Uganda, through the National Information Technology Authority (NITA) Uganda, has laid 4,387 kilometers of optic fiber cable across 57 districts which I believe is a bold statement on Uganda’s commitment to connectivity. On top of that, 1,567 government sites including MDAs and DLGs are plugged into the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) with access to fast, reliable internet which has become a norm, not an exception.

This is more than infrastructure, it’s a lifeline to better public services, especially in health, education, and governance.

See also: Pres. Museveni launches Phase 5 of the NBI to extend internet connectivity to Karamoja, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions

This connectivity is not only about the government but also empowers businesses to innovate, entrepreneurs to thrive, and students to access global learning resources. The ripple effect will be felt in every corner of the economy, fostering a culture of digital inclusion.

Today, the dramatic reduction in internet prices from USD$205 (approx. UGX752,000) in FY 2021/22 to USD$35 (approx. UGX129,000) marks a turning point. Affordable connectivity is no longer a luxury for the elite but a necessary tool for all, democratizing access to information, leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs, and accelerating innovation. In addition, internet penetration has soared from 25% in 2017 to 67%, putting Uganda as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. This is not just about access; it is about unlocking human potential on a massive scale.

Digital governance

62% of government services have so far been digitized which is a transforming milestone for public service delivery. Gone are the days of endless queues and bureaucratic red tape. From applying for official documents to paying taxes, Ugandans can now access vital services online, in the comfort of their offices and homes. This shift not only enhances efficiency but also boosts transparency and accountability, essential pillars for good governance. It is a model for how governments can leverage technology to serve their citizens better and foster trust.

Empowering education and public access

ICT in education is the cornerstone of Uganda’s digital future. The government has established ICT labs in 1,400 public secondary schools and provided high-speed internet to 485 schools, these are all investments for not only the current generation of school-going ages but the next generations too. It is also an innovation that will produce future creators and innovators, these young minds are being equipped with the skills to thrive in a digital economy, ensuring that Uganda’s workforce remains competitive in a global marketplace.

Furthermore, 37 national libraries and public access centers have been upgraded with ICT facilities to ensure that even those without personal access to technology can still benefit from the digital revolution. This is true inclusivity in action.

Expanding media and mobile coverage

Digital terrestrial TV and radio signal coverage is now at 85% and 90% respectively, and mobile cellular signal coverage reaching 89%, Uganda’s communication landscape has never been more vibrant. This expanded reach ensures that every Ugandan, regardless of location, can access vital information and entertainment, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the progress is remarkable, there is still work to be done. Expanding optic fiber coverage to all districts, increasing broadband penetration, and ensuring that digital literacy keeps pace with technological advancements are critical next steps.

However, the foundation has been laid, and the momentum is unstoppable. Uganda’s commitment to ICT as a driver of national productivity and global competitiveness is clear. The challenge now is to ensure that this digital transformation benefits every Ugandan, leaving no one behind.

A Future Full of Promise

Uganda’s ICT achievements are more than just technological milestones. They are the building blocks of a brighter, more inclusive future. By continuing to invest in connectivity, affordability, and digital skills, Uganda is not just keeping up with the digital age, it is leading the charge. This is a moment to celebrate, but also a call to action: to dream bigger, innovate further, and ensure that every Ugandan can thrive in this new digital era.

Editor’s Note: The article was written by Caroline Mbolanyi, Communications Officer at Government Citizen Interaction Centre at State House

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The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and NITA Uganda Executive Director, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, presented to the President the expanded coverage of the National Backbone Infrastructure, showing [him] the completed Phases 1 to 4, which cover 4,387km of fibre laid across the country, and the additional 5,845km expected to be laid in Phase 5, covering 63 more districts across the country.

The NBI expansion will bring broadband access to more communities enabling the Parish Development Model (PDM) to thrive. With the PDM Information System, beneficiary validation and progress tracking become faster and more efficient, unlocking opportunities for sustainable development and driving economic transformation.

The NBI Project emphasizes four key sectors intending to modernize households and transform the economy: commercial agriculture, industry, services, and information and communications technology (ICT).

The project also includes last-mile connectivity to over 2,800 sites, such as schools, hospitals, government institutions, parishes, youth and community centers. Furthermore, Wi-Fi coverage will be extended to an additional 1,754 sites nationwide.

