By John Kusolo
On November 27, 2024, Godfrey Baluku Kiime Kabbyanga, Minister of State for Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance(National Guidance), led technocrats from the Ministry to notify the nation on progress on Implementation of NRM Manifesto Commitments (2021-26), and Strategic Directives and Guidelines.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, presented the progress made under Section 4.7 of the NRM Manifesto (2021–2026). Her presentation at the Office of the President highlighted key achievements, commitments, and plans for leveraging ICT to drive national productivity and enhance service delivery across Uganda.
*Key Commitments in the Manifesto*
Section 4.7 of the Manifesto emphasizes:
*ICT as a Catalyst for National Productivity:*
Utilizing ICT for e-education, e-security, e-governance, e-health, and e-extension services.
*Priority Areas for the ICT Sector:*
Expanding ICT network coverage and penetration.
Promoting ICT utilization.
Enhancing digital skills and innovation.
*Achievements in ICT Network Coverage and Penetration*
Mobile Voice and Broadband Coverage:
Mobile cellular geographic signal coverage reached 89%, with 72% population coverage for voice.
Broadband services now cover 85% of the population.
ICT Infrastructure Development:
*Optic Fiber Network:*
4,387 km of fiber cable laid across 57 districts, covering 42% of Uganda.
Government Connectivity: 1,567 government sites connected to the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI).
Internet Costs: Reduced from $205 in FY 2021/22 to $35 in FY 2023/24.
Internet Penetration: Increased from 25% in 2017 to 67% in FY 2023/24.
Data Center: A state-of-the-art National Data Centre and Disaster Recovery Site now host 306 applications for 100+ entities.
*Digital Signal Coverage:*
Terrestrial TV signal coverage improved from 56% in 2017 to 85% by June 2024.
Radio signal coverage rose from 80% to 90%.
*Satellite Connectivity:*
Star Times satellite equipment installed in 900 villages through a China-Uganda partnership.
Promoting ICT Utilization and Digital Services
*E-Government Services:*
62% of government services are now available electronically.
Platforms like e-Payment Gateway, OBRS, EMIS, and PDMIS have been developed and deployed across 10,594 parishes.
*Integration and Efficiency:*
UGhub (data sharing platform) connects 146 entities, enabling seamless information exchange.
Digital Authentication (UGPass) and Unified Messaging (UMCS) systems enhance e-governance.
Enhancing Digital Skills and Innovation
*Digital Literacy:*
Over 15,000 youth and women trained in digital skills.
Specialized ICT training provided to 1,694 government officers and 1,354 educators.
Regional ICT resource centers established in Arua, Gulu, Mbarara, and Mbale, equipped with assistive technologies for PWDs.
*Innovation Development* :
A National ICT Innovation Hub supporting over 500 innovators was constructed in Nakawa.
132 innovation grants and support for six private innovation hubs provided under the National ICT Initiatives Support Programme (NIISP).
Local innovations include smart animal tags, solar-powered silverfish dryers, and GSM-based weather systems.
*Development of ICT Parks and BPO*
Land acquired for an IT/BPO park in Entebbe; designs and feasibility studies completed.
Partnerships with international organizations, such as JICA and the UNDP, to promote ICT and job creation.
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