KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Communications Commission launched the 10th National Conference on Communications on Thursday, beginning preparations for the country’s primary ICT research and innovation event scheduled for June 24–26 at Makerere University.
The conference, themed Accelerating Market-Driven Research and Innovation for Uganda’s Development, aims to connect academic research with industrial application and showcase local digital solutions.
During the official launch at the commission’s headquarters, the executive director of the UCC said the 10th anniversary marks a decade of the conference serving as a nexus for government, academia and the private sector. The executive director said the commission remains committed to fostering a culture of research that prioritizes homegrown solutions to national challenges.
Today, we have launched the 10th National Conference on Communications (#NCC2026), marking the start of preparations for Uganda’s leading ICT research and innovation platform.
Scheduled for June 24–26, 2026, at @Makerere, the conference will convene stakeholders from… pic.twitter.com/T5xODwvPkk
— UCC (@UCC_Official) April 16, 2026
For innovation to be truly transformative, it must move beyond theoretical frameworks and address the immediate needs of citizens, businesses and public institutions, the executive director said.
The executive director noted that the conference is anchored in three primary goals: providing a platform for peer-reviewed research, engaging in dialogue regarding emerging trends and facilitating professional networking.
This year, the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology at Makerere University will serve as the lead partner. Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the college’s deputy principal, said the university is hosting the event for the fifth time.
It was an honour to preside over the official launch of the 10th National Conference on Communications earlier today at @UCC_Official‘s headquarters.
This milestone edition marks a decade of the NCC serving as a critical nexus for academia, government, and the private sector to… pic.twitter.com/o8ocz8xI2L
— Hon. Nyombi Thembo (@UCC_ED) April 16, 2026
Kasule emphasized that universities serve as drivers of innovation, citing projects like the Kiira Motors Corporation as examples of the impact of government-supported research. He also noted that pre-conference activities, including scientific writing masterclasses, are already underway at various universities to support emerging researchers.
The conference will feature research presentations, industry engagements, exhibitions and innovation competitions for secondary schools. Organizers announced that the call for papers is currently open, with a submission deadline of May 1.
