ATC Uganda contributes sh20.9b to expand digital access
The 2% annual contribution was handed over during a ceremony at the UCC headquarters on Thursday (July 30), officiated by the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Joyce Ssebugwawo, alongside UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo.
Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Joyce Ssebugwawo, alongside UCC ED Nyombi Thembo, ATC Uganda CEO Dorothy Kabagambe-Semanda and other stakeholders pose for a photo with a dummy cheque. (Photos by Aloysious Kasoma)
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The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has received sh20.9b from American Tower Corporation (ATC Uganda) to expand digital connectivity and communications infrastructure in underserved communities nationwide.
The 2% annual contribution was handed over during a ceremony at the UCC headquarters on Thursday (July 30), officiated by the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Joyce Ssebugwawo, alongside UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo and ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Kabagambe-Semanda.
The fund finances communications infrastructure in hard-to-reach areas, supporting the Government's goal of ensuring every Ugandan can access digital services and participate in the digital economy.
Ssebugwawo applauded the partnership between the regulator and the private sector, saying collaboration remains critical to achieving Uganda's digital transformation agenda.
"Through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSF), we are extending connectivity to underserved communities and ensuring more citizens can benefit from the opportunities created by the digital economy. We commend UCC and industry partners such as ATC Uganda for supporting this shared national objective of digital inclusion and socio-economic development," she said.
"Based on current licensing obligations, telecom operators will require about 1,800 towers to achieve 90 percent geographical coverage. To bridge the remaining gap through the Universal Access Fund, we estimate that Uganda will need around 2,000 additional towers over the next five years," he said.
Thembo explained that rapid technological change, including satellite communications and the rollout of 5G networks, is reshaping how communications infrastructure is deployed.
"Satellite technology could reduce the need for conventional towers, while 5G requires denser infrastructure with towers located much closer together. In the future, communication equipment could even be integrated into streetlights, public infrastructure and transport systems," he said.
He added that Uganda's telecommunications infrastructure market continues to attract new investors, citing the entry of new tower companies alongside established operators such as American Tower Company.
ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Kabagambe-Semanda said the company's contribution to UCUSAF reflects its long-term commitment to expanding connectivity across Uganda.
"We continue to invest significantly in telecommunications infrastructure, constructing hundreds of towers every year to connect underserved communities. We have also invested heavily in solar energy, advanced battery systems and other technologies to reduce dependence on diesel generators while ensuring reliable network services," she said.
Kabagambe-Semanda noted that despite increasing operational costs, continued investment in infrastructure has helped reduce the cost of mobile data for consumers.
She also described vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure as one of the sector's biggest challenges, warning that damage to a single tower disrupts businesses, schools, health facilities, mobile money services and other essential activities.
"When a tower is vandalised, the impact extends far beyond the tower owner. Entire communities lose connectivity, businesses lose revenue and economic activity is disrupted. Protecting telecommunications infrastructure is therefore a shared responsibility, and we urge Ugandans to report vandals to the authorities," she said.
The contribution reinforces ongoing collaboration between government, the communications regulator and private sector players to expand broadband infrastructure, bridge the digital divide and accelerate Uganda's journey towards an inclusive digital economy.