The NBI project is a government imitative by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance through its mandated body National Information Technology Authority (NITA) Uganda, intended to ensure that internet connectivity is available across the country at a reasonable rate.

The project has been supported by the Government of China through a concessional loan and has seen the successful completion of 4 Phases with Huawei Technologies contracted to construct the infrastructure. Following the completion of Phase 4, 1,567 government sites including MDAs and LGs have been connected to the NBI, the price of the internet has reduced from USD$205 in FY 2021/22 to USD$35 in FY2023/24, and internet penetration has increased from 25% in 2017 to 67% in 2023/24.

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One possible explanation for the postponement is regulatory challenges. Moses Watasa, the Commissioner for Information and Communication at the Ministry of ICT while speaking at the Closing Ceremony of Phase One at the Innovation and Growth Acceleration Program, organized by Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU) at Mestil Hotel in Kampala said in addition to the ongoing fiber installation across the country spearheaded by the National Information Technology Authority (NITA) Uganda, the government is exploring satellite technology to improve connectivity in the country.

“While fiber optic technology forms the backbone of Uganda’s internet expansion strategy, it is not without limitations,” said Watasa. “For geographically challenging areas such as islands and mountainous regions, deploying fiber is often impractical. To address this, the government is exploring satellite technology to ensure hard-to-get places/regions can have an internet connection.”

While this demonstrates the government’s acknowledgment of satellite technology’s potential, it establishes a series of questions about where Starlink stands in Uganda’s overall vision of connectivity. It is unknown whether the government will work with Elon Musk’s Starlink or will create its satellite internet constellation.

Starlink, SpaceX’s growing constellation of orbital satellites has already established a presence in over 100 countries including 15 African nations. The aim is to provide high-speed internet access, by utilizing a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites to deliver broadband internet coverage across the planet; essentially, making reliable internet available anywhere on Earth, including places with limited or no existing infrastructure.

The 15 African nations where Starlink is present include; Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In this context, the Uganda delay is striking in comparison to this rapid growth, especially in light of the continued connectivity issues in Uganda.

High internet access cost is still a serious problem in Uganda. To this response, the government has already announced a plan to cut internet rates by at least one-third–and up to half–by January 2025. This ambitious goal relies heavily on expanding fiber-optic infrastructure. Nevertheless, broadband satellite internet services such as Starlink may provide an ancillary utility to support these initiatives by meeting connectivity needs in locations where the deployment of fiber is impractical, bridging the gap in the country’s digital divide, and improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Although fiber-optic networks are the backbone for long-term connectivity solutions, satellite networks, such as Starlink, provide another option for reaching remote locations, quickly and more readily. To effectively tackle Uganda’s internet needs, it will be of paramount importance to develop a balance between these two technologies.

The postponement of Starlink’s availability to 2025 adds uncertainty to Uganda’s internet accessibility goals. However, the government’s commitment to lowering costs and extending connectivity to remote regions remains a silver lining. Whether through local ISPs, expanded fiber networks, or eventual satellite solutions, the hope is for a more inclusive digital future for all Ugandans.

While Starlink will revolutionize connectivity, especially in underserved and remote areas, the service’s affordability in low-income countries like Uganda remains a hot topic of debate. Starlink’s hardware setup currently costs around USD$599 (approx. UGX2.3M), with a monthly subscription fee of USD$120 (approx. UGX450,000) and USD$140 (approx. UGX520,000) for personal and business respectively. While this pricing is competitive in developed regions with robust economies, it poses significant challenges for individuals and businesses in low-income countries.

According to available data, Uganda’s average monthly income is estimated at USD$200 (approx. UGX750,000), meaning Starlink’s monthly subscription fee alone takes 60% of one’s earnings. Therefore, consumers who can’t solely afford the service can alleviate financial burdens through sharing models, where multiple households share one Starlink connection.

Scaling Starlink in lower-income countries could encourage SpaceX to introduce region-specific pricing, aligning costs with local economies.

Today, Ugandans including businesses are opting to use fiber internet, which is somewhat affordable considering the competitiveness in the market. Companies offering fiber internet include MTN, Airtel, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Simba Telecom, Zuku, CanalBox, Savanna, etc.

Fiber offers several advantages, including higher speeds, greater bandwidth, and longer transmission distances. It enables faster data transfer and greater bandwidth, which is essential for businesses relying on data-intensive applications.

