By Frank Kamuntu
Uganda stands at the cusp of a new era—and Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki wants to make sure the country doesn’t just catch up with the digital world, but leads it.
A rising political force, tech visionary and youthful tycoon, Jonard is pushing a bold digital transformation agenda that could redefine Uganda’s economic trajectory. His masterplan—anchored on innovation hubs, digital export labs, and tech-driven youth empowerment—is not just a policy pitch. It is a mission.
Through his Digital Destiny blueprint, Jonard has proposed the establishment of four regional digital innovation hubs in Hoima, Mbale, Kabale, and Kampala, alongside two digital export acceleration labs targeting international tech trade.
“The time has come for Uganda to stop being just a consumer of digital products—we must become creators, exporters, and innovators,” Jonard told Swift News in an exclusive interview.
These hubs will focus on high-impact areas such as artificial intelligence, drone technology, agritech, software development, and digital design. Partnerships with private-sector giants such as Huawei, MTN Foundation, and several international development agencies will back them.
Tied To Vision 2040 & NDPIII
Jonard’s digital push is closely aligned with Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDPIII) and Vision 2040, both of which emphasize ICT-led growth. The proposed innovation centres are envisioned as feeders for Uganda’s industrial parks, e-government infrastructure, and regional digital trade under the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area).
His Digital Export Acceleration Program (DEAP), a flagship element of his plan, seeks to plug Uganda’s youth directly into Africa’s digital economy by promoting cross-border freelancing, app development, fintech innovation, and more.
“Why can’t Uganda be the outsourcing capital of Africa? We have the talent—what’s missing is infrastructure, mentorship, and access to global platforms,” Jonard argued.
He also points to platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, and FIFA Connect as overlooked economic engines where Uganda’s youth could earn sustainably through content creation, digital training, and tech-driven sports ecosystems.
CEC: A Platform To Bolster Transformation
Jonard’s aspirations, however, go beyond the innovation space. He is currently vying for a seat on the NRM Executive Committee (CEC)—the party’s highest decision-making organ.
If elected as the Vice Chairman of Western Uganda on CEC, he believes the position will provide him the policy leverage and institutional backing to scale up his digital transformation agenda nationwide, influence budget priorities, and rally NRM structures to embrace 21st-century development strategies.
“The CEC position is not about prestige; it’s about impact. From that table, I can champion policies that prepare Uganda’s youth for the jobs of tomorrow,” Jonard said.
He intends to push for increased ICT funding in the national budget, youth inclusion in digital policymaking, and the decentralization of innovation funding to districts.
Youth First, Future Focused
At the core of Jonard’s message is the belief that youth are not just beneficiaries of innovation—they are the architects of Uganda’s future.
He is a vocal supporter of digital monetization in music, creative arts, and sports—arguing that platforms like Spotify, Audiomack, and mobile money APIs must be part of national economic planning.
“Our youth are already creating—what they need is fair monetization, protection, and a regulatory environment that sees art and tech as business,” he explained.
In sports, he envisions national federations working with global licensing platforms to place Ugandan athletes on the global map digitally—from FIFA Connect databases to e-sports leagues.
From Vision To Reality
As the NRM’s internal campaigns intensify, Jonard’s message is resonating, especially among young professionals, techpreneurs, and district youth leaders who see in him not just a politician—but a digital architect with a plan.
His supporters say Jonard represents the next generation of leadership: grounded in policy, inspired by innovation, and bold enough to challenge the status quo.
“With Jonard, Uganda won’t just consume the future—it will code it,” said Aisha Mugisha, a youth delegate from Mbale.
Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki’s CEC campaign continues to attract endorsements from youth councils, university associations, and private tech innovators. As Uganda eyes a digital future, his candidacy may well define how seriously the ruling party intends to prepare for it. Stay tuned for more editions about Eng Jonard’s visionary leadership.
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