Inside gov’t’s plan to extend internet connectivity to all sub-counties with $150 million loan
Presenting the statement on November 26, 2024, during a parliamentary sitting chaired by Speaker Anita Among, Baryomunsi outlined the two major projects aimed at boosting internet connectivity and accelerating e-Government systems.
The Minister for Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, has announced government plans to expand internet connectivity to every sub-county across Uganda through a loan from Exim Bank of China.
Baryomunsi revealed that the US$150 million loan will enable the government to extend the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) beyond ministries and district headquarters to all sub-counties, ensuring wider access to the digital economy.
He emphasized that this initiative is key to providing comprehensive access to e-Government services, with last-mile connectivity serving as the final crucial link between the NBI and end-users.
Presenting the statement on , November 26, 2024, during a parliamentary sitting chaired by Speaker Anita Among, Baryomunsi outlined the two major projects aimed at boosting internet connectivity and accelerating e-Government systems.
These include the 2022 Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP), which is funded by the World Bank to the tune of US$200 million, and the Phase V expansion of the NBI, which is funded by the Exim Bank of China.
With the NBI project already covering 4,298.87KM of optical fiber and connecting 1,567 government ministries, hospitals, and district offices to high-speed internet, the government plans to extend the network further. Under the UDAP project, an additional 63 districts will be connected, along with 21 new transmission sites and 2,800 last-mile connectivity sites.
Baryomunsi highlighted the progress made in providing digital government services, such as the Integrated Financial Management Services (IFMS), e-Passport and e-Visa applications, Health Management Information System (HMIS), and the Parish Development Model Online System (PDMIS).
He also noted that these efforts have led to greater adoption of e-services, improving efficiency in government operations and public service delivery.
The Minister also reported that 10 major border points have been connected to streamline services such as customs clearance and immigration, further easing communication across the country.
However, MPs raised concerns over the accessibility of some of the 300 Wi-Fi hotspots, with Kalangala District Woman MP, Hon. Helen Nakimuli, highlighting that some hotspots, including the MyUg Wi-Fi, are not functioning as expected.
She urged the government to ensure better coordination between the ICT and road construction ministries to improve the installation of internet cables and masts in island districts.
Hon. Dickens Kateshumba (Indep., Sheema Municipality) called for tracking the impact of the projects, suggesting that increased connectivity should translate into tangible benefits like improved production and overall development. He emphasized the need for Parliament to focus on the real impact of these projects, particularly in terms of access, affordability, and benefits to the public.