Research from Hewlett-Packard (HP Inc.) revealed that businesses utilizing fiber internet enjoy upload speeds up to 20 times faster than those relying on cable internet. This significant speed advantage yields substantial productivity and efficiency gains, enabling companies to handle large data transfers, host smooth video conferences, and support multiple users concurrently.

The residential sector is also witnessing a significant shift towards fiber internet driven by the growing demand for high-speed internet for streaming, gaming, and remote work, to mention a few without lag/interruption. As more traditional homes turn into smart homes, fiber provides the stability to support multiple smart devices connected to the house.

The escalating demand for high-speed internet and reliable connections has propelled fiber optic technology to the forefront. With its exceptional speed and unwavering dependability, fiber optic technology surpasses traditional copper cables. With the introduction of satellite internet services, internet connectivity will shift significantly.

The post Starlink Adjusts Uganda Launch Plans to 2025 appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

During the Closing Ceremony of Phase One at the Innovation and Growth Acceleration Program, organized by Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU) at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, Moses Watasa, the Commissioner for Information and Communication at the Ministry of ICT was pressed for a timeline on when Ugandans, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, could expect affordable internet. Acknowledging the urgency of the issue, Watasa outlined a comprehensive plan to achieve nationwide internet connectivity within the next four to six years. This timeline reflects the government’s ambition to bridge the digital divide while making internet costs more manageable for the population.

“We have a steep target, I believe we will beat it,” said Watasa. “We want to have internet connectivity across the whole of Uganda within the next four, or not more than six years. I want to thank NITA Uganda, who are building fiber to connect even the remotest parts of the country.”

While fiber optic technology forms the backbone of Uganda’s internet expansion strategy, it is not without limitations. For geographically challenging areas such as islands and mountainous regions, deploying fiber is often impractical. To address this, Watasa said the government is exploring satellite technology to ensure hard-to-get places including islands and mountainous regions can have an internet connection.

One of the central issues in Uganda’s digital landscape is the prohibitive cost of internet access. High costs disproportionately affect young people, including innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs, limiting their ability to leverage technology for growth and development. Watasa said;

When the cost is high, it becomes difficult for young people to innovate.

Watasa revealed that the government will reduce internet prices by at least one-third or even 50% by January 2025. He expressed confidence in this target, stating, “I can say that on the record: if the internet cost doesn’t come down by 50%, you can come and take one of my arms.” This bold commitment underscores the seriousness of the government’s efforts to make internet access more affordable.

The government’s approach is holistic, recognizing that affordable internet is a critical enabler of development across multiple sectors, from education to healthcare and agriculture. By empowering young people with the tools and connectivity they need, the ministry aims to position Uganda as a hub for innovation in the region.

Uganda’s internet pricing has been a persistent concern, with the country ranked among the most expensive in the East African region. According to Cable.co.uk, an internet pricing comparison platform, Uganda ranks 103rd out of 237 countries on internet affordability.

The average cost of 1GB of mobile data in Uganda is approximately UGX5,000, a stark contrast to neighboring countries like Somalia, Rwanda, and Kenya, which rank significantly higher in affordability, according to the Global Digital Report compiled by Meltwater, a global media monitoring firm, in collaboration with other data firms like Statista.

These rankings highlight the urgency of Uganda’s efforts to bring down internet costs and compete regionally in attracting tech-driven investments.

Watasa affirmed that reducing internet costs is a top priority for the government, noting that it is critical for fostering innovation and improving the quality of life for Ugandans.

Also read:

• • Ministry of ICT outlines achievements of the ICT sector in the last 5 years
  • Ministry of ICT, ISPs have plans to reduce the cost of internet, says Ps. Aminah Zawedde
  • Gov’t launch ‘UBC Front Bench’ program to enhance public engagement, the first episode hosts ICT Ministry

The government’s commitment to affordable internet is backed by substantial investments in nationwide connectivity infrastructure. Through initiatives led by NITA Uganda, the country’s national backbone fiber infrastructure is steadily expanding to cover underserved areas. These investments are complemented by partnerships with the private sector and international organizations to leverage resources and expertise in achieving Uganda’s connectivity goals.

The post Moses Watasa: Government Will Reduce The Cost of Internet by 50% by end of January 2025 appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The program originally conceived in South Korea was brought to Uganda first before any other African nation by the International Trade Center (ITC) in partnership with the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) —and with the local help of Hive Colab and the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) with the aim of training 1,000 young entrepreneurs by December 2024.

