Aminah Zawedde expands Uganda digital infrastructure before new role

President Yoweri Museveni redeployed Dr Aminah Zawedde to the Office of the Prime Minister in Uganda on November 9, ending her five year tenure as permanent secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.

Zawedde oversaw a period of rapid digital expansion where the ministry increased the number of national digital systems from nine to 43.

These systems include a schools register for more than 11 million learners and a Parish Development Model register that tracks public money and payments to millions of beneficiaries. Zawedde also expanded the country's technological reach beyond the capital, Kampala. Under her leadership, the ministry reopened and established several national ICT innovation hubs in regions including Nakawa, Kabale, Soroti, Muni, and Busitema. These hubs aim to provide young people with skills and support to create jobs.

The ministry reported that these hubs supported 133 start-ups and helped bring 102 products to market over four years. The ministry also implemented reforms to improve business efficiency and government administration. An online business registration system reduced the time required for traders to register a business from up to 15 days to approximately three hours. Zawedde also launched a national outsourcing policy in February 2025 to target 150,000 jobs by 2030.

While she moved to a new role, Prof Stephen Akandwanaho was appointed to succeed her at the ministry to manage the continued maintenance of these digital systems.