The Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga, has officially launched a national e-commerce platform developed by Posta Uganda, describing it as a significant milestone in advancing Uganda’s digital transformation and economic growth.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Kabbyanga emphasized that Uganda’s ambition to transition into an upper middle-income economy hinge on embracing digital solutions.
“We must go digital if we are to make a qualitative leap in economic growth. Initiatives like e-commerce are critical in expanding opportunities for Ugandans,” he said.
The platform, dubbed PostCom, is an online marketplace designed to enable individuals and businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to buy and sell goods and services both locally and internationally. Leveraging its nationwide network, Posta Uganda will provide last-mile delivery, easing access to markets across the country.
Kabbyanga noted that the initiative aligns with Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap (2023–2028), which seeks to improve service delivery, promote digital inclusion, and enhance economic competitiveness.
“This platform transforms post offices into one-stop centres for trade and government services, while expanding market access and improving household incomes,” he added.
Managing Director James Alinaitwe said the initiative reflects the institution’s evolution from traditional mail services to modern, technology-driven solutions.
“The post office will remain relevant even in the next 100 years, but through IT-enabled services. PostCom allows Ugandans to transact online while we efficiently handle delivery using our existing infrastructure,” he explained.
Alinaitwe added that the platform will be free to use, enabling even small-scale entrepreneurs to list products and services at no cost. He also highlighted the rollout of an electronic addressing system to replace traditional post office boxes, supporting the growth of digital commerce.
The platform was developed in partnership with CITZ and is backed by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance as part of broader efforts to digitize public services.
Telecommunications partner MTN Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the initiative through nationwide connectivity and secure digital payment solutions, including mobile money integration and enhanced consumer protection.
Board Chairperson Sulaiman Balyejjusa Kirunda said the country’s extensive postal network will be instrumental in expanding access to e-commerce and government services.
He noted that post offices across Uganda are being transformed into one-stop service centres where citizens can access services such as passport collection, national IDs, and driving permits without traveling long distances.
Officials say the PostCom platform forms part of a broader strategy to grow Uganda’s economy tenfold, from about $50 billion to $500 billion, by leveraging technology, innovation, and digital trade.
The government has urged entrepreneurs, private sector players, and the public to embrace the platform as a homegrown solution for inclusive economic transformation.
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