“It is not likely there were over 54 countries and Uganda was selected as the first African country to pilot this initiative,” Barbara Birungi Mutabazi, Co-founder of Hive Colab said during day one of the closing ceremony at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.

As the pilot comes to a close, it is clear that Uganda’s selection was not just symbolic. With over 54 countries vying for the opportunity, Uganda’s achievements reflect the strength of its entrepreneurial spirit and the effectiveness of the YSAU model, especially as it has been tailored to local needs.

Through partnerships with NITA Uganda and Hive Colab, the program was adapted to support entrepreneurs uniquely, helping them gain essential skills and market exposure that extend beyond the national market.

The program is today celebrating a significant milestone with the graduation of 43 young entrepreneurs in its cohort 4, which tallies it to a total to 1,032 (initial goal was 1,000) young entrepreneurs who through their participation have created over 3,700 jobs across Uganda.

Phase one of the accelerator program ends in December and on top of the 1,032 entrepreneurs incubated across Uganda with 30% women, the program saw 200 new businesses created, 700 of the 3,700 jobs created —were direct jobs, 60 startups participated in international trade fairs, 100 startups participated in local trade fairs, and 4 partnerships were signed between Ugandan and Korean entrepreneurs for collaboration purposes.

Here are some takeaways from the day 1 of the closing ceremony of the phase one of the accelerator program;

NITA Uganda Address

National Information Technology Association (NITA) Uganda celebrated the achievements of YSAU, a program that underscores the power of collaboration, resilience, and shared commitment to a vision of a prosperous future by empowering our youth. “At the heart of our celebration lies an empowering message: Uganda’s future rests in the hands of its youth,” said Collin Mugasha, Director of e-government services at NITA Uganda —who emphasized that through initiatives like YSAU, the government is paving the way for young innovators to shape the country’s future by addressing its most pressing challenges.

Mugasha congratulated the graduates for the 4th cohort and applauded the Youth Startup Academy (YSA) for supporting 1,032 young Ugandan entrepreneurs.

“YSA has brought together over 1,032 young entrepreneurs from across Uganda, each equipped with the skills and mindset to launch impactful ventures,” said Mugasha. “This year alone, these entrepreneurs have managed to receive USD$200,000 (approx. UGX735.34M) in donations created 273 jobs, and collectively, they have created over 3,700 jobs, brought in USD$4.4M (approx. UGX16.18Bn) in revenue, and secured investments totaling USD$1.5M (approx. UGX5.52Bn) —all vital contributions to Uganda’s economic landscape.”

Mugasha noted that the private sector partnerships are crucial to sustaining this progress, and the government is committed to expanding initiatives that provide relationship funding and resources, enabling young entrepreneurs to flourish.

The government’s commitment to supporting youth innovation aligns directly with the national development agenda. They are creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, youth-oriented funding, and resources like entrepreneurial hubs. “By ensuring that young entrepreneurs have access to everything they need, we’re empowering them to tackle the challenges facing Uganda and Africa at large,” said Mugasha.

EasyRide signs a USD$100,000 investment deal with Ventureport

EasyRide, a YSAU cohort startup setting out to revolutionize mobility safety by providing digital motor emergency services in Uganda signed a USD$100,000 (approx. UGX367.7 million) investment deal with Korean venture capital company, Venturepor.

TMS Ruge, Co-founder of Hive Colab applauded EasyRide for securing the investment and called on other innovators to follow in pursuit. “This is really possible,” he said. “If you do the work, if you’re building for the future of Uganda, it is possible to get partners that are willing to work with you and invest in your future and your dreams —and EasyRide’s new investment deal is an example of possibility.”

Mr. Isaac Kiwanda who signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for direct investment on behalf of EasyRide said, “Today is an exciting day for us at EasyRide —we are building something and we are glad to have Mr. Park on our team because he really understands numbers and that is why we want him on board and signing this today will change a lot for this country,” said Kiwanda. “We are shaping the mobility industry not only in Uganda but in Africa,” he added.

Expressing excitement about participating in the partnership, Mr. Park noted a strong commitment to ongoing investments and a dedication to discovering new opportunities. He encouraged entrepreneurs to recognize the inherent challenges of building a business, acknowledging that the journey requires resilience and determination. In addition, he highlighted the value of consistently striving to overcome obstacles, describing this persistence as the true “venture way.”

