Uganda, Russia sign ICT Pact

PIC: President Museveni witnessing the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Uganda government ICT and the Russian Mass communications, Frank Tumwebaze signed on behalf of Uganda and Alex Volin signed on Russia's behalf. PPU PHOTO

Uganda and Russia have signed an agreement to cooperate in the field of Information Communication Technology. 

Among other things, the countries will cooperate in parcel transportation, radio telecommunications, conduct joint research and training and support each other in enforcing open government data and openness of state bodies. 

Other areas of cooperation will include network security, issuance of electronic IDs of citizens and information systems in healthcare and ICT regulation. 

The signing ceremony witnessed by President Museveni on Wednesday at State House, Nakasero, saw ICT Minister Frank Tumwebaze commit on Uganda's behalf while Mr Alexey Volin, Russia's Deputy Minister for Digital Development and Mass Communication, signed for his country. 

PPU PHOTO

Mr Volin, who is also the co-chair of the Russian-Uganda Inter-Governmental Commission on Economic, Technical and Scientific Cooperation, also delivered a condolence message from President Vladimir Putin to President Museveni following the Bududa landslides tragedy. 

The landslides in the eastern district left over 40 people dead. 

Speaking after the ceremony, President Museveni encouraged Russia to invest more in Uganda, promising government support in terms of land and tax waivers for large-scale investments. 

Mr Volin said Russia through its embassy had set up a one-stop where Russian companies seeking to invest in Uganda would be supported. 

He also thanked Kampala Capital City Authority for agreeing to name a street after Yuri Gagarin, the first person to fly in space. His flight in April 1961, aboard the Vostok spacecraft, lasted 108 minutes. 

 President Museveni poses for a group photograph with the delegation from the Russian Mass Communication and officials from the Uganda government after signing the ICT cooperation document. PPU PHOTO

In the meeting, International Affairs State Minister Okello Oryem, revealed that the joint Ministers' commission had set up a matrix and time frame to ensure all agreements between Russia and Uganda are implemented. 

Also present was Russian Ambassador to Uganda, Alexander Polyakov.