H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launches Phase 5 of the NBI. The president emphasized that the effort focuses on four major sectors that would modernize families and restructure the economy: commercial agriculture, industry, services, and information and communication technology (ICT). NBI will lower the cost of doing business and connect all administrative units, including assistance for Parishes following the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The Ugandan government, through the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), has achieved an important milestone by launching Phase V of the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI). This project, spearheaded by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, demonstrates Uganda’s commitment to increasing digital connection as a driver of national development.
The National Broadband Initiative, which was launched as the primary vehicle for secure, high-speed data, internet, and voice services across government agencies, has continually improved communication, government efficiency, and service delivery. To date, NITA-U has successfully completed four phases of the NBI/E-Government Infrastructure Project.
Achievements of the NBI.
The first four phases of the NBI made significant success, laying 4,387 kilometers of optical fiber that connected 53 district offices, 11 important border stations, and 1,480 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
This broad network has considerably increased the efficiency of digital government service delivery while lowering the cost of communication between government agencies. Expanding the Reach with Phase V
Phase V of the NBI is a transformative project supported by the Chinese government through the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM). It would bring broadband connection to previously unserved and underserved regions such as Karamoja and other rural corners of the country.
Phase V will install an additional 5,845 kilometers of optical fiber, covering 63 more districts across the country. The project also provides last-mile connectivity to more than 2,800 locations, including schools, hospitals, government buildings, parishes, youth centers, and community centers. Furthermore, under this project, Wi-Fi connectivity will be expanded to an additional 1,754 locations nationally.
The president thanked the Chinese government for providing soft loans to numerous Ugandan projects, including this one, through the EXIM Bank of China. The president also congratulated the Ministry of ICT and the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) for their dedicated efforts.
Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the NBI’s broader impact, noting, “The National Backbone Infrastructure project is transforming Uganda by narrowing the digital divide.” Across the country, the digital economy is creating new prospects for education, employment, and investment.
Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, Executive Director of NITA-U, stressed the project’s potential to transform connectivity and service delivery: “Phase V will bring reliable internet to more districts and institutions, enabling digital inclusion and improving the lives of Ugandans.”
Looking ahead. With Phase V, Uganda is ready to use broadband access to create inclusive growth, empower marginalized populations, and boost its place in the global digital economy.
