FROM DRUMBEATS TO DIGITAL: KAMPALA SUMMIT REIMAGINES AFRICA’S POSTAL FUTURE

KAMPALA, March 25, 2026 – Uganda on Wednesday officially opened the 11th Ordinary Session of the Plenipotentiary Conference of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU), bringing together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from across the continent to chart the future of Africa’s postal sector in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The high-level conference was officiated by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who was accompanied by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi. The event, taking place at the picturesque Lake Victoria Serena, also attracted the Deputy Director General of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), Osvald Marjan, PAPU Secretary General Dr. Sifundo Chief Moyo, Assistant Secretary General Jessica Hope Ssengooba, ministers from several African countries, and heads of delegations from PAPU member states.

In her keynote address, Prime Minister Nabbanja warmly welcomed delegates to Uganda, particularly those visiting the country for the first time, and challenged conventional perceptions about the postal sector.

“When we speak about postal services today, there is sometimes a temptation to think only of post office boxes, handwritten letters, and stamps,” she said. “Some may conclude that the era of the post is behind us. But that view is far too narrow.”

Drawing on Africa’s rich communication heritage, she noted that long before modern postal systems, African societies had developed sophisticated and reliable methods of transmitting information across vast distances. From emissaries traversing kingdoms to drumbeats, horns, and smoke signals, these systems reflected a deeply rooted human need to connect.

“Today’s modern postal service is the institutional heir to these traditions,” she said, adding that technology has not replaced this legacy but extended it.

The Prime Minister described the ongoing digital revolution as a defining moment for the sector. While traditional letter volumes are declining, she noted that parcel delivery, e-commerce, and digital services are expanding rapidly, redefining the role of postal networks.

“The drumbeat has become digital, but the purpose remains the same,” she remarked. “The post office is no longer just a place to send and receive mail, it is a hub for e-commerce, digital services, government services, and financial access.”

She emphasised that Africa’s extensive postal networks, which reach even the most remote communities, present a unique opportunity to drive inclusive growth. By modernising these systems, countries can empower small and medium enterprises, bridge digital divides, and connect rural populations to continental and global markets.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to PAPU member states for entrusting Uganda with hosting the conference and called for continued support for Mrs Ssengooba, Uganda’s candidate for re-election as Assistant Secretary General. She praised Ssengooba’s leadership over the past four years, describing it as distinguished and impactful.

Delegates were also encouraged to explore Uganda beyond the conference halls. “You will carry home not only resolutions, but memories,” she said.

In his remarks, ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi underscored Uganda’s commitment to advancing the postal sector, describing it as a critical enabler of economic growth and digital transformation.

“The future of postal services is not peripheral, it is fundamental,” he said, adding that hosting the conference reflects Uganda’s commitment and solid contribution to regional and global postal governance affairs.

He pointed to Uganda’s engagement through regional bodies such as the East African Communications Organisation (EACO) and representation at the global level through the Universal Postal Union’s Council of Administration as evidence of this commitment.

The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the narrative around the postal sector has shifted significantly over the past decade.

“Many predicted the decline of postal services because fewer people were writing letters,” he said. “But the rise of e-commerce has changed that narrative entirely.”

He described the current transformation as both a challenge and an opportunity for Africa, with declining mail volumes on one hand and growing demand for parcel delivery and logistics services on the other.

Thembo called on regulators and policymakers to create enabling environments that allow postal operators to evolve into modern platforms for e-commerce, logistics, and digital services.

He highlighted ongoing initiatives by UCC, in partnership with Posta Uganda, such as the digitisation of postal services, development of national addressing systems, and promotion of fair competition in the courier and logistics markets.

He also stressed the importance of integrating digital technologies such as track-and-trace systems, data analytics, and smart logistics platforms to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

The PAPU Assistant Secretary General reflected on her tenure, noting that she had served during a period of profound change, including the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Today, we gather at the point where vision meets decision,” Mrs Ssengooba said. “The responsibility now rests with this Conference to shape the future of our Union and the postal sector across our continent.”

Other speakers included UPU Deputy Secretary General Osvald Marjan, who praised Uganda’s hospitality, describing it as “a way of life,” and PAPU Secretary General Sifundo Chief Moyo, who expressed confidence in the sector’s future, citing significant progress made over the past four years.

The opening ceremony, which featured not only great speeches but also vibrant cultural performances by the Crane Cultural Troupe, set the tone for the entire conference, which is expected to culminate in key policy decisions aimed at strengthening Africa’s postal sector.