He offered words of encouragement for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey: “Even in moments of difficulty, one should remember they are not alone,” said Mr. Park. By giving their best, entrepreneurs will not only find personal success but also attract others who will share in their achievements. This supportive community can serve as a powerful motivator, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose among business founders and investors alike.

Keynote address from Moses Watasa

Moses Watasa, Communications Commissioner at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance on behalf of the State Minister of ICT, Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo in a keynote address said the government is making strides in the digital transformation agenda, a key pillar in advancing socio-economic progress. He noted that the Office of the President and the Office of the Prime Minister have placed this initiative at the forefront, recognizing its role in creating opportunities, particularly for the youth who make up over 70% of the country’s population under the age of 30. This demographic reality has spurred a concerted push towards digital and economic inclusivity, empowering young people with skills and resources to drive innovation and productivity.

Wasajja noted that supporting youth-led innovations is a cornerstone of Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.

One key aspect he discussed was the cost of the internet and skilling. He noted that the government is investing a lot in connectivity for the Internet to ensure that the entire country is connected. “We are working on reducing the cost of the internet because if the cost of the internet is high,  it becomes difficult for the young people to innovate,” he said —adding “We are also working on skilling them because if people are not adequately skilled, then they can’t make so much on the opportunities from ICTs.”

The Ministry of ICT is also supporting startups through government-funded startup programs —providing young ICT graduates and students with the resources they need to turn innovative ideas into impactful solutions. “We have a lot of young people who are graduates or students of ICTs. They have a lot of ideas, but they don’t have the resources to get started to create opportunities for themselves,” explained Wasajja. “So the government has put in a bit of money to support their startups, and I’m happy to report that we have made some good progress.”

One example of success is the e-government procurement system, developed by young Ugandans, which has streamlined government operations.

Watasa further in his keynote said programs such as YSAU illustrate the tremendous potential within Uganda’s youth and the government’s commitment to fostering an innovation-driven economy. He added that ministerial partnerships, particularly with South Korea, remain crucial to sustaining this momentum. “These collaborations mitigate resource constraints and enable Uganda to pursue its digital transformation objectives more effectively,” he remarked. “Programs like the Youth Startup Academy (YSA), have provided invaluable opportunities for networking, mentorship, and support, further bolstering Uganda’s digital ecosystem.”

The power of collaboration

In the event’s first-panel session discussing “The Power of Collaboration” panelists, Barbara Mutabazi; Co-founder of Hive Colab, Joshua Akandwanaho; BPO/ITES Supervisor at NITA-Uganda, Daehee Lee; KOSME, and Rita Ngenzi; National Coordinator of Youth Startup Academy Uganda, explored the role of collaboration across the government, international agencies, and private sectors in fostering a resilient and innovative startup ecosystem in Uganda.

The panelists also shared insights into how their organizations partnered with the YSAU and highlighted the successes and challenges of such multi-stakeholder collaboration. In addition, the discussion also emphasized how Ugandan and Korean institutions can work together to promote innovation support business growth, and enhance cross-knowledge exchange ultimately strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Uganda

Presentation of certificates to 41 entrepreneurs of the YSA Cohort 4 and launch of the Alumni association

ITC and KOSME presented the 41 graduates with certificates for completing the YSA program —in addition launched the YSAU Alumni Association (from all four cohorts), marking a significant step toward connecting and empowering startups throughout their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Alumni Association consisting of 8 representatives —2 from each cohort will be representing the rest of the entrepreneurs in the program. “We selected representatives from each cohort, 2 of them,” said Barbara Mutabazi. “We envision this association being a voice for other entrepreneurs in the program across the country.” She added, “These representatives will be responsible for building a successful community with support from Hive Colab.”

The association will help with securing investments, collaborations & partnerships, and networking sessions, among others, that can benefit the community.

ITC’s role in bridging Ugandan and Korean economies

Representing the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Director of the Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions at ITC, Escipion J. Oliveira-Gomez reaffirmed ITC’s commitment to global collaboration and sustainable development. He extended greetings to the governments of Korea and Uganda, acknowledging the shared journey of both nations in advancing economic collaboration.

