New telecom company enters the Ugandan market

A new telecom company, Lycamobile entered into the stiff telecom service market, pledging to boost the 4G internet connectivity beyond Kampala.

Lycamobile was launched by the first deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Moses Ali, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, during the colourful night event at Sheraton Hotel.

Ali said Lycamobile's entry into the market is a "testimony" that the longstanding peace, security and stability is key in the development trajectory of the country and investment agenda.

Ali, however, tasked Lycamobile proprietors to lower the cost of data, a challenge that many customers in the country have decried.

Gen. Moses Ali (right) shares a light moment with Subaskaran and his wife prior to the launch. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

"You will not regret your decision. Technology is no longer a choice by a necessity. Also, ensure that low-cost data service accessibility is achieved. I encourage you to always come up with practical solutions to grow our economy," he said, rallying youth to take advantage of the Lycamobile services to solve societal needs.

"It is up to the consumers to take full advantage of this healthy competition," he said.

With an official handover of the Lycamobile SIM card, Ali launched the mobile company, kicking into motion the operation of the telecom, which joins the likes of MTN, Airtel and Uganda Telecom Ltd, among others who currently operate in what the minister of ICT, Judith Nabakooba, described as a tough but interesting market.

"The entry is a welcome development. Competition is good and it encourages innovation. Your investment is a sign and vote of confidence in our policies. Focus on broadband policy connectivity to enable affordability, digital inclusion and innovation," Nabakooba said.

Artiste Sheeba Karungi entertaining guests during the launch. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

Founded in 2002 by a Sri Lanka-British citizen, Allirajah Subaskaran, the company has a net worth of 2b euros and boosts of 15m customers across the globe.

According to Vinay Alapati, the Lycamobile director Uganda, the company will use Uganda as its base to explore the East African market. The company, which also operates in South Africa as a virtual technology company, has ventured into mobile network activities for the first time in Uganda.

Alapati said to lay a firm foundation for operations in Uganda, they will inject $100b.

"It is a partnership with the people of Uganda," Alapati said, explaining that his dream is to expand the company to all the East Africa Community member states.

In Uganda, he added, they will offer special internet connectivity discounts to students in order to boost innovation and technological advances among the youth.