real risk of a catastrophic state in the innovation ecosystem should
capture” he stated. just take control and continue
with their endeavors. As Badru
. Ntege noted, “You can wait for the
government to come and help you
and you may have to wait forever. So
get done with work and start doing
your stuff already and government
will find you along the way”.
Badru Ntege from NFT Consult LTD

41
Ntege also noted that one of the and what they offer should be an
best strategies for fueling the digital important decision making tool by
economy is the strong involvement the government.
of the private sector. He stated
that one of the reasons why it is so The key take-away from this
difficult for government to involve session was that there is an urgent
and engage the private sector is that need to focus our conversation on
it is mostly being done to “tick the regulation as an enabler and not as
box”. He thus suggest that getting an instrument for clamping down
the private sector involved through the digital economy.
focusing on their innovations
Robots, Codes and Brains - Harnessing

the Emerging Technologies of the Fourth
Industrial Revolution
The illiterate of 21st century is the be ignorant in this era of the 4th
one is not able to learn, unlearn Industrial Revolution” – Mark Kaigwa,
and learn. ”There’s no excuse to Nendo
Session Panel discussants: L-R; Mendoza, Faraja, Kaigwa, Onyango, Kwameh & Loo

This session explored the factory of the future will only have
opportunities for East Africa in one human and a dog. The dog will
robotics and artificial intelligence, be there to keep the human from
cloud computing, internet of things, touching the machines. How many
block chain technologies etc. and of those factories will be prideful
the role of local entrepreneurs and manufacturers and how many
innovators playing with regard to the human manufacturers? Of the two
new technologies among others. The which will remain and which will go?
speakers at the session included;
Lembit Loo, EMEA Director at Net To open the discussion, the
Group, Estonia; Kwame Rugunda moderator inquired from Kwame
from the Blockchain Association Rugunda about the different
of Uganda; Mark Kaigwa, Founder opportunities ushered by block-
of Nendo; Douglas Onyango from chain technologies to countries
Deron Technologies and Faraja in the East African region. Kwame
Nyalandu the Executive Director of noted that there is a lot of potential
Shule Direct, Tanzania. The session in the emergence of block-chain. He
was moderated by Teddy Ruge, from added that there is keen interest in
Hive-Colab, Uganda. block-chain in the banking sector
and the land registry and that there
To set the ball rolling, the moderator is much more potential that block-
presented the following puzzle: The chain technologies can offer.
Kwame Rugunda from the Block chain Association of Uganda

43
Bridget Mendoza from Andela, one taught how to be developers.
of the foremost global organizations They are contributing to the
catalyzing an interconnected global revolution by bringing in people
tech ecosystem also offered her who will run the machines, data
insights pertaining to software and artificial intelligence in the 4th
development and programming Industrial Revolution. Mendoza also
in the new digital age. She noted emphasized that we have a duty
that at Andela they have harnessed to prepare our children to write
and welcomed the 4th Industrial code since the illiterates of the 21st
Revolution by sharing skills with century are those we can’t code.
people who have no idea about The great new is that Andela is
software development and doing exceptional work and they are
programming. She added that already on a mission to change the
people who simply have the passion world, one code at a time.
for these technologies have been
Bridget Mendoza from Andela

Regarding the fear that the Industry it more jobs that are being created
4.0 tools will replace human beings but all we need is a high degree of
and be the new face of the labor preparedness and readiness” she
market, Faraja Nyalandu from noted. “We have to go back to the
Shule Direct reiterated that while drawing board and identify the
this is true, there are still jobs that core purpose of education” she
cannot be replaced by machines, for suggested. She also noted the
instance, assignments that require need to address the gender gap
emotional intelligence and creative and include women as we harness
applications. Even then, “the fourth Fourth Industrial Revolution in East
industrial revolution also comes with Africa.
Faraja Nyalandu from Shule Direct
The session sparked fundamental implored the participants and

discussions about the ethical Industry 4.0 proponents to be
considerations and its implications cognizant of this. The good news
in the digital age. For instance, according to Mendoza is that
Onyait Odeke, the head of digital most tools of Industry 4.0 are
communications at Dignited learning to cope up with issues

