The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is pushing to expand 4G broadband coverage to 90 per cent of Uganda’s geographical area as part of efforts to accelerate digital transformation and widen access to reliable internet services.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the regulator is aligning its programmes and policies with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), with connectivity identified as a key driver of economic growth and public service delivery.
Speaking ahead of the publication of the second edition of the National Development Plan (NDP) Evolution Magazine, Nyombi said 2G voice coverage has already reached the commission’s target of 90 per cent geographical coverage, while 3G is close to achieving the same milestone.
However, 4G coverage currently stands at about 70 per cent, leaving a significant gap that UCC wants to address through partnerships with telecom operators and targeted investments.
“Our mandate is clear: ensuring our licensed operators achieve 90 per cent geographical coverage across Uganda,” Nyombi said.
He said expanding 4G coverage is critical because it provides the minimum broadband standard needed to support e-government services, digital skills development, enterprise growth and the wider digital economy.
To extend connectivity to areas that are commercially unattractive to private operators, Nyombi said UCC is using the Universal Access Fund to finance telecommunications infrastructure in underserved locations.
The commission is also preparing for emerging technologies by licensing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet providers, including Starlink, while piloting direct satellite-to-mobile connectivity with Airtel in Murchison Falls National Park.
Nyombi said the adoption of satellite and other next-generation communication technologies will help bridge remaining connectivity gaps and ensure more Ugandans benefit from the country’s digital transformation agenda.
