Kampala-Malaba get new fibre optic route

KAMPALA - Bayobab Uganda has launched a new fibre optic route along the railway line from Kampala to Malaba aimed at enhancing cross-border connectivity between Uganda and Kenya.

The 260-kilometre route, which includes an extension to Malaba at the Kenyan border, is the shortest and fastest fibre link connecting Uganda’s capital to Bayobab’s subsea cable landing stations in Mombasa, according to officials.

This strategic infrastructure project, developed between December 2024 and February 2025, completes East Africa’s digital backbone from Kampala to Mombasa.

Speaking to Journalists in Kampala on May 6, Juliet Nsubuga, managing director of Bayobab Uganda, said the project was driven by the need for technological transformation across the region.

“In collaboration with the Uganda Railway, we leveraged the existing rail network to deploy fibre, enhancing connectivity and providing high-speed internet access to communities along the line, connecting key routes between Kampala and Malaba at the Kenyan border - and beyond,” she said.

“This new route caters to the needs of international and national technology and digital players, telecoms and ISPs that serve the communities, demonstrating our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life.”

The fibre optic route leverages the recently launched Mombasa to Malaba/Busia fibre route in Kenya, which offers reliable, high-capacity internet access and improved network resilience through low latency and route diversity.

Officials said the route caters to international and national technology players, telecom operators, and internet service providers (ISPs).

Julianne Mweheire, director industry affairs and content development at Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), said: “The new route adds to the existing fibre network, connecting Uganda to the Kenya border and should increase the already existing redundancy of connectivity access for Uganda as a whole. This launch aligns perfectly with Uganda’s national agenda to digitise services, expand connectivity, and close the gap between urban and rural access.”

Sylvia Mulinge, CEO, MTN, said will improve customer internet experiences. Officials said the infrastructure will open up new opportunities, such as cloud providers and enterprise customers, to operate and invest in the economy.