UN ICT boss arrives for UCC symposium

COMMUNICATIONS

The secretary general of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Houlin Zhao has arrived in Uganda for a one-day visit.

ITU is the ICT arm of the United Nations. The union is comprised of 193 countries as members, and over 700 ICT companies.

Zhao who arrived at Entebbe International airport at 11pm on Tuesday evening, was received by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) director of industry and communication, Juliana Muhiirwe.

Zhao is in the country to officiate as the guest of honour at the UCC ICT symposium at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort on Wednesday.

The symposium is a part of the celebrations UCC is holding to mark 20 years of existence.

UCC spokesperson Pamela Ankunda told New Vision that Zhao's visit is important to the country, adding that it will elevate Uganda's ICT credentials.

"Uganda is seeking re-election onto the ICT council. Zhao's visit is of advantage that all important people in the industry will put their attention on Uganda," Ankunda said.

Uganda has been sitting on the ICT council for four years from 2014 to 2018 and is seeking re-election onto the same council for 2018-2022.

Ankunda added that they are hoping for many other opportunities from the visit including support in terms of implementing ICT policies.

At the symposium, a high level ICT panel discussion is expected to take place.

The panel will be shared by East African Communications Organisation executive secretary Dr Ali Simba, Kojo Boakye, Facebook's head of policy in Africa, ICT ministry permanent secretary Vincent Bagire, application developers and others.