Uganda Engages in Global Telecom Governance at ITU Council 2026

GENEVA, May 4, 2026 – As the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council continues its meeting in Geneva, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, has commended the collaborative spirit demonstrated by stakeholders involved in drafting the Union’s strategic plan for 2028–2031.

Contributing during a high-level session on the Union’s strategic and financial direction, he underscored the importance of global telecommunications interoperability and innovation. He highlighted the need to strengthen international standards that enable seamless communication across systems, noting that such alignment is essential for building a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem.

Uganda is participating in the 2026 session of the ITU Council, taking place in Geneva from 28 April to 8 May 2026. The Council is the Union’s principal governance organ, bringing together Member States to provide strategic, financial, and operational oversight between Plenipotentiary Conferences.

Currently, Uganda represents Africa (Region D) on the Council for the 2022–2026 term and is seeking re-election for the 2026–2030 cycle. The 48-member Council includes 13 representatives from Africa. Uganda’s delegation is led by Dr. Charity B. Mulenga, Chairperson of the UCC Board, alongside the Executive Director and Mr. Fred Otunnu, Director for Corporate Affairs and ITU Councillor, among others.

A key item on the Council’s two-week agenda is the ITU strategic plan, which serves as a blueprint for advancing the Union’s vision and aligning member efforts around shared priorities. The plan aims to strengthen long-term sustainability while ensuring more effective and results-oriented resource allocation.

Addressing the Union’s financial framework, the Executive Director advocated for a shift toward outcome-based budgeting, linking financial allocations more directly to strategic objectives. He noted that such an approach would enhance accountability and ensure resources deliver measurable impact. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting a forward-looking and responsive strategic plan to guide the Union in the next cycle.

Beyond the formal sessions, Uganda has actively engaged in preparatory and diplomatic efforts. Prior to the opening of the Council, the Ugandan delegation participated in a high-level coordination meeting at the Uganda Permanent Mission in Geneva, chaired by Ambassador Marcel Tibaleka, with the participation of Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Arthur Kafeero and Africa Group Coordinator Zoe Kirunda. The meeting focused on aligning national priorities, refining engagement strategies, and strengthening coordination mechanisms.

Uganda has also advanced its re-election bid through targeted bilateral engagements with several countries, including Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Pakistan, India, and Japan. These engagements have centred on shared priorities within the ITU ecosystem, with emphasis on digital development cooperation, global ICT policy alignment, and reciprocal support.

Across these interactions, Uganda has consistently positioned itself as a constructive and forward-looking partner, leveraging both technical expertise and diplomatic outreach to consolidate support for its candidature for the 2026–2030 Council term.

Engagements at the ITU Council remain critical in shaping the future of global telecommunications. By convening diverse perspectives, the platform helps advance a shared vision for an inclusive and innovative digital future, whose outcomes will continue to influence sectors and societies worldwide.