If you are a university student wondering where the jobs are, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Annual Communications Sector Report 2024 has some incredible news. The communications sector is no longer just about making calls; it is a massive economic engine now supporting over 1,000,000 direct jobs.
For the fresh graduate or the aspiring content creator, the report reveals a sector that is vibrant, resilient, and attracting massive capital—over UGX 3 trillion in new investment was pumped into the industry in 2024 alone.
Here is why the future looks bright for the digital generation:
- The “Creator Economy” is Booming
Uganda’s youth are not just consuming content; they are creating it. The report highlights a massive surge in digital creativity:
TikTok and YouTube now host a combined 15.5 million active accounts.
This explosion in platforms has created new ways for Ugandan creators to monetize their work through ad revenue and partnerships.
The Uganda Film Festival (UFF), organized by UCC, received a record number of submissions, with 106 short films entered in 2024. This proves that young filmmakers are taking charge of their narratives.
- UCC is Skilling the Next Generation
Recognizing that skills are the currency of the future, the UCC, through its Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), has launched aggressive skilling programs directly targeting the youth:
Multimedia Skilling: Over 1,000 young people across ten districts were trained in 2024 in high-demand skills like content creation, multimedia production, and social media marketing.
University Partnerships: UCC partnered with Makerere University to train over 2,600 participants in digital literacy.
School Support: The commission supported over 500 schools, establishing 61 ICT laboratories and launching 100 ICT clubs to nurture tech talent early.
- Ugandan Content is Going Global
It is a great time to be a creative in Uganda. Our local industry is winning on the global stage. Ugandan films and filmmakers received 55 international nominations and 12 international awards in 2024.
The film Unheard, released in August 2024, bagged awards in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
Janani: The Last Stand won Best Feature Film at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
- Cheaper Connectivity for Students
Staying connected is getting easier. The report confirms that the cost of mobile data has dropped, with the average price now at USD 1.40 per GB—the second lowest in the East African region.
Telecoms have mainstreamed non-expiry data bundles, which now account for 13% of total data usage.
“Freedom” and “Chillax” bundles are making it more affordable for students to research, connect, and upload their content without fear of data expiring.
The Takeaway
The UCC report confirms that Uganda’s digital transformation is being driven by its youth. With over 18.3 million smartphones now in circulation and a government committed to digital skilling, the barriers to entry are falling.
For the Campus Bee reader, this is the green light: The jobs are there, the tools are cheaper, and the world is watching Ugandan talent.
