From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 1m 30s
Uganda Data Plan Faces Legal Challenge
Uganda's government launches data strategy, but statistics bureau calls it illegal.
In brief
Uganda's government launches data strategy, but statistics bureau calls it illegal. Uganda's government launched a five-year National Data Strategy costing Shs1,662.6 billion (US$454 million) but the Uganda Bureau of Statistics declared it illegal within a day. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Uganda Launches Data Plan
Uganda's government launched a five-year National Data Strategy costing Shs1,662.6 billion (about US$454 million) on Tuesday 20 October 2026.
Statistics Bureau Calls It Illegal
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics declared the plan illegal a day later, on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Plan Costs Shs1,662.6 Billion
The strategy costs Shs1,662.6 billion (about US$454 million) over five years, with Shs1,220 billion from government funds.
Data Centres and Targets
The plan aims to build two Tier IV data centres and store 10 petabytes of government data by 2030/31.
Legal Dispute Over Authority
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics claims the ICT ministry overstepped its legal authority under the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act of 1998.
No Government Response Yet
The ICT ministry has not publicly responded to the statistics bureau's objection as of Wednesday 21 October 2026.
US Companies Eye Opportunity
US cloud and infrastructure firms may benefit from the data centres, but the legal dispute could delay contracts.
Unclear Responsibilities
It is not known how the National Data Office, steering committee, and UBOS will share responsibilities.
No Funding Details Yet
The full Shs1,662.6 billion has not been appropriated, and no location or construction timetable for data centres is public.
The essence
Uganda's government launched a five-year National Data Strategy costing Shs1,662.6 billion (US$454 million) but the Uganda Bureau of Statistics declared it illegal within a day.