ITC’s ethos of “teaching people to fish” instead of merely providing fish underscores their long-term focus on capacity-building rather than dependency. This approach aligns with ITC’s dedication to youth empowerment, gender balance, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation, which are woven into the program’s framework.

“The inclusion of youth reflects ITC’s forward-thinking agenda, where growth is measured not only in economic terms but also in social progress,” said Escipion J. Oliveira-Gomez.

Escipion J. Oliveira-Gomez remarked that through programs like YSA, ITC is not just fostering economic partnerships but actively promoting technology transfer, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development in Uganda. “By sharing Korea’s expertise in discipline, technological innovation, and business acumen, ITC has created a bridge for Uganda to learn from and build upon the Korean model,” he explained.

ITC strives to create a future where nations can grow stronger together, combining strengths across borders. With the continued support of partners like Korea, ITC aims to turn the vision of a unified, empowered Africa into reality.

The post YSAU Closing Phase One of its Accelerator Program With Remarkable Results appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The WSIS Digital Service Design Special Prize highlights digital service designs that address a citizen/resident need(s) through improving, innovating, or developing government processes and are designed for scalability, extensibility, and adaptability to a variety of generic workflows.

The recognition was received by the Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations and other international bodies. The occasion showcases Uganda’s increasing impact in the digital services domain.

NITA Uganda expressed its pride and gratitude for receiving the accolade. “We are honored to receive the WSIS Digital Service Design Special Prize 2024 for the UGPass project. This achievement highlights our commitment to enhancing digital services in Uganda,” NITA Uganda said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

UGPass is a digital authentication and electronic signature solution in which users sign or seal documents online quickly, conveniently, and securely, thereby creating digital trust. Thus, through its app, you can digitally authenticate, sign, and seal documents.

Beyond its authentication features, this app serves as a resource, for citizens by providing a safe effective, and user-friendly means to interact with digital services and carry out transactions. UGPass is changing how people and businesses work by offering a platform, for signatures and document sealing.

To get started with UGPass, download the app. During registration, you’ll need to provide a valid National ID or passport, an email address, and a phone number. Once signed up users can immediately enjoy the convenient digital transaction features.

The recognition of UGPass at the WSIS 2024 awards showcases Uganda’s commitment to improving its infrastructure and making digital services more accessible to its citizens. This achievement benefits NITA Uganda and reflects the country’s innovative approach and progressive mindset towards digital transformation.

The post NITA-U’s UGPass Project Wins WSIS Award in Geneva appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

“As the new Board of Directors you have a lot of work to do in spearheading the digital transformation drive and you have our support,” Baryomunsi said — further remarking that digitization and technology remain central in the transformation of Uganda is the reason NITA-U was established as the lead agency on that frontline.

“In my view since their established in 2019, NITA-U has performed very well,” said Baryomunsi.

Alexander Kibandama, the new Chair Board of Directors, NITA-U, on behalf of the Board, extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to Hon. Chris Baryomunsi for entrusting them with the role of guiding policy and strategies at NITA-U aimed at transforming our society.

Kibandama further said “I have followed a number of achievements by National Information Technology Authority – Uganda, like the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI), the MDA internet extension project, the recent price reduction, and many more. I look forward to providing leadership and support to these initiatives that are key in transforming service delivery in the country.”

Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, NITA-U Executive Director welcomed the new Board of Directors and thanked the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for the leadership they provided them at the time when they had no board.

“We look forward to tapping into the newly appointed Board of Directors’ experiences as we work to digitize the nation,” said Mugasa as he closed the ceremony.

New Board of Directors, NITA-U

Chairperson: Alexander Kibandama

Members:

1. Prof. Annabella Habinka Basaza Ejiri.
2. Jackie Aneno Obol-Ochola.
3. Dr. Theodora Mondo.
4. Michael Ocero.
5. Julius Otai.

The post ICT Minister, Hon Chris Baryomunsi Appoints New NITA-U Board of Directors appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance Hon. Chris Baryomunsi said the price reduction means government offices connected to the NBI will consume the internet at the lowest price in the market.

This landmark achievement solidifies the government`s position as the undisputed market leader in setting Internet prices. With this bold move, NITA-U will drive substantial savings on the government’s communication budget, catalyze the adoption of e-Government Services, and deepen digitization while paving the way for improved access to online services for citizens.

