Uganda has taken a major step toward securing its digital future with the launch of ABQ Cloud, a sovereign cloud ecosystem built locally to provide secure, affordable and locally hosted infrastructure for startups, enterprises and government institutions. The landmark initiative was officially unveiled at the Deep Tech Hub and Raxio Data Centre in Kampala during an event presided over by Monica Musenero Masanza, the country’s minister of science, technology and innovation.
The launch of ABQ Cloud represents a strategic push to strengthen Uganda’s digital independence by ensuring that cloud infrastructure and data remain within national borders and subject to local governance. Until now, much of Uganda’s cloud computing needs have been met by foreign providers, creating challenges related to data privacy, cost predictability and latency, especially for users outside major urban centres. By contrast, ABQ Cloud is designed “by Ugandans for Uganda and Africa,” offering pricing in local currency, reduced latency and enhanced data sovereignty for digital services of all kinds.
At the launch, officials from the Science, Technology and Innovation Office of the President (STI-OP), ABQ Cloud, Raxio Data Centre, Roke Cloud, AfriQloud, EDiC and members of Uganda’s vibrant innovation community emphasised the importance of domestic ownership of digital infrastructure. The new ecosystem is expected to accelerate Uganda’s innovation agenda by lowering key barriers that have historically hindered tech growth, such as foreign exchange volatility, high infrastructure costs and dependence on offshore servers.
During the event’s keynote and panel discussions, industry leaders highlighted the role of sovereign cloud infrastructure in enabling cutting edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. A session themed “Driving Innovation using AI Sovereign Cloud” featured distinguished voices including James Byaruhanga, managing director of Roke Cloud; Eric Mugerwa, chief technology officer of ABQ Cloud; David Gonahasa from STI-OP; and Caroline Kamaitha, general manager of Raxio Data Centre. The panel underscored how local cloud services can empower innovators and reduce reliance on overseas platforms.
In his remarks, Eric Mugerwa described ABQ Cloud as a transformational national asset. “ABQ Cloud is a foundation for Uganda’s digital independence,” he said. “By providing secure, affordable and locally hosted cloud services, we are empowering innovators, businesses and government to build confidently, innovate faster and scale sustainably.” Mugerwa added that the platform was built to unlock Uganda’s full digital potential while ensuring that data and digital assets remain under local stewardship.
Caroline Kamaitha emphasised the crucial role of world class infrastructure in supporting the new ecosystem. She noted that Raxio Data Centre’s secure and globally certified facilities provide the backbone necessary for cloud services to thrive. “Raxio Data Centre is proud to provide the secure, reliable and globally certified infrastructure that enables platforms like ABQ Cloud to thrive,” she said, adding that the collaboration ensures Uganda’s data remains secure, accessible and backed by infrastructure built to international standards.
James Byaruhanga of Roke Cloud highlighted the importance of partnerships in expanding access to cloud services across the country. “Through our partnership with ABQ Cloud, we are ensuring that cloud technology becomes more accessible to Ugandan businesses, startups and institutions,” he said, emphasising that the collaboration democratises access to digital infrastructure and enables innovators to build solutions that address local and global challenges alike.
Minister Masanza described ABQ Cloud as a strategic pillar for the nation’s digital economy. She said the initiative will create opportunities, accelerate economic growth and position Uganda as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. By investing in sovereign infrastructure, Masanza explained, the country is protecting national data and empowering its innovators to develop future technologies on a strong domestic foundation.
A highlight of the launch was the recognition of winners from a hackathon designed to inspire innovation and nurture Uganda’s next generation of technology leaders. Organised by the STI Industry 4.0+ Bureau, the contest challenged innovators to develop solutions that leverage cloud infrastructure to solve real world problems. The top five winners received a comprehensive support package including seed capital, one year of free cloud credits, incubation and mentorship at the Deep Tech Centre of Excellence, and one year of free internet access. Officials said the awards demonstrate ABQ Cloud’s commitment to supporting local talent, strengthening the innovation ecosystem and fostering a culture of practical problem solving.
By eliminating barriers to digital infrastructure, such as the need for foreign currency pricing and costly overseas services, ABQ Cloud is expected to fuel innovation across sectors including government services, enterprise applications, startup development and academic research. As Uganda continues to embrace digital transformation, the sovereign cloud platform will serve as a cornerstone for secure, efficient and inclusive digital growth.
Officials described the launch of ABQ Cloud as the beginning of a new era in which Uganda’s digital future is powered locally, driven by innovation and grounded in infrastructure designed to serve its people.
