National ICT Initiatives Support Programme (NIISP)
A Government of Uganda programme, implemented from 2018 by RAN with United Social Ventures, that incubated 25 ICT innovation teams to build a thriving, sustainable digital ecosystem in Uganda.
About the project
Funded by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, and implemented from 2018, the National ICT Initiatives Support Programme (NIISP) set out to build a thriving, sustainable digital ecosystem in Uganda. The ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) in partnership with United Social Ventures (USV) served as the implementing partner bringing their expertise in innovation incubation and community-centred design to the programme.
Objective: The programme aims to strengthen Uganda’s ICT innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem by nurturing a new generation of local technology entrepreneurs. Its core purpose is to support promising digital solutions from early-stage prototype through to market-ready product, equipping innovators with the business skills, technical expertise, funding, and networks needed to scale their solutions commercially and achieve lasting impact.
Key successes
At the heart of the programme was RAN’s structured incubation of 25 carefully selected innovation teams drawn from diverse sectors. The cohort reflected the breadth and ambition of Uganda’s emerging tech community, encompassing solutions in agriculture, education, accessibility, hygiene, and public health. Among the innovations supported were DotSaidia, a platform connecting skilled artisans with clients; AccessAble, which developed accessibility solutions for persons with disabilities; Sprim Technologies, working in agricultural technology; and Yukudemy Limited, focused on educational technology. The cohort also included the Busitema University Light Board for enhanced online learning, Terra the Robot for educational and service robotics, and a COVID-19 Surveillance, Tracing and Follow-up System, demonstrating the programme’s responsiveness to Uganda’s most pressing public health challenges.
RAN delivered a comprehensive and tailored incubation model built around four pillars: business development training covering market analysis, business model development, financial planning, and pitching skills; technical mentorship from domain experts in software development, hardware engineering, and user experience design; structured networking opportunities with investors, corporate partners, and government agencies; and seed funding disbursement tied to clear developmental milestones.
Support was deliberately customised to the specific needs of each team. Hardware-focused innovations such as the Touchless Hand Wash Kit received dedicated prototyping support, while software platforms such as DotSaidia concentrated on user acquisition and monetisation strategies. A blended delivery model combining in-person workshops, virtual coaching sessions, and regular pitch evaluations ensured that the programme maintained momentum and engagement even during the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
RAN also played a vital connective role by facilitating relationships between innovators and relevant government programmes, enabling several teams to access additional funding streams and regulatory support. Through this combination of capacity building, funding, and ecosystem connectivity, NIISP meaningfully accelerated the development and market readiness of Uganda’s next generation of digital innovators, laying a stronger foundation for a locally driven, inclusive digital economy.
Innovations incubated under NIISP
| No. | Title | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MyLC1app | Public Sector Management |
| 2 | Sign Language Dictionary and Translator | Education |
| 3 | Unified Medical Laboratories Sample Tracker | Health |
| 4 | Photokabada | Health |
| 5 | Blind Assistant Application | Other |
| 6 | OWC i App | Agriculture |
| 7 | Tax Returns Assistant Mobile Application | Public Sector Management |
| 8 | Jaguza Livestock | Agriculture |
| 9 | Agro Value Chain Manager Mobile App | Agriculture |
| 10 | Livestock Farm-lite | Agriculture |
| 11 | Akatale App | Trade |
| 12 | MyLib | Education |
| 13 | Omulunzi Information Management System | Agriculture |
| 14 | An App for Counselling University Students on Psychosocial Issues | Humanities |
| 15 | Makerere University Innovation Week | Education |
| 16 | SIGNTAPP | Transport |
| 17 | Travel Uganda Monitor | Tourism |
| 18 | Touchless Handwash Technology (TW-20 Kit) | Health |
| 19 | Yukudemy | Education |
| 20 | Terra the Robot | Education |
| 21 | Surveillance, Tracing and Follow-up System for COVID-19 | Health |
| 22 | DotSaidia DotShule | Education |
| 23 | Busitema University Lightboard for Enhanced Online Learning of STEM Courses | Education |
| 24 | AccessAble | Transport |
| 25 | Online Interactive Learning Platform with Inbuilt Learning Analytics | Education |
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