In the upcoming financial year, set to commence next month, the government has dedicated Shs192 billion to propel the country’s digital transformation. Finance Minister Matia Kasaija shared details from the Shs52.7 trillion budget estimates for the 2023-2024 financial year on Thursday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, outlining the government’s plans for expanding connectivity and enhancing public service delivery.
One of the key initiatives involves deploying Wi-Fi to over 800 locations nationwide, specifically targeting schools, hospitals, and markets in selected sub-regions. Additionally, the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area network will undergo upgrades to enable efficient monitoring of service provision across the national backbone infrastructure.
Furthermore, the government aims to digitally transform public service delivery by connecting essential facilities such as schools, hospitals, tourism sites, and the police to the national backbone.
Kasaija emphasized the establishment of free Wi-Fi hotspots at nine border posts, including Lwakhakha, Mpondwe, Mutukula, Busia, Vura, Katuna, and Elegu.
The government intends to utilize the internet during working hours, while citizens can benefit from it after working hours and on weekends.
Minister Kasaija also shared statistics, revealing that 4,717 km of optic fibre has been laid across the country. The geographical coverage of broadband services (3G) currently stands at 66%, with 25 broadband sites upgraded to 3G, providing services to over 700,000 Ugandans.