Government Secures $150 Million Loan for Nationwide Internet Expansion

The government  is planning to make the entire nation digital, allowing every person to use the internet.

The Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, mentioned that this initiative will be made possible through a $150 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of China.

The purpose of the loan is to connect all the districts that currently lack access to the national internet fiber. Baryomunsi explained Mps during plenary on Wednesday that 50% of the country is already covered with internet fiber, and this loan will extend the coverage to the remaining 62 districts.

The focus of the loan is to connect essential government service infrastructures such as schools, health centers, district headquarters, and sub-counties. Additionally, the government plans to create ‘clouds,’ which are data banks where government entities can store their data securely.

The loan, spanning 20 years with a 2% interest rate, received approval from Parliament.

The Chairperson of the Committee on National Economy, Hon. John Bosco Ikojo, expressed support for the loan and recommended lowering the cost of internet to enhance accessibility. Ikojo highlighted that despite previous investments in the sector, internet access remains insufficient and expensive, affecting schools’ ability to teach ICT subjects.

The committee stressed the importance of implementing a rural electrification program alongside the loan, as many rural areas lack electricity. Members urged the government to address this issue to ensure the success of the initiative.

Several parliamentarians supported the loan, with suggestions for additional benefits.

Hon. Timothy Batuwa proposed exploring telemedicine to connect doctors in urban areas with patients in remote regions.

Hon. Elijah Mushemeza emphasized the potential economic growth resulting from increased online business operations.

Hon. Moses Ogwal suggested establishing ‘internet bars’ in every local government to provide affordable internet access for the youth.

The parliamentarians also expressed a desire for the government to support NITA-U, an agency well-suited to implement the loan effectively.