from HASSAN ONYANGO in Kampala, Uganda
Uganda Bureau
KAMPALA, (CAJ News) – UGANDA reports that the number of active mobile subscribers has exceeded 45,7 million while the number of internet users has grown to 16,5 million.
The sector now boasts 34,6 million active mobile money subscriptions.
This represents significant progress in the country of 51 million people.
Officials disclosed the figures at the Digital Africa Summit Uganda, held in the capital, Kampala, on Sunday.
Kabbyanga Baluku, Minister of Information and Communication Technology and National Guidance, delivered the keynote.
He told delegates that with the abovementioned figures, technology was propelling the East African country closer to Vision 2040, transforming Uganda from a peasant economy to a modern and prosperous nation.
“The government is committed to achieving 90-percent geographical broadband coverage,” Baluku said.
He said through the Digital Uganda Vision and the fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the government was leveraging technology to boost productivity, create jobs and ensure no Ugandan was left behind.
The Global System for Mobile Communications, which represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide, organised the summit in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance as well as the Uganda Communications Commission.
Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, presenting at the summit, said the ministry was working closely with stakeholders to ensure national priorities, from broadband access to digital literacy, were implemented effectively.
She noted Uganda was reviewing the National Broadband Policy to align with emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring Uganda was competitive in the global digital economy.
“At the same time, we are investing in people,” Zawedde said.
She said through initiatives such as Digital Skilling Uganda, they were equipping youth, women and persons with disabilities with requisite digital skills and platforms.
Digital Africa Summit Uganda brought together policymakers, private sector leaders and stakeholders shaping Africa’s digital ecosystem.
– CAJ News