Technology innovators are calling on the government to create stronger policy incentives to accelerate Uganda’s digital automation sector, saying the industry holds vast potential to transform productivity, create jobs and attract new investment.
Speaking at a recent engagement in Kampala, Solutech Uganda, a regional automation solutions company, urged policymakers to prioritise tax breaks, investment reliefs and capacity-building measures for companies adopting digital tools and data-driven systems.
“Automation is no longer a luxury, but it is a necessity for business efficiency and competitiveness,” said Alexander Odhiambo, the Chief Executive Officer of Solutech Uganda. “With the right incentives, Uganda can position itself as a regional hub for innovation, analytic and smart business systems.”
Odhiambo noted that automation and analytics are redefining how enterprises manage operations, customer relations and logistics. He said Uganda’s private sector, especially small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), would benefit immensely from targeted government support to acquire and integrate modern technologies.
According to Solutech, the benefits go beyond cost-saving, automation also boosts transparency, speeds up service delivery and enhances data-driven decision-making. Yet, many firms still face challenges such as high import duties on software and hardware, limited technical expertise and inadequate access to affordable financing.
Industry players are urging the government to craft an incentive framework that supports technology adoption, including tax exemptions on digital infrastructure, research grants and startup incubation funding. They also recommend strengthening data protection laws to build public trust in digital systems.
“When businesses are confident that their data and transactions are protected, adoption grows faster,” Odhiambo added, calling for closer collaboration between the government and the private sector.
Analysts say Uganda’s automation push could create thousands of skilled jobs if properly nurtured. From manufacturing to banking, transport, and agriculture, the integration of digital systems can make processes more efficient and globally competitive.
However, experts caution that the transition must be inclusive. Workers will need re-skilling to adapt to automated environments and SMEs must be supported to ensure they are not left behind.