Govt committed to lower internet, smart phones charges

By Lawrence Mubiru

14^th Aug 2023

The Government has renewed its commitment to supporting internet usage in the country by lowering charges for internet and smartphones.

According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT Dr. Amina Zawedde, the ministry and government are working hard to ensure that the internet costs are made affordable for all Ugandans for them to access the internet and curb the alarming digital illiteracy levels in Uganda.

In a statement by Enid Edroma, the general manager, Corporate Affairs at MTN Uganda, it’s only through an increase in internet users that will drive down the price of the internet in the country.

Currently, Uganda’s internet penetration stands at merely 29.4% compared to Tanzania’s 38% and Kenya’s 53%, according to the new insights on mobile internet connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

As of January 2023, Morocco had the highest internet penetration of approximately 88.1 percent, followed by Seychelles, with around 82 percent, and Egypt with approximately 81 percent.

Now while, updating the country on the Digital Road Map launch slatted to take place on August 17, 2023, Dr. Zawedde said as the government looks towards improving internet connectivity at its institutions like health, education and Revenue, special emphasis must be put on youths to be able to access good services by the use of internet and in return this will increase the rate of digital literacy and quality of service in the country.

However, the high costs of internet bundles and smart phones remains a big challenge to the ministry although there are plans made to rebrand the National telecommunication company to offer affordable and quality services to Ugandans.