Hon. Fred Omach Calls for Digital Innovation and Skills to Drive Uganda’s Economic Growth at NCC 2025
Hon. Fred Omach, Chancellor of ISBAT University and former Minister of State for Finance, delivered an inspiring address at the 9th National Conference on Communications (NCC 2025), held at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa. His remarks focused on the central role of digital innovation, research, and skills development in shaping Uganda’s journey toward a stronger, knowledge-driven economy.
The Power of Digital Innovation
Hon. Omach began by affirming the relevance of the conference’s theme — “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Power Sustainable Local Solutions for Uganda’s Development Goals.” He described it as both timely and transformative, emphasizing that innovation in technology is now the defining engine for modern development.
He noted that Uganda’s future depends on its ability to integrate digital solutions into every sector of the economy — from agriculture to finance, from education to governance. By fostering a culture of innovation, he said, Uganda can unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth, youth employment, and entrepreneurial transformation.
“This conference is not just a meeting of ideas; it is a reflection of Uganda’s future — a future powered by innovation, research, and technology,” he declared.
Linking Innovation to Economic Growth
In a compelling section of his speech, Hon. Omach linked the conference’s focus directly to Uganda’s national economic aspirations. He referenced the government’s ambitious target of raising Uganda’s GDP from USD 66 billion to USD 500 billion within the next 15 years — a goal that will require innovation-driven growth and strategic investment in key productive sectors.
He highlighted the ATMs framework — Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Mineral Development, and Science, Technology, and Innovation — as the pillars through which Uganda’s economy will expand. Digital innovation, he said, is not an isolated field but rather the fuel that powers all four engines of growth.
“Science, technology, and innovation are no longer optional. They are at the heart of Uganda’s transformation. If we want to achieve our targets, we must make digital innovation part of every national strategy,” he emphasized.
The Role of Education and Research in National Transformation
Hon. Omach paid glowing tribute to ISBAT University and Gulu University, the co-hosts of NCC 2025, for their leadership in promoting research, innovation, and community transformation. He noted that universities have a dual responsibility — not only to educate but also to produce solutions that address the needs of society.
He referenced the two universities’ mottos as guiding lights in this mission. Gulu University’s motto, “For Community Transformation,” represents a commitment to practical education that directly benefits local communities. Meanwhile, ISBAT University’s motto, “Ego sum lux mundi” — meaning “I am the light of the world” — calls on students and researchers to use knowledge and innovation to illuminate the world around them.
“Our universities must be centers of light — producing graduates who shine, who create, and who transform,” he remarked.
Through this, Hon. Omach reinforced the message that education and research are inseparable from national progress. He encouraged universities to deepen partnerships with industry and government to ensure that learning leads to tangible social and economic outcomes.
Bridging Academia and Industry Through Skills and Employment
A key focus of Hon. Omach’s address was the importance of bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice. He applauded ISBAT University for designing programs that are industry-aligned and focused on employability, in line with Uganda’s Skilling Uganda Vision.
He shared that ISBAT University recently launched a Job Portal — an online platform connecting graduates directly with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. This innovation, he said, represents a major step toward solving the long-standing challenge of graduate unemployment.
“The future belongs to skilled, adaptable, and innovative Ugandans,” Hon. Omach said. “We must design education systems that not only produce degrees but also create opportunities.”
He encouraged other universities and training institutions to follow this model, emphasizing that education must produce creators, not just job seekers.
Innovation at the Heart of Development
As he concluded his remarks, Hon. Omach underscored that innovation is the heartbeat of national development. He called on both policymakers and educators to recognize that Uganda’s future prosperity depends on how effectively it can nurture a generation of creative thinkers and digital innovators.
In a memorable closing statement, he referenced Makerere University’s Latin motto, “Pro Futura Est Aedificamus” — meaning “We are building for the future.” However, he added a powerful twist, reminding the audience that “the future is now.”
“We must stop talking about building for the future and start innovating for the present. The time for transformation is today,” he urged.
Watch the Full Speech
You can watch Hon. Fred Omach’s full remarks here:
