The National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U) last week convened a high-level validation workshop with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to endorse a comprehensive Change Management, Marketing, and Public Relations Strategy aimed at
strengthening the adoption of e-government services across the public sector.
This strategy, developed with technical support from experts, marks a significant step in the implementation of Uganda’s Digital Acceleration Program.
It is designed to institutionalise change management within government, streamline stakeholder engagement, and establish a unified
communication approach for the rollout and adoption of key digital platforms.
Speaking during the workshop, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, Executive Director of NITA-U, emphasized the importance of full alignment and coordination across government:
“We are not just launching systems; we are transforming how government works. This strategy will ensure we engage consistently, communicate clearly, and support our stakeholders at every level of digital service implementation,” Dr. Mugasa said.
He added, “The strategy includes a detailed implementation roadmap from 2025 to 2026, with a vision extending to 2030. It aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan III and broader commitments under the Digital Uganda Vision.”
The strategy introduces Change Management Champions designated NITA-U Account Managers assigned to each MDA and Change Agents, who will be identified and trained within the respective institutions.
These roles will form the backbone of a new, decentralized change management model designed to foster internal leadership and ownership during digital transitions.
The workshop also spotlighted five key national platforms that are central to Uganda’s digital public service delivery:
UG-HUB – A secure government integration platform enabling seamless data exchange across MDAs.
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UGPass – A single sign-on gateway for citizens to access e-services conveniently and securely.
UMCS – The Unified Messaging and Collaboration System offering secure email and communication tools for government entities.
E-Doc Management System – A platform that automates document flow within MDAs and digitises key internal processes such as cash requests and internal memo management.
SMS Gateway – A service that enables the mass distribution of text messages to facilitate efficient communication, notifications, and alerts.
Despite the rollout of these platforms, NITA-U has observed persistent challenges in adoption; including limited coordination, fragmented communication, and the absence of structured change facilitation
within MDAs.
Dr. Mugasa emphasized the urgency of institutional reform: “Adoption will not happen on its own.
This strategy provides the structure and leadership mechanisms to drive long-term change from policy to practice, and from systems to service delivery.”
NITA-U reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing capacity building, technical support, and stakeholder
collaboration as Uganda moves toward a digitally empowered public sector.
