Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, has launched the fifth phase of the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) project in Moroto. This phase is part of a broader initiative to advance the country’s digital transformation efforts. The NBI project, funded by the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank) and implemented by Huawei Technologies, is aimed at expanding internet access across Uganda. It will also reduce internet costs, and improving overall connectivity.
At the launch, President Museveni acknowledged China’s significant role in supporting Uganda’s infrastructure development, particularly through concessional loans. He specifically thanked the government of China for its continued assistance with projects such as the NBI, which is a key part of Uganda’s digital growth strategy. “We are grateful to China for funding several important projects in Uganda via the EXIM Bank, including the extension of the NBI,” Museveni stated.
Wang Jianxun, the economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two nations. He noted that China’s cooperation with Uganda aligns with the country’s development needs. He added that the NBI has been funded by EXIM Bank since its inception in 2006. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Uganda in the future,” Wang remarked.
The NBI project has already made significant progress in connecting Uganda. With the completion of the first four phases, nearly 50% of the country has been covered, with over 4,170 kilometers of fiber-optic cable. The installation has been made across 63 districts, alongside the establishment of 526 public Wi-Fi sites. These efforts have significantly reduced the cost of internet, dropping from over $1,000 per megabit per second a decade ago to $35 today. With the expansion into remote areas under phase five, the cost is expected to decrease further to $15 per megabit per second in the coming years.
Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), stressed the importance of ICT development in driving the nation’s economic growth. He emphasized that the NBI’s expansion is essential for improving public services. It will boost services like education and healthcare, and for fostering broader economic progress.
“Our partnership with China in building strong digital infrastructure is vital. China has made impressive advancements in digital transformation, and we can learn a great deal from their experience,” Baryomunsi said.
Huawei’s Gerald Oola underscored the significance of the phase five expansion in bringing remote communities into the digital era. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban populations, facilitating greater access to services like telemedicine, online education, and digital commerce.
