Internet efficiency up despite vandalism of cables

By Edward Kayiwa 

UGANDA is now 10th biggest Internet user in Africa with over four million subscribers, the head of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Eng. Godfrey Mutabaazi, has said.

Mutabaazi attributed the growth to increased circulation of smart phones on the market, distribution of computers to schools and competition in the telecommunication sector.

“We want to expand online access to cover all government schools in the next three years,” Mutabaazi said.

“The country is doing so well in Internet access and connectivity, so we hope to hit six million users by the end of this year,” he added.

Mutabaazi was addressing journalist at the launch of the fourth Annual Communications Innovations Awards (ACIA) at the UCC offices in Bugolobi, a Kampala suburb.

The awards were started in 2010 to promote research and ICT development by recognising outstanding innovators. 

Mutabaazi, however, complained that there is rampant vandalism and cutting of Internet cables, as well as theft of machinery, which affects service efficiency.

According to UCC, 13% of Ugandans use the Internet. Almost 60% of Web traffic in Uganda is from mobile devices such as smart phones and laptops.