45
of ethical consideration because The session also recommended
of the enormous research being that there is need to have more
undertaken in the field. According constructive discussions with policy
her, we should be more hopeful and makers on what kinds of laws would
not discard digitalization because apply because, clearly, they have
of the threats they present to our been left out. The laws we have
morality and ethical standards. She right now cannot be of any help.
also noted that “there will always be Policy makers have to reach out to
bugs, so you always have to update the coders and programmers to
and always learn”. understand how we can come up
with policies that can help.
On the question of morality and
ethics in the face of the technological Some ICT innovators and experts at
revolution, Douglas Onyango argued the conference felt that the sector
that “for all the bad that machines is being over-regulated, mostly
can do, humans have done worse” so because of lack of better and well
this limiting the emancipotory and informed ideas. “We need to solve
progressive capacities of machines some serious issues when it comes to
based on fear is an unhealthy creating a true enabling environment.
discouse. Moreover, as noted by Current regulations are all about
Faraja Nyalandu “machines are not control, not about creation” noted
here to program humans, humans are Teddy Ruge, the Co-Founder of Hive-
the ones to program the machines” Colab, Uganda’s first tech incubator
and co-working space.
Session moderator, Teddy Ruge from Hive Colab

To conclude the discussion, The final session explored how
Mendoza from Andela noted that best the data revolution could
as programming and AI (artificial be managed. It discussed the
intelligence) grow, the software major trends regarding data;
industry is also always learning and the opportunities arising from
so we need to deepen on how fast transformative developments in
we are learning and copying up with the gathering, processing, sharing
digital trends. and storage of data and how local
innovators are contributing to
According to Kwame Rugunda, the data revolution in East Africa.
since our biggest challenge is our Similarly, the session also explored
inability to predict what is next and the actual and potential benefits of
be prepared, it is critical that we big data and open data for public
pay attention to the industry and administration, business growth,
how it is evolving and prepare the human and economic development
generation for it. in East Africa and how the risks
regarding data protection and data
Managing the Data Revolution privacy can be addressed without
“Countries that will manage their data stifling the innovative and data’s
well will progress” - Hon. Godfrey transformative potentials.
Osotsi - Member, National
Assembly Committee on ICT,
Kenya
Session Panel discussants

47
Among the speakers were Dr. cemented the fact that there is a
Pencho Kuzev, the Data and Digital general need to address data access
Policy Coordinator at the Konrad- challenge, which is a problem
Adenauer-Stiftung; Antony Otieno being confronted by most
from Internet Society of Kenya countries in Africa where the
(ISOC); Joshua Akandwanaho from majority of the populace are still
NITA-Uganda; Alice Namuli Blazevic, rural dwellers� Dr� Godfrey Justo
Intellectual Property Rights Lawyer reiterated that data out there is
and Dr. Godfrey Justo, Engagement inaccessible and makes it hard to
and Management Advisor, Tanzania be harnessed and utilized� Datasets
Data Lab and Dr. Peter Misiani in hardcopy is proving to be a
Mwencha, a research fellow at challenge to people that wants to
Kenyatta University. The session use it� “There’s still an issue of
was moderated by Michael Katagaya data being unclean and there is an
from Evidence and Methods Lab, urgent need for professionals to
Uganda. make it standard”� He also decried
the state of Data Storage by most
The hard conversation about data governments noting that this
access was the beginning point continues to be a major challenge in
of this session. The points raised the new age of data revolution�

