Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) has officially transitioned the Uganda Gazette into a digital format, a move aimed at enhancing accessibility and affordability in the digital age.
Traditionally available only in print, the Uganda Gazette, serving as the official repository for legal documents and government records, is now adapting to the digital era. Prof. Sudi Nangoli, UPPC Managing Director, emphasized the necessity to keep pace with digital trends.
“We must keep up with trends as the world moves towards digital, and we cannot remain confined to traditional hard copy,” said Prof. Nangoli.
The shift intends to provide convenience for all Ugandans. Prof. Nangoli highlighted that the e-version not only costs less but also eliminates the hassle of dealing with physical papers.
“The e-gazette is only Shs 800,000 compared to the hardcopy’s Shs 1.4 million. For just an additional 100,000, one can subscribe for two years. Users can now have the entire Gazette at their fingertips for a nominal fee of Shs 3,000,” explained Prof. Nangoli.
Issued weekly on Fridays, the Uganda Gazette includes legal notifications, statutory instruments, electoral notices, and private legal announcements. Despite its rich content, limited circulation due to few outlets has restricted access.
Rebecca Nyakairu, UPPC spokesperson, emphasized that the e-gazette will overcome these limitations by extending its reach into the public domain, becoming a globally accessible resource with a click.
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“People now have the convenience of accessing the Gazette online, whether at home using laptops, phones, or any preferred devices,” said Nyakairu.
However, she clarified that the digital shift of the Uganda Gazette doesn’t mean the end of the hard copy version.
“Embracing the digital frontier with the e-gazette doesn’t mean saying farewell to the traditional hardcopy. We understand that some still cherish the experience of a hard copy. Rest assured, the hard copy will still be available,” she assured.
To access the e-gazette, individuals need to subscribe by opening an account on the UPPC website and navigating to the ‘e.resources‘ option.
The move aligns with UPPC’s five-year strategic plan, aiming to digitize 80% of their product offerings by 2026, emphasizing environmental protection and operational efficiency.
Globally, many countries are transitioning their official gazettes to online platforms, aligning with the trend of making official publications more accessible and user-friendly in the digital age.
