ICT Minister Nabakooba appoints new ED for NITA

The Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) & National Guidance, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, has appointed a new Executive Director (ED) for the National Information Technology Authority Uganda, (NITA).

Nabakooba has appointed Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, who holds a PhD from Louisiana Tech University, USA.

Dr Mugasa's appointment follows the conclusion of a 10-year tenure for James Saaka, the outgoing ED. 

According to a release from NITA, the appointment comes on the heels of successful completion of the legally authorized tenure by the outgoing ED Saaka, which will officially expire in August 2020. 

Under the leadership of Saaka, NITA-U has registered tremendous strides in digitizing the nation, completion of all four phases of the National Backbone Infrastructure (ICT backbone), laying 4,000 kilometers of Fiber, extending to 49 districts and connecting 480 government offices. 

Speaking of his tenure, Saaka expressed his pleasure for having served Uganda for the last 10 years and driving the Digital revolution. 

"I am honored to pass on the baton to Dr Mugasa," he said, adding that much has been accomplished, but there is still a lot that needs to be done. 

Saaka also expressed the need to lower the cost of the internet further to $20 per Mbps, showing confidence that the team he is leaving behind will make these achievements. 

He also thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the ICT Ministers he had the joy to serve under, and the NITA Board, whom he says have given him an opportunity to play a significant role in changing lives of Ugandans for years to come.