A key proponent of open data, Dr. to the questions of data ownership
Justo warned that “having data and between users and providers of
not using it is useless”. Therefore, increasingly ubiquitous data-driven
“if we have data and it’s being services is one of the next big
harnessed and put to good use, challenges the hyper-connected
then it offers many transformative society will be facing — with deep
benefits” he concluded. implications both financially,
ethically, and in terms of cyber-
As a piece of advice to the protection of the privacy of citizens,
participants, Dr. Peter Misiani he notes.
Mwencha noted that “we can only
appreciate the value and relevance To address some of the key
of data if we all treated ourselves as questions around data ownership
producers and consumers of data”. and protection, the government
of Uganda recently drafted a
An important message from the Data Protection and Privacy Bill.
session was also the need for data to Joshua Akandwanaho from NITA-U
be kept with the highest standards disclosed that the Bill that is yet to be
of privacy and protection. Discussing passed in the Ugandan Parliament.
this is pertinent because an immense However, Alice Namuli interjected
amount of data is being generated but and reiterated that before the Data
the question we will have to confront & Privacy Bill is passed into a law,
is: Who controls and owns this data? the legislators and the general public
As noted by digital strategist JC should first fully understand it.
Gaillard, the question of who owns Besides, “before these regulations
the information collected by smart- are drafted, it’s important that the
watches, smart-thermostats, or person regulating understands what
even connected-roads is indeed far they’re regulating so that we come
from being resolved. Understand up with meaningful regulations”
and finding sustainable solutions Namuli emphasized.

49
Joshua Akandwanaho from NITA-U
On a positive note, the government is of the innovation hub. While this is

also investing in the data revolution. a good, Alice Namuli decried the
For instance, Akandwanaho noted systemic irregularities to access it.
that there are efforts being made at She added that innovators receive
the ministry to enhance innovation the money meant for them but
through the provision of the fund owing to the irregularities, they have
for innovators and the construction to bribe insiders.

Tech Lawyer, Alice Namuli
Some Recommendations from the

Conference
• They also asked all government
After the panel deliberations,
institutions to be open and
Commissioner Julius Torach
update information on their
requested the audience to give
websites to make it available to
constructive feedback and share the public.
relevant recommendations to enable
• UCC actively participates in the
the government to improve on it
next forum.
digitalization promises. Participants
suggested that; • There is need for the government
to know about the information
• The ministry of ICT & NG should being collected and the activities
attend the other forums on ICTs being carried out.
and answer relevant questions • KAS and the MoICT&NG should
while also informing the public continue collaborating to execute
about new developments in the capacity building projects for
ministry. government officials.

51

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Managing the

MINISTRY OF ICT &

At the global stage, digitalization or how we process and share

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Over 85% of the schools use the

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Estonia also has a Data Embassy, a

To further strengthen security,

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

The system is aimed at achieving solutions for the government. The

1997 2002 2005 2008 2014

What lesson for East Africa from Estonia?

Sometimes in the digital sphere, .

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Many contending opinions where

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Data

• Contributing to reshape clearer data management policy frameworks

Institutionalization of ICT by the Government of Uganda:

Judith Odoi from the MoICT&NG

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Key Functions of the Ministry

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Key challenges faced by the government for

Possible solutions to the Problems

Welcome to the 2018 Digitalization Public Dialogue: Remarks

On the second day of the conference, to create an opportunity to critically

Julius Torach from the MoICT addressing the conference

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Industry 4.0: Obstacles and Opportunities for

The session started with an need to have the right legislation,

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Kenneth Legesi from Deloitte Uganda

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Mrusha Jones from KINU Innovations Hub, Tanzania

It should be noted that the impact .

During the session, Maureen Agena

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Ronald Mukasa from Enterprise control the economy. He stressed

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

He also stressed the need to stop what the possibilities are.

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

John Walubengo from the MultiMedia University, Kenya

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Key triggers of Industry 4.0

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Data Analytics: Cloud computing .

Artificial intelligence uses

Block-chain: There are multiple • Is there a data protection law or

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa:

Measurement yardstick Broadband Readiness: Digital

Panel Discussion session moderated by Michael Niyitegeka

Managing the 4th Industrial Revolution in East Africa: