Communication
UTel to Expand Affordable Connectivity and Strengthen Uganda’s Digital Future
Efforts to make connectivity more affordable are set to receive greater support as Government explores a broader role for Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited, trading as UTel, in advancing the country’s digital agenda.
The discussion followed a visit to UTel by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, accompanied by the Minister of State for Information, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms Sophia Nantongo, Commissioners and other senior Ministry officials.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Ministry to learn more about UTel’s services, technical capacity and strategic investments, and discuss how the company can contribute to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Presenting an overview of the company, UTel Chief Operations Officer, Ms Maggie Mukiibi Lutwama, said UTel provides internet and data services, mobile services, fixed-line connectivity and managed services to Government institutions, businesses and communities.
The company operates 16 service centres and has a presence in approximately 35 districts. It also provides connectivity and communications services to several Government institutions, supporting the delivery of digital public services.
Among UTel’s key investments is its shareholding in the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), a provider of international connectivity infrastructure in Africa. Management reported that the investment, initially valued at approximately USD 3.9 million, had grown to about USD 39 million. The shareholding provides an opportunity for Uganda to access international internet capacity closer to source and contribute to efforts to lower connectivity costs.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms Sophia Nantongo, said the cost of internet services and digital devices remains an important consideration in efforts to increase participation in the digital economy. “We need a whole-of-government approach to determine how we can make better use of the opportunities available to reduce the cost of internet services and improve access to digital devices,” she said.
UTel employs approximately 250 people, with about half working in engineering and other technical roles. The company also provides internships and educational tours that give students practical exposure to telecommunications systems and infrastructure.
During the engagement, UTel presented plans to take on a wider role in national digital infrastructure by supporting Government digitalisation, affordable connectivity, innovation and economic growth.
The company is working with the National Planning Authority to develop a proposal that will guide discussions on its future role and contribution to national development.
Rt. Hon. Lumumba called for international benchmarking to draw lessons from countries where national telecommunications companies have contributed to affordable connectivity, economic development and public service delivery.
“We need examples that will help leaders understand and appreciate what has been presented. Benchmarking countries that have successfully done this will help us build a stronger case,” the Minister said.
She noted that ICT supports all sectors and asked UTel to develop practical proposals showing how its services can support ministries, departments, agencies and national programmes.
The Minister of State for Information, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, commended UTel management and staff for maintaining services and contributing to the country’s digital development.
She encouraged Government institutions to consider using UTel services where the company provides suitable and competitive solutions.
The visit concluded with a commitment to improve coordination between the Ministry and UTel, make better use of the company’s infrastructure and investments, and increase access to affordable and reliable connectivity.
As demand for digital services grows, UTel’s infrastructure, technical expertise, and investments in international connectivity provide a foundation for broader access to digital services across Uganda.
The discussion followed a visit to UTel by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, accompanied by the Minister of State for Information, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms Sophia Nantongo, Commissioners and other senior Ministry officials.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Ministry to learn more about UTel’s services, technical capacity and strategic investments, and discuss how the company can contribute to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Presenting an overview of the company, UTel Chief Operations Officer, Ms Maggie Mukiibi Lutwama, said UTel provides internet and data services, mobile services, fixed-line connectivity and managed services to Government institutions, businesses and communities.
The company operates 16 service centres and has a presence in approximately 35 districts. It also provides connectivity and communications services to several Government institutions, supporting the delivery of digital public services.
Among UTel’s key investments is its shareholding in the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), a provider of international connectivity infrastructure in Africa. Management reported that the investment, initially valued at approximately USD 3.9 million, had grown to about USD 39 million. The shareholding provides an opportunity for Uganda to access international internet capacity closer to source and contribute to efforts to lower connectivity costs.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms Sophia Nantongo, said the cost of internet services and digital devices remains an important consideration in efforts to increase participation in the digital economy. “We need a whole-of-government approach to determine how we can make better use of the opportunities available to reduce the cost of internet services and improve access to digital devices,” she said.
UTel employs approximately 250 people, with about half working in engineering and other technical roles. The company also provides internships and educational tours that give students practical exposure to telecommunications systems and infrastructure.
During the engagement, UTel presented plans to take on a wider role in national digital infrastructure by supporting Government digitalisation, affordable connectivity, innovation and economic growth.
The company is working with the National Planning Authority to develop a proposal that will guide discussions on its future role and contribution to national development.
Rt. Hon. Lumumba called for international benchmarking to draw lessons from countries where national telecommunications companies have contributed to affordable connectivity, economic development and public service delivery.
“We need examples that will help leaders understand and appreciate what has been presented. Benchmarking countries that have successfully done this will help us build a stronger case,” the Minister said.
She noted that ICT supports all sectors and asked UTel to develop practical proposals showing how its services can support ministries, departments, agencies and national programmes.
The Minister of State for Information, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, commended UTel management and staff for maintaining services and contributing to the country’s digital development.
She encouraged Government institutions to consider using UTel services where the company provides suitable and competitive solutions.
The visit concluded with a commitment to improve coordination between the Ministry and UTel, make better use of the company’s infrastructure and investments, and increase access to affordable and reliable connectivity.
As demand for digital services grows, UTel’s infrastructure, technical expertise, and investments in international connectivity provide a foundation for broader access to digital services across Uganda.
The author is a Communications Officer at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
