Infrastructure
American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda's Statutory Contribution to Strengthen Digital Inclusion
Government, the regulator and the private sector came together at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for the handover of American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda's statutory 2% Gross Annual Revenue contribution, a key investment that supports Uganda's digital transformation and expands access to communication services across the country.
The contribution, made in accordance with the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, supports programmes that expand communications infrastructure, strengthen digital skills and increase access to ICT services, particularly in underserved communities.
The handover was presided over by the Minister of State for Information, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, who said Government is committed to ensuring that every Ugandan benefits from the country's digital transformation.
"We must continue investing in the communications sector so that every Ugandan can access digital opportunities. At the same time, we must protect our communications infrastructure because vandalism disrupts essential services, slows economic growth and undermines national development," she said.
Speaking at the ceremony, UCC Executive Director Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo said the contribution goes beyond meeting a legal requirement. "This contribution represents more than regulatory compliance. It is a shared investment in Uganda's digital transformation and inclusive national development," he said.
He explained that the funds enable UCC to implement programmes that promote universal access, digital inclusion and equitable participation in Uganda's digital economy while maintaining an environment that encourages investment and growth in the communications sector.
Under the law, half of the contribution is remitted to the Consolidated Fund, while the remaining half is retained by UCC to support the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) and the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT).
Through UCUSAF, UCC continues to expand communications infrastructure, enhance digital skills and improve access to ICT services in underserved and hard-to-reach communities, while support to UICT is helping build the skilled workforce needed to drive Uganda's digital economy.
Hon. Nyombi also spoke about the importance of protecting communications infrastructure. "We cannot regulate what does not work. Our mandate is to foster an environment in which operators can grow and deliver reliable services nationwide," he said.
He added that every contribution made under the statutory levy helps extend connectivity to communities that would otherwise remain unserved, creating more opportunities for citizens to participate in the digital economy.
The Commission also assured the public that telecommunications towers are safe and remain essential national infrastructure that connects communities, supports businesses and creates opportunities for social and economic development.
The ceremony highlighted the value of continued collaboration between Government, industry and the regulator in expanding connectivity and ensuring that more Ugandans benefit from the country's digital transformation.
The contribution, made in accordance with the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, supports programmes that expand communications infrastructure, strengthen digital skills and increase access to ICT services, particularly in underserved communities.
The handover was presided over by the Minister of State for Information, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, who said Government is committed to ensuring that every Ugandan benefits from the country's digital transformation.
"We must continue investing in the communications sector so that every Ugandan can access digital opportunities. At the same time, we must protect our communications infrastructure because vandalism disrupts essential services, slows economic growth and undermines national development," she said.
Speaking at the ceremony, UCC Executive Director Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo said the contribution goes beyond meeting a legal requirement. "This contribution represents more than regulatory compliance. It is a shared investment in Uganda's digital transformation and inclusive national development," he said.
He explained that the funds enable UCC to implement programmes that promote universal access, digital inclusion and equitable participation in Uganda's digital economy while maintaining an environment that encourages investment and growth in the communications sector.
Under the law, half of the contribution is remitted to the Consolidated Fund, while the remaining half is retained by UCC to support the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) and the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT).
Through UCUSAF, UCC continues to expand communications infrastructure, enhance digital skills and improve access to ICT services in underserved and hard-to-reach communities, while support to UICT is helping build the skilled workforce needed to drive Uganda's digital economy.
Hon. Nyombi also spoke about the importance of protecting communications infrastructure. "We cannot regulate what does not work. Our mandate is to foster an environment in which operators can grow and deliver reliable services nationwide," he said.
He added that every contribution made under the statutory levy helps extend connectivity to communities that would otherwise remain unserved, creating more opportunities for citizens to participate in the digital economy.
The Commission also assured the public that telecommunications towers are safe and remain essential national infrastructure that connects communities, supports businesses and creates opportunities for social and economic development.
The ceremony highlighted the value of continued collaboration between Government, industry and the regulator in expanding connectivity and ensuring that more Ugandans benefit from the country's digital transformation.
The author is a Communications Officer at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
