By Diana N. Kintu
Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready digital ecosystem during high-level discussions at the International Telecommunication Union Council, where member states are reviewing the Union’s strategic and financial roadmap for the 2028–2031 cycle.
During the sessions, Uganda’s representatives stressed the importance of aligning financial planning with strategic priorities, noting that budgets should be directly tied to measurable outcomes rather than routine activities.
According to Uganda’s submission to the Council, effective budget planning must focus on achieving tangible results that contribute to the broader goals of digital transformation and global connectivity.
“Budget planning must be closely linked to the goals we set, prioritising impactful results over mere activities,” Uganda’s delegation noted.
The country also highlighted the growing importance of global telecommunications interoperability, describing international standards as essential to technological advancement and cross-border collaboration.
Officials said harmonised standards allow different digital systems, devices and networks to communicate seamlessly across industries and countries, creating opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
“Such standards enable disparate systems to communicate seamlessly across borders and industries, thereby unlocking new opportunities for all,” the delegation stated.
Uganda further commended the collaborative approach adopted in drafting the next ITU strategic plan, saying it reflects a shared commitment among member states to ensure long-term sustainability within the global telecommunications sector.
The strategic plan is expected to guide the allocation of resources while ensuring that funding priorities align with agreed international objectives.
“These sessions provide a critical foundation for ensuring that our collective vision translates into meaningful global impact,” Uganda noted.
A key issue raised by Uganda was the need to strengthen the global digital ecosystem through continued investment in international standards development. Officials argued that improving interoperability would expand access to digital services, boost innovation and ensure that emerging technologies benefit all countries equally.
Uganda also called for improvements to the ITU’s performance measurement framework. The delegation proposed a more concise and results-driven methodology that would improve transparency, strengthen accountability and support better decision-making.
According to the statement, Uganda remains committed to ongoing consultations and has called for stronger collaboration among United Nations agencies and international partners to address emerging technological opportunities and challenges.
“By fostering collaboration and aligning our financial considerations directly with strategic outcomes, we can strengthen the Union’s mission and shape an inclusive, innovative and resilient digital future,” the delegation concluded.
The ongoing ITU Council sessions remain a critical platform for member states to discuss global telecommunications priorities and ensure the organisation remains responsive to rapidly evolving technological changes.