Embracing E-Commerce in Uganda : Prospects and Challenges

This paper makes an attempt at a rather wide area of the law. In that respect, it taps into the likely constraints that stand in the way of an effective conversion from the traditional (and in some instances, comfortable) ways of doing business to taking on a touch of modern technology in commercial transactions. Some of the most affected areas concerning business practice that are likely to draw attention include issues such as: Regulation; the validity of data messages and regulation of business content; protection of consumers and protection of Intellectual Property rights. The paper thus presents the aforementioned aspects as legal issues arising and, focusing on the perspective of Uganda as a developing country, it points out the challenges that come with embracing modern means of communication and information technology in keeping up with other key players in the global village. In posing these challenges, the paper exposes the prospects and policies that can not be ignored by a growing economy like that of Uganda especially as a participant in International trade. It thus provides necessary eye-openers and makes an attempt at a few recommendations that can help provide a smoother transition from the traditional concepts of business to that of modern technology. The paper however also poses a few issues that need to be addressed as recommendations if e-commerce is to thrive comfortably within Uganda