Uganda: Parliament approves $7 million project to extend ICT services to 700 additional sites

April 16th 2024

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The Ugandan Parliament validated on Friday April 12 a project aimed at extending access to ICT to 700 additional sites, including schools, hospitals and local administrations. Costing 26.8 billion Ugandan shillings ($7 million), the said project is being implemented by the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) under the aegis of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance .

The project can be part of the actions undertaken by the Ugandan government to accelerate the development of ICT and put them at the service of the socio-economic development of the country in accordance with “Vision 2040”. In March 2023, the executive received 1.8 trillion Ugandan shillings from the World Bank to expand internet access in the country. Kampala announced last November that it was negotiating a $150 million loan from China Eximbank to develop its Internet infrastructure.

This new project is expected to help accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation. For example, providing internet connectivity and ICT devices in Ugandan schools could promote online learning, strengthen the digital skills of students and teachers, and facilitate access to educational resources.

“All students take the same exams, but some do not have ICT equipment, which creates an imbalance. This is why I have asked my technicians to calculate everything needed to ensure that all schools are equipped with computers and Internet  ,”said Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance.

Source: Agency EcoFin

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