Uganda is taking a bold, strategic step towards its national development goals by officially recognising the inseparable link between digital connectivity and energy access.
At the recent Telecom Sector Power Forum held in Kampala, a new era of cooperation was ushered in, bringing together key government agencies and private sector leaders to create a unified plan for socio-economic transformation.
This initiative, championed by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and American Tower Uganda (ATC), marks a critical shift from fragmented efforts to a coordinated, national strategy.
The Vision and the Challenge
The forum’s theme, “Powering the Telecom Sector to Drive Socio-Economic Transformation,” is a direct reflection of Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
These national blueprints aim to transition Uganda into a modern, prosperous society by leveraging key sectors