Speaking at the first data analytics, artificial intelligence, and data governance symposium in Kampala, Tayebwa said he would ensure Uganda catches up with technological development. “Many of our youths in the private sector have run ahead and are already benefitting from AI even in the absence of enabling laws,” he stated. Adding “As a government, we need to work faster to own and manage local data and empower Ugandans to use it to make data-driven decisions”.

He underscored the need to establish a law to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the country, calling for the strengthening of existing data protection laws at both the continental and national levels for the benefit of users.

In his key note address at the Symposium, Dr. Fred Muhumuza, a senior economist and development expert, said government and Ugandans need to have access to reliable big data to make informed decisions. He highlighted the importance and urgency of data integration and interrogation, especially in the policy environment to enable Social-Economic Transformation in Uganda.

The symposium which brought together over 150 CEOs and top executives from diverse sectors including media, banking, fintech, government, agencies and private sector, was themed; “The role of Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in social-economic transformation”.

The symposium convener and CEO of Task Managers Ltd Arthur Arinaitwe said the event had been in the offing since 2018, to bring together industry experts to discuss data usage and management, while enabling businesses to fasten and make more accurate decisions to offer better solutions sustainably to their customers.

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“I’m happy to learn that their fiber internet rates are 5 times cheaper than the current market rates,” said Tayebwa during the launch at the Kampala Serena Hotel.

Tayebwa while praising the entry of CanalBox in Uganda, stated that the entry of such a giant player in the country is a vote of confidence in the government and its business-friendly policies, country, and people. He went on to commend the company’s efforts and looks forward to seeing the impact they will make in growing broadband internet prevalence in Uganda and supporting the country’s digital transformation and economic growth.

“Increasing affordability and access to the internet are crucial components in the government’s deliberate efforts to deepen connectivity in Uganda, and I am glad to hear that this is also a priority for GVA’s long-term investments in fiber optic infrastructure,” he said.

Tayebwa revealed that the government is committed to supporting efforts to increase broadband penetration, as part of its vision 2040, conceptualized to strengthen the fundamentals of the economy by enhancing the abundant opportunities around the country.

He noted that increasing the number of internet service providers (ISPs) not only benefits individual Ugandans, as they get to experience improved service delivery through innovation and competition but also improves the economy as a whole.

CanalBox Uganda’s fiber optic internet uses light pulses to transmit data, resulting in faster speeds and better reliability than traditional options. With its high-speed and reliable internet services, CanalBox Uganda is poised to revolutionize the internet landscape in Uganda, supporting businesses, education, and innovation.

The Chief Executive Officer of GVA, Jean-Francois Duboy said they aim to democratise broadband internet access through fibre.

“With a speed of 200 Mbps for only UGX200,000 in terms of price, speed, and value for money, we are convinced it will be game-changing,” he said. “Canal Box will now enable Ugandan families to connect to animated high-speed internet in their homes.”

Duboy added that when they entered the Ugandan market, there were only 30,000 homes in Uganda connected to fiber internet compared to Kenya’s 600,000 —11 months so far, and 5,000 more homes have been covered with a projection of another 500,000 homes in Kampala within three to four years.

Meanwhile, Tayebwa urged GVA to zero-rate all educational websites and also ban pornography.

“I GVA team to become the first company to zero-rate all educational websites, benefiting children in rural Wakiso and beyond. This will be a great opportunity for our learners. Also, ban pornography as it adds no value to our economy,” he said, adding that the protection of children and what they consume online should be a priority.

GVA has injected over UGX50 billion connecting internet homes to the internet in the districts of Wakiso and Kampala.

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