NCIPs Meeting Focuses on Regional Satellite Project for Enhanced Connectivity

Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Chairperson of the ICT cluster for the Northern Corridor Infrastructure Project (NCIP) and Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, led a Ugandan delegation to a two-day meeting in Juba, South Sudan, on February 24th and 25th, 2025. The meeting brought together technical heads from Ministries, Regulators, and Space Agencies of Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda, hosted by South Sudan's Ministry of ICT and Postal Services.

The Northern Corridor is a transport corridor that links the landlocked countries of Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo with Kenya’s Maritime Port of Mombasa. The Northern Corridor currently serves a population of about 120 million people including Southern parts of Ethiopia and North Tanzania.

The primary focus of the meeting, was the development of a Regionally Owned and Operated Communication and Broadcasting Satellite under the NCIP as directed by the 14th Heads of State NCIP. Dr. Zawedde chaired the meeting, co-chaired by Dr. Lado Wani Kenyi, Undersecretary of South Sudan’s Ministry of ICT and Postal Services. The technical team presented a draft roadmap for the satellite project, which outlined phases such as regulatory approvals, feasibility studies, satellite manufacturing, and post-launch activities. The satellite, designed to provide broadband internet and broadcasting services, is expected to offer 300-500 Gbps capacity and a lifespan of over 15 years.

Dr. Aminah Zawedde affirmed Uganda’s priority in undertaking digital transformation as provided in the National Development Plan among the top four priorities of; Agro-industrialization, Tourism development, Mineral development, and Science and Technology plus ICT, commonly referred to as ATMS. She also reiterated Uganda’s relentless commitment to coordinate and monitor the progress of implementation of the decisions and directives of the Heads of State of NCIPs.

All Partner States expressed support for the project, acknowledging that existing regulatory frameworks could accommodate it. The need for harmonized regulations under the East African Communication Organization (EACO) was highlighted. Kenya presented a monitoring and evaluation framework, emphasizing the importance of independent reviewers and stakeholder engagement to ensure success.

It was acknowledged that all existing regulatory frameworks of the Member States favor the establishment of the region-owned satellite, and they remain flexible to accommodate any amendments if the need arises. The meeting committed to finalizing the roadmap for the establishment of a satellite and eventual mobilization of funding for the feasibility study. The meeting also reviewed and assessed the progress on the implementation framework of NCIPs, and explored collaborative approaches to address the underlying challenges.

Following the meeting, Dr. Zawedde and the Ugandan delegation visited the Uganda Embassy in Juba, where they were warmly greeted by H.E. Ambassador Brig. Gen. Ronnie Balya. They discussed the ongoing collaboration between the two nations, reinforcing their diplomatic and technological relationship.

The Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP) was initiated by H.E President Yoweri K. Museveni in June 2013 in Entebbe at A Tripartite Summit that was attended by their Excellences Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Paul Kagame of Rwanda. The projects were expanded to 14 clusters, including the ICT Infrastructure Development Cluster.

The ICT Infrastructure Development Cluster was introduced at the 3rd NCIP Summit of Heads of State to facilitate fast-tracking the integration process. This Cluster is coordinated and chaired by Uganda under the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance. By the 14th Summit, 21 Directives had been issued under the ICT Infrastructure Development Cluster, including the directive for Partner States to finalize the concept note on establishing and launching a Regional Owned and Operated Communication and Broadcasting Satellite, and also to fast track the modalities of this Satellite that will provide high-quality, dependable broadband internet services and broadcasting capabilities.