“At NITA-U we’ve been working hard to consistently lower the cost of internet bandwidth in Uganda especially for government institutions since they provide onward services to ordinary citizens and the private sector,” said Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, Executive Director NITA-U. “We are happy that we have maintained our long-term plans to lower bandwidth prices’.”

Consequently, the use of the NBI as a secure highspeed network for the government has led to lowering the cost of communication across the government and further enabled the extension of the geographic reach of broadband networks across the country and altogether Improved the government’s efficiency and transparency through e-Government applications.

The National Backbone now extends to all regions of the country spanning 4,300km extending connectivity to around 1466 Government offices, 53 districts, and 9 border points.

The post NITA-U Reduces The Cost of Internet For Government MDAs appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Dr. Mugasa expressed that because of the NBI Project, government services have managed to go online with more than 1,400 Ministries, Agencies, and Local Government (MDAs) offices now utilizing e-Services such as integrated management systems, e-tax, e-passports, hence saving a huge chunk of money and time that would have been spent on making services available to Ugandans.

“By digitalizing government processes and hosting them at the National Data Centre, NITA-U has managed to saves the government more than UGX4 trillion (roughly USD$1.1 billion) annually in direct public expenditure,” says Dr. Mugasa. “This cuts cost that would have to be spent on paper, manual processes, and data centres service fees for each MDA.”

Dr. Mugasa applauded Huawei Technologies whom they have been working with for more than 10 years since the National Backbone Infrastructure/e-Government Infrastructure (NBI/EGI) Project was started —rolling out over 4,172km of backbone fibre cable in over 62 districts across the country.

After the Fourth Phase of the NBI/EGI Project which extends internet connectivity to districts of Pakwach, Nebbi, Arua, Yumbe, Koboko, Adjumani, Katakwi, and the border points of, Oraba, Vurra, and Mpondwe. The government through NITA-U launched the commissioned the “Last Mile Phase” to extend internet connectivity to the grassroots user all the way to the Parish.

Dr. Mugasa confirmed that “In a few weeks from now, NITA-U shall have completed 764KM under the Last Mile Phase and citizens shall be able to access e-Government services at 1,400 administrative locations.”

Ms. Amy Xia, Huawei’s Vice President Enterprise Business Group emphasized the need for digitalization because it is currently an industry consensus. She noted that Huawei has heavily invested in research and development to benefit countries like Uganda and aid them in their digital process.

“As digital transformation has become an industry consensus, the focus has been shifted from whether or not to go digital, to how to go digital,” said Xia. “Huawei has invested heavily in research and development for Uganda so that we can achieve the creation of new value together.”

Xia said they have carefully considered exhibiting the various technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, among others so that Huawei Technologies can “walk together with Uganda on their [Uganda] digital journey.”

The Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Chris Baryomunsi while delivering his remarks yesterday at the Huawei ICT Congress said the government is fast-tracking digital in order to achieve the 2040 Digital Vision.

“One of the reasons why we came up with the 2040 Uganda Digital Vision is to effectively use and encourage the adoption of mature and emerging technologies,” said Baryomunsi. “So I am deeply impressed by Huawei’s advanced technology, especially their Huawei achievements in network security and 5G technology.”

According to Baryomunsi, ICT is one of Uganda’s fastest-growing sectors and a major driver to Uganda’s middle-income status just as the 2040 Digital vision states. He emphasized that because of this reason, the government is fast-tracking digital to harness new emerging technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data exhibited at the Huawei ICT Congress.

“We need to look to the future of digital and start implementing the necessary digital infrastructure so that we are not left behind,” Baryomunsi said. Adding that “In building robust ultra-high speed, pervasive, intelligent and trusted high-speed ICT infrastructure across the country, the government has diligently worked towards expanding the nation’s digitalization in a number of fields, in order to unleash the multiplier effect of ICT on associated secondary and tertiary industries for tremendous impact on the economy.”

The Huawei ICT Congress 2022 is a mirror of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) which is annually held in Barcelona where Huawei has been a top exhibitor showcasing the latest technology.

The Huawei ICT Congress 2022 with the theme “Lighting up the Future” organized by Huawei Uganda is aimed at helping businesses and ICT users such as governments, telecoms, regulators, and enterprises innovate business models, improve quality and efficiency, enhance the experience, and strengthen resilience in their digital work and productivity, and digital service processes.

