RENU and Internet Society Uganda Chapter Sign MoU to Drive Digital Inclusion and Governance in Uganda

On 19th August 2025, RENU and the Internet Society Uganda Chapter (ISOC-UG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in enhancing Internet development, digital transformation, and inclusive access across Uganda.

The signing ceremony took place at RENU’s Secretariat in Kololo, Kampala, and was officiated by the RENU Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nicholas Mbonimpa, alongside the ISOC-UG President, Mr. Joshua Mpairwe.

This partnership will leverage the strengths of the two organisations to create a collaborative framework that strengthens Uganda’s digital ecosystem through capacity building, joint project development, advocacy, and knowledge sharing. By combining RENU’s technical and infrastructure expertise with ISOC-UG’s policy and global perspectives, the partnership seeks to deliver training programs, mentorship opportunities, and fellowships that nurture the next generation of Internet leaders. It further aims to jointly design and implement projects, and deliver impactful outcomes that enhance digital inclusion and innovation across the country.

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Additionally, the MoU will provide a framework for both institutions to actively engage in policy advocacy and stakeholder dialogue on critical ICT issues such as Internet affordability, cybersecurity, and digital rights. Through co-hosted forums, collaborative research, and outreach to especially underserved communities, the collaboration between the two institutions will not only contribute to informed policy-making but also promote digital literacy and empower communities to access and benefit from Internet opportunities. In essence, the MoU underscores the shared commitment of RENU and ISOC-UG to foster inclusive growth within Uganda.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nicholas Mbonimpa, the RENU CEO, welcomed the partnership and indicated that through this partnership, the two organisations are heading for greater digital impact. “I want to sincerely appreciate the President of ISOC-UG for championing the discussions and making today possible. We have worked together on global initiatives, and it is only right that we extend this collaboration locally as well. Together, we should work to provide the same quality Internet experience and opportunities everywhere, and I look forward to driving inclusive access side by side with ISOC-UG,” he said.

Joshua Mpairwe, the ISOC-UG president also expressed his gratitude to RENU for accepting this collaboration, and he believes that together, the two organisations will embark on projects aimed at promoting digital inclusivity. “We truly appreciate this opportunity to collaborate with RENU, and we look forward to working together. We are hopeful that this partnership will be fruitful as both our organisations embark on this important journey,” he said.

The partnership is set to deliver lasting value to RENU member institutions by expanding access to advanced ICT solutions, capacity building initiatives, shared research infrastructure, and global knowledge exchange. In addition, members will gain greater opportunities to explore emerging technologies, enjoy seamless eduroam mobility, and enhance their resilience with advanced cybersecurity support.

The signing of this agreement builds upon the existing relationship that began in 2021 when RENU signed a grant agreement with the Internet Society Foundation under the Building Opportunities/Leveraging Technologies (BOLT) programme, to support the expansion of free connectivity beyond the institutional campuses (Metro eduroam). The BOLT-supported initiative has so far helped 414,368 students across various universities, research institutes and other education institutions to access free, secure, and trusted connectivity while at off-campus places such as hostels, cafes, and other areas of convergence. The deepened relationship through ISOC-UG underscores the value of learning from one another and building together for greater progress.

Through this partnership, we are creating opportunities to address shared challenges, exchange solutions, adopt best practices that amplify our collective impact, to ensure that the Internet becomes an opportunity for all.

About RENU

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is Uganda’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). RENU is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation whose main goal is to improve the quality of research and education by providing high-speed Internet and a wide range of affordable ICT solutions to research and education (R&E) institutions. By offering affordable solutions to R&E institutions, RENU helps its member institutions to overcome the traditionally high costs of sharing and exchanging information and knowledge, thus enabling smooth collaboration among them and their peers, both nationally and globally. With a network of over 450 members and more than 1,000 connected campuses, RENU continues to strengthen its role as a leading driver of research and education connectivity.

About ISOC Uganda Chapter

The Internet Society Uganda Chapter is part of the Internet Society, a global charitable organization working to ensure that the Internet is for everyone. Through its community of members, special interest groups, learners, donors, and 130+ chapters around the world, we defend and promote Internet policies and technologies that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure. The Chapter thus seeks to promote open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all urban and rural communities while working with different like–minded institutions in Uganda.

We remain committed to advancing research and education, recognizing that reliable connectivity and Internet access are the foundation of every digital system. Through continued innovation, RENU will ensure that every learner, educator, and healthcare provider, no matter where they are, has access to the digital tools they need to succeed.