Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Nyombi Thembo, recently had an interview on media to reflect on the Commission’s journey and its role in shaping Uganda’s digital future.
During the discussion, Thembo addressed a common public question on whether UCC primarily acts as a regulator policing digital platforms or as a partner in their growth. He clarified that the Commission views itself first and foremost as a facilitator.
Thembo explained that UCC’s mandate is not to impose rigid controls, but to create an enabling environment in which competition can thrive and innovation is protected. “You cannot regulate what you do not understand,” He noted, underscoring the Commission’s approach to digital regulation.
Thembo highlighted several key pillars guiding UCC’s work:
The Sandbox Approach: UCC allows innovations the space to grow and demonstrate value before policy interventions are introduced, ensuring that regulation does not stifle promising ideas.
Capacity Building: As emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence and digital media continue to evolve, UCC is investing heavily in human capital to ensure its teams remain ahead of the technology curve and able to regulate effectively.
Universal Access: Communication is a public good and reaffirmed his personal commitment to ensuring the “last mile” — the remaining 10 percent of Uganda’s rural population — is connected. He noted that improved connectivity plays a critical role in reducing poverty and expanding opportunity.
Thembo concluded by stating that the coming decade will require accelerated effort, noting that Uganda must move beyond incremental progress and “run” toward achieving a fully connected nation.
