By Caroline.N
At the recent Kampala Blockchain Summit 2025, held at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala, regulators, industry leaders, and innovators gathered to chart a roadmap for Uganda’s digital asset future. Central to the discussion was a resounding call for swift and well structured regulatory reforms, warning that delays could leave Uganda trailing behind regional competitors.
Bank of Uganda (BoU) Governor Michael Atingi-Ego, speaking at the summit, emphasised that the question is no longer whether blockchain and virtual assets matter, but whether Uganda will shape their adoption or remain passive users of systems developed elsewhere. “We have an opportunity to be innovators, not imitators. But timing is critical,” he said.
Atingi-Ego explained that the BoU’s cautious approach to virtual assets has been driven by prudence rather than resistance, allowing regulators time to study international best practices and assess potential risks. He drew parallels with how Uganda has historically handled sensitive sectors such as oil, highlighting the importance of stakeholder consultation before rolling out enforceable regulations.
Data presented at the summit showed that approximately 84.5% of virtual asset activity in Uganda currently occurs on decentralised platforms — significantly higher than the Sub Saharan Africa average. This concentration on unregulated platforms raises oversight challenges and exposes users to risks such as fraud, market manipulation, and lack of consumer protection. Experts at the summit stressed that without a robust regulatory framework, Uganda risks stunting the growth of a promising sector.
The urgency for reform is amplified by developments in neighbouring Kenya. In November 2025, Kenya enacted the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025, which mandates licensing for exchanges, wallet providers, brokers, and other service operators. Oversight is assigned to both the Central Bank of Kenya and the Capital Markets Authority, providing clear legal guidance and attracting investment interest. This move positions Kenya as a regional blockchain hub, creating competitive pressure on Uganda to act swiftly.
At the summit, Atingi-Ego outlined five key pillars for Uganda’s regulatory framework: licensing and fit and proper standards for service providers; client asset protection and anti money laundering/counter terror financing compliance; cybersecurity and operational resilience; market integrity and conduct standards; and transparency and reporting requirements. He also urged the use of existing regulatory sandboxes to pilot innovative products, allowing the country to test new technologies without exposing the wider financial system to undue risk.
Industry leaders welcomed the call for reform, noting that Uganda’s blockchain sector has strong growth potential, particularly in remittances, cross border payments, financial inclusion, and tokenisation of real-world assets. The Blockchain Association of Uganda described the summit as a watershed moment, highlighting the need for regulatory clarity to attract investors and spur innovation.
Local entrepreneurs echoed these sentiments, noting that uncertainty in regulation has constrained investment and slowed the development of fintech solutions that could benefit millions of Ugandans. “Clear rules will give us confidence to expand and innovate. It’s the difference between taking small, hesitant steps and running at full speed,” said one blockchain start-up founder.
Supporters also argue that regulatory reform could lower remittance costs, enable digital payment solutions in agriculture and energy, and empower young Ugandans to participate more fully in the digital economy. With over 70% of Uganda’s population under the age of 30, these reforms could have profound socio-economic benefits.
As the summit concluded, the message was clear: Uganda stands at a critical juncture. Regional peers are moving quickly to codify and regulate blockchain and virtual assets, and delays could compromise the country’s competitiveness. Stakeholders must now decide whether to remain cautious or embrace decisive reforms that could shape Uganda’s digital economy for decades to come.