the constitution of the Republic of Uganda; Article 29 focuses on the freedom of expression,
while article 41 talks of the right of access to information.
The policy is in context of Article99 of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African
Community.
This policy has further been guided by the National Development Plan (2010-2015) with the
theme of employment, income, and prosperity for all.
1.4 Rationale for the IT Policy
Recent technological advancements like the Internet have digitally broken the geographical,
physical, political and even sociological divide, transforming the world into a „Global Village‟.
As a result cyber crime is progressively increasing. This calls for regulated and guided
interventions to address the IT related issues.
The utilisation of IT (hardware, software and e-applications) is on the rise in both public and the
private sector. There is need for proper laws and guidelines to be developed to guide its
utilisation.
The ICT sub sector was upgraded into a fully fledged sector in 2006 with responsibility of
developing policies, standards and guidelines to drive the IT subsector. This led to the need to
have sub sector policies to fully implement the overall national ICT Policy framework and hence
the need to have an IT policy in place.
1.5 Information Technology Policy for Uganda
It is the intention of the Government of Uganda to consolidate its efforts and focus its energies
to leverage the potential of IT for the benefit of its people. Therefore, this comprehensive
„National IT Policy‟ will guide and direct IT development.
1.5.1 Vision
A knowledge-based economy where national development and governance are effectively
enhanced by harnessing and adopting Information Technology to achieve fundamental economic
transformation.
1.5.2 Mission
To promote the efficient utilisation of Information Technology in transforming Uganda‟s
economy
1.5.3 Policy Goal
To guide the optimal development and utilisation of IT in the country
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