The National Information Technology, Uganda (NITA-U), has started on the fourth phase of the National Backbone Infrastructure Connectivity project (also referred to as the Internet Connectivity Project) for West Nile and Karamoja regions. The project will be implemented with funding from the World Bank, and the body has contracted Huawei technology to execute it.
Phase 4 is a continuation of Phases 1 to 3 which were funded by China’s EXIM Bank between 2007 and 2016.
Huawei has been tasked to build the phase of the national backbone infrastructure and e-government infrastructure project (NBI/EGI) to connect districts and towns across the country. The districts to be connected include Pakwach, Nebbi, Arua, Yumbe, Koboko, Adjumani, Katakwi and the border points of Oraba, Vurra and Mpondwe.
At the finalization of the phase, the districts should have improved access, reliability and competitiveness of broadband services both domestically and regionally. There is also a high expectation of new international connections to neighboring countries like South Sudan and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Additionally, the fourth phase of the Internet Connectivity Project shall position Uganda as a ‘regional communication hub’, bringing public services closer to people as well as connecting over 100 government offices in the areas of West Nile and Karamoja.
According to NITA-U’s spokesman Steven Kirenga, phase four will run for 20 months and will be targeted at connecting over 1100 new government locations by the end of the forthcoming financial year. He says the body has already setup 414 government connections on the internet, including local governments and other government offices.
There after, Phase 5 is meant to ensure that Uganda fully connected to fast and cheaper internet.
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The phase was launched and commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni, at a ceremony which took place at St Charles Lwanga Secondary School grounds in Koboko district. Mr. Museveni reiterated the necessity of starting projects that create wealth for the citizens and help them get employment.
The president was accompanied by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, who thanked the World Bank and Huawei Company for connecting West Nile and Karamoja. He noted that the project had not only brought about connectivity but also employment opportunities.