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For two weeks, NITA Uganda has rewarded individuals UGX500,000 and groups of five (5) UGX3,000,000 for taking part in the Quiz. In three weeks, six (6) individuals each received UGX500,000, and three (3) groups each consisting of 5 members received UGX3,000,000. The winning individuals and teams took part in the weekly quiz posted on the ‘Be Safe Online’ social media platforms; Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube —where the participating individuals and groups with the highest post engagement win the cash prize.

“The quiz runs two questions on different cyber security themes each week on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, targeting individual and group entrants. When a question is posted, the top 2 individual answers with the most engagement each win UGX500,000, and UGX3,000,000 goes to a group with the most engagement,” Mr. Arnold Mangeni, Director of Information Security at NITA Uganda, told PC Tech Magazine.

Mangeni noted that for group submissions, a strict guideline was set to ensure that among the 5 members, there’s at least a female participant and groups that didn’t the criteria were not allowed.

“We set strict guidelines to ensure that among the group of 5 there’s at least a female. Groups that submit all-male participants don’t meet the criteria for winning,” Mangeni said.

NITA Uganda originally designed the Cybersecurity Quiz to be a proper physical School Quiz. They planned it as a hands-on Cybersecurity awareness campaign for students, however, they couldn’t execute it due to the Covid-19 circumstance (schools are still closed), thus adjusting it online.

“We know students are at home and many are online. This Quiz is a way to get them to positively be involved in the quiz and at the same time create awareness about Cyber Security for themselves and their peers in a way they can understand,” Mangeni clarified.

In the first week of the quiz, individuals week asked to, ‘state minimum computer security features that can keep grandmothers pension safe, avoiding the risk of being stolen by computer hackers.’ Andrew Mugisha and Bwire Ian Jeremia’s answers got the most engagement hence winning UGX500,000 each —and in addition, received Christmas hampers.

As for the group in the same week —were asked to, ‘make a short video demonstrating the importance of phone security and the risks associated with poor phone security.’ A group consisting of Amanya Brian, Tugume Hastings, Natseli Godfrey, Murangira Boris, and Namilo Habibah emerged winners and were rewarded UGX3,000,000 and Christmas hampers.

In the second week of the quiz, individuals week asked to, ‘give a description of malware and the types of malware people should avoid.’ which saw Janat Kwagala and Sarah Namiiro emerge as winners having the most engagement on their answers.

As for the group in the second week —were asked to, ‘share a video acting out the Tendo hacking animation (shared on the Be Safe Online Twitter account prior) in a local language of their choice.’ The group of Kenneth Kasasira, Ndyamuhaki Barham, Mugisha Simon, Ajo Clement, and Mugenyi Suleiman, managed to beat the competition emerging as winners of the UGX3,000,000 cash prize.

In the third week, Samuel Aule, and Melisa Kusasira emerged as winners whose posts got the most engagement having answered ‘tips on how to keep children safe online, and an easy way parents can remember these tips.’ Each also was rewarded UGX500,000 along with Christmas hampers. While the group of Carolina Winifred Nejesa, Juilet Nabasumba, Ivan Kyakuwa, Naymar Namazzi, and Keith Pius Mukiibi, emerged as winners receiving UGX3,000,000.

The participants were grateful for NITA’s generosity as well as applauding them on their cybersecurity awareness campaign dubbed “Be Safe Online” which aims at increasing public awareness and vigilance on cyber threats.

ALSO READ: NITA UGANDA TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON CYBERTHREAT IN A NEW CAMPAIGN, DUBBED ‘BE SAFE ONLINE

Kenneth Kasasira, one of the winners in the second-week quiz said, “I believe in Santa now. I thought he was just in stories and I had always wished for him to check in on me. NITA-U came in the form of Santa this year for me and I am grateful. On top of providing me an opportunity to grasp Cybersecurity and teach my peers, I got cash to celebrate my Christmas.”

With the ongoing Cyber Security Awareness Campaign Be Safe Online, NITA Uganda pledges to continue to deliver on its promise of safeguarding the Ugandan people every step of the way. They are called on the public to follow the campaign content online through the website: www.besafeonline.ug as well as on their social media platforms; Twitter: @besafeonlineug and Instagram: @besafeonlineug.

ALSO READ: NITA UGANDA CAUTIONS THE PUBLIC TO BE VIGILANT ON CYBERSECURITY MATTERS

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