LUCAS MUSISI
In a three-day validation workshop on policy and regulatory frameworks for Optic Fibre Infrastructure held in Kampala, Dr. Amina Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, provided a comprehensive overview of the country’s strides in the telecommunication and ICT industry.
Zawedde’s presentation commenced with a data-driven snapshot of Uganda’s internet landscape, revealing substantial growth in internet usage. With 13.30 million internet users recorded in January 2024 and an internet penetration rate of 27.0 percent, Uganda has experienced a notable increase of 1.2 million users, marking a growth rate of 10.3 percent between January 2023 and January 2024.
The discussion then turned to infrastructure coverage, where Zawedde highlighted the significant reach of 3G and 4G networks across both population and geographic dimensions. Additionally, the successful commercial launch of 5G technology underscores Uganda’s commitment to advancing telecommunication capabilities.
Key infrastructure projects, such as the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure and e-Government Infrastructure Project (NBI/EGI), were emphasized for their role in enhancing connectivity. With over 12,000 kilometers of Optical Fibre Cable laid across the country, these initiatives aim to connect major towns and government departments, facilitating efficient communication and service delivery.
Zooming out to the broader African context, Zawedde underscored the continent’s need for improved ICT infrastructure. Despite global internet usage reaching 67% in 2023, Africa lagged behind with only 37% of its population connected. This discrepancy highlights the urgency for increased investments in digital infrastructure to bridge the connectivity gap.
The significance of programmes like EGEE-ICT was emphasized for their potential to create an enabling environment for investment and infrastructure development. Zawedde reiterated Uganda’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, recognizing their role in advancing digital transformation across the continent.
Turning to Uganda’s overarching digital vision, Zawedde outlined the country’s National Policy and Strategic Framework, which consolidates existing ICT strategies into a unified Digital Vision. This vision aims to attract investors by aligning ICT investments with national development goals, thus driving economic growth and development.
In conclusion, Zawedde expressed gratitude to stakeholders and partners for their contributions to Uganda’s ICT progress. With the workshop poised to explore policy and regulatory frameworks for optical fibre infrastructure, the event promises to foster insightful discussions and collaborative efforts towards advancing Uganda’s ICT sector.