Uganda has officially launched the 10th National Conference on Communications (NCC 2026), marking a major milestone in the country’s journey to strengthen its digital ecosystem through research, innovation, and collaboration. The launch was presided over by Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, at the Commission’s headquarters.

The conference, scheduled to take place from June 24 to 26, 2026, at Makerere University, will bring together stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and the wider innovation ecosystem. As Uganda’s leading ICT research and innovation platform, NCC has, over the past decade, served as a key meeting point for discussing the evolution of the country’s communications and technology landscape.

This year’s theme, “Accelerating Market-Driven Innovation for Uganda’s Development,” reflects a deliberate shift toward ensuring that technological advancement is rooted in practical application. According to UCC leadership, innovation must go beyond theoretical frameworks and directly address the needs of citizens, businesses, and public institutions if it is to have a meaningful national impact.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Thembo emphasized that the National Conference on Communications remains a strategic platform for engaging with issues shaping Uganda’s digital future. He noted that the conference is anchored on three core objectives: presenting peer-reviewed ICT research, fostering dialogue on emerging trends and challenges, and facilitating professional networking among innovators and practitioners. He added that communications research plays a critical role in unlocking homegrown solutions capable of addressing both current and future national needs.

The conference will once again be hosted by Makerere University, marking the fifth time the institution is taking on this role. Representing the university, Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), highlighted the importance of aligning innovation with market needs and national development priorities under Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan.

Kasule described NCC as a long-standing national platform for ICT research and innovation since its establishment by UCC in 2010. He underscored the critical role universities play as drivers of innovation, pointing to initiatives such as Kiira Motors Corporation and government-backed efforts like the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund as examples of locally driven technological progress.

NCC 2026 will feature a wide range of activities, including research presentations, industry engagements, exhibitions, and innovation competitions that will also involve secondary school participants. These activities are designed to strengthen the connection between research and practical application while showcasing locally developed solutions.

In preparation for the conference, pre-event activities are already underway, including scientific writing masterclasses being conducted across universities to support emerging researchers and enhance the quality of academic output.

As Uganda positions itself to harness the power of digital transformation, the 10th National Conference on Communications is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and real-world impact, fostering collaboration, and accelerating innovation that directly contributes to national development.