Call for Papers

We invite researchers, practitioners, innovators, policymakers, and students to submit original research papers, case studies, and technical reports that contribute to advancing Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.

Countdown to Full Paper Submission Deadline

Full paper submissions close on 15th May 2026 at 23:59 EAT.

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Submission Platform

All papers must be submitted electronically through the conference submission portal:

Submit via EasyChair

Authors will need to create an account on the submission system.

Download the official NCC 2026 paper template (Download Word Template | Download LaTeX Template).

⚠️ Important Submission Notes
Time: All deadlines are at 23:59 EAT (East Africa Time).
Policy: Late submissions will not be considered.
Integrity: All submitted papers will undergo a plagiarism check before review.

Important Dates

Please note all submission and conference milestones carefully.

📅
Call for Papers Opens
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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Abstract Submission Deadline (Optional)
Friday, March 21, 2026
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Full Paper Submission Deadline
Friday, May 15, 2026
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Review Results Notification
Friday, June 5, 2026
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Camera-Ready Paper Submission
Friday, June 12, 2026
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Author Registration Deadline
Friday, June 15, 2026
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Conference Dates
June 24–26, 2026

Conference Tracks and Sub-Themes

Papers are invited across the following thematic tracks. Each track encompasses multiple sub-themes to encourage comprehensive exploration of market-driven innovation in Uganda’s communications sector.

Track 1: Digital Infrastructure, Connectivity & Future Networks

Focus: Innovations in physical and logical network infrastructure and technologies that enhance national connectivity and digital access.

Sub-themes:

  • 5G and beyond: deployment strategies, use cases, business models for Uganda
  • Rural connectivity and last-mile technologies
  • Spectrum management and efficiency (sharing, policy frameworks)
  • Infrastructure sharing and cost optimization
  • Satellite & LEO communications for broader access
  • Network resilience, disaster recovery, and energy-efficient systems
  • Green & energy-efficient wireless networks
  • Physical layer security and secure wireless communications

Track 2: Digital Financial Services, FinTech & Economic Inclusion

Focus: Technologies transforming financial access, inclusion, trust, and digital economic participation.

Sub-themes:

  • Mobile money ecosystem, interoperability & agent networks
  • Digital lending, credit scoring, and alternative finance
  • Blockchain & crypto for finance and supply chains
  • Fraud/security in e-finance services
  • Regulatory technology (RegTech) & compliance
  • Financial inclusion for women, youth & underserved communities

Track 3: Digital Content, Media, Broadcasting & Creative Innovation

Focus: The evolving media landscape, content creation, distribution platforms, and creative digital experiences.

Sub-themes:

  • Digital terrestrial television (DTT) & digital migration optimization
  • OTT services, streaming platforms, and audience analytics
  • Local content creation, media pluralism & regulation
  • Community broadcasting innovations
  • Digital advertising & market insights
  • Immersive media (VR/AR/360° content experiences)

Track 4: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science & Trustworthy Technology

Focus: AI, data analytics, ethical considerations, language computing, and secure digital systems.

Sub-themes:

  • AI applications across sectors (health, agriculture, governance, education, etc)
  • NLP for Ugandan/local languages
  • Computer vision & contextual intelligent systems
  • Big data for policy, planning & urban analytics
  • Ethical AI frameworks, data privacy & protection
  • AI-driven cybersecurity and threat detection

Track 5: Smart Societies: E-Government, Urban Innovation & Public Services

Focus: Digital transformation of public services, smart city frameworks, participatory governance, and urban tech.

Sub-themes:

  • E-government platforms, digital IDs & service delivery
  • Smart city technologies (transport, energy, water, waste, GIS)
  • Citizen engagement and digital participatory governance
  • Open data & transparency initiatives
  • Rural public service digitalization

Track 6: ICT for Social Impact: Health, Education & Human Development

Focus: ICT innovations that directly support wellbeing, learning, skills development, inclusion, and social systems.

Sub-themes:

  • Telemedicine, remote monitoring & digital health records
  • mHealth solutions, epidemic surveillance & digital mental health
  • E-learning platforms, digital literacy & coding education
  • EdTech innovations (adaptive learning, OERs, MOOCs)
  • Digital skills development for employment & entrepreneurship
  • Assistive technologies for inclusive participation

Track 7: Agriculture, Environmental Resilience & Digital Empowerment

Focus: ICT’s role in enhancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience.

Sub-themes:

  • Precision farming, IoT sensors & smart agritech
  • Agricultural market systems, digital supply chains & traceability
  • Weather & climate information services for farmers
  • Drones and remote sensing for crop monitoring
  • Digital extension services and farmer training

Track 8: Policy, Regulation, Cybersecurity & Innovation Ecosystems

Focus: The frameworks that enable safe, inclusive, competitive, and sustainable digital transformation as well as technology ventures.

Sub-themes:

  • ICT policy, regulation & reform (telecoms, digital rights)
  • Universal service/access funds, consumer protection & competition policy
  • Cybersecurity, privacy protection & digital trust
  • Cybercrime, cloud security & secure software development
  • Innovation ecosystems: startups, incubators, investment & local tech hubs
  • Intellectual property, commercialization & scaling sustainable ventures

Submission Guidelines

Authors are encouraged to prepare clear, original, and relevant submissions aligned with the conference theme and tracks.

Types of Submissions

We welcome the following categories of submissions:

  • Full Research Papers: Original research contributions presenting novel methodologies, implementations, or findings (maximum of 8 pages)
  • Extended Abstracts: Work-in-progress, preliminary results, or focused contributions (3–4 pages)
  • Industry Case Studies: Real-world deployments, implementations, and lessons learned from industry practice (4–6 pages)
  • Policy and Position Papers: Analysis of policy issues, regulatory frameworks, or strategic perspectives (4–6 pages)

Formatting Requirements

  • Papers must be written in English
  • Use the official NCC 2026 paper template (Download Word Template | Download LaTeX Template).
  • Do not change the paper size, font type, or font size in the official templates
  • Include title, author names, affiliations, abstract (150–250 words), and 4–6 keywords

Review Process

All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process:

  • Each paper will be reviewed by at least two independent reviewers
  • Review criteria include originality, technical quality, relevance to conference theme, clarity of presentation, and potential impact
  • Authors will be notified of acceptance, revision requirements, or rejection
  • Accepted papers may be recommended for journal publication in selected partner journals

Publication and Presentation

  • All accepted papers will be published in the NCC 2026 conference proceedings
  • Selected high-quality papers will be recommended for publication in partner academic journals
  • At least one author of each accepted paper must register to attend the conference
  • Authors will present their work in oral or poster sessions