Uganda has registered a major achievement on the global digital stage after the country’s e-Booster project was named the best submission among all Commonwealth member states at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) Digital Excellence Awards 2026 in London.UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo made the announcement after leading the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) delegation to the prestigious event, which also marked 125 years of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation and its contribution to the telecommunications sector.
According to Nyombi, the engagements in London went beyond the awards, with discussions placing strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, practical use of AI and the development of strategic frameworks to guide digital transformation across Commonwealth member states.Nyombi also held discussions with officials from MTN Group to review coverage obligations following the five-year licence milestone for Uganda’s major telecommunications operators. He said the engagement was important in ensuring that Uganda’s regulatory approach continues to focus on the public interest and improved access to communication services.
The e-Booster victory was described as particularly significant because the project was developed from its early stages under the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF). Nyombi said seeing an initiative that he helped lead from first principles receive international recognition was deeply gratifying.Now in its third cycle, the e-Booster project continues to support digital solutions designed to address challenges affecting underserved communities.
The initiative is being implemented with partners including Makerere University Business School (MUBS), strengthening Uganda’s efforts to promote practical and inclusive digital innovation.Nyombi congratulated the entire UCC team and the implementation partners for the international recognition, while specifically acknowledging Director James Beronda, who led the technical execution of the project during its conceptualisation. Beronda will accept the award on behalf of UCC in London.The recognition gives Uganda a significant international platform to showcase its progress in digital transformation and innovation, while highlighting the potential of locally developed solutions to address community needs and gain recognition beyond the country
