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The National Information Technology Authority of Uganda (NITA-U), tasked with spearheading the country’s ICT infrastructure development, has announced that 57% of the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) project has been completed.
Collin Babirukamu, Director for E-Government Services at NITA-U, spoke during the closing of the 4th ACCA Uganda Members Convention 2024, where he detailed the authority’s achievements and challenges.
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He emphasized that the initiative has already connected over 1,600 government offices, agencies, and departments, dramatically reducing the cost of internet for government entities from shs 261,127 to shs130,563 per Mbps.
This price drop reflects the benefits of economies of scale as more users are connected to the network.
Babirukamu also outlined the broader vision, which includes extending the NBI to 5,000 government institutions by 2028.
The focus is on critical sectors such as health, education, and local governance, ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from fiber optic connectivity.
“The integration of solar-powered cables in underserved regions and the introduction of Wi-Fi hotspots in rural areas demonstrate our commitment to bridging the digital divide,” he said.
Currently, 580 Wi-Fi hotspots provide free or subsidized internet in key urban centers, with plans to scale up accessibility further.
However, Babirukamu acknowledged the challenges faced, including delays caused by bureaucratic processes and funding constraints.
Despite these setbacks, he expressed optimism about meeting the target on time, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships and regional collaboration.
“We are not just laying cables; we are laying the foundation for Uganda’s digital transformation,” he noted. The rollout also includes connecting 12 refugee host communities, promoting inclusivity and equity in access to technology.
While the remaining 43% of the rollout poses logistical and financial hurdles, experts and stakeholders are optimistic that Uganda is well-positioned to achieve its digital transformation goals.
The expansion of the NBI is critical to enabling efficient service delivery, improving education, and fostering economic growth. The focus now is to address bottlenecks and maintain the momentum to ensure that no region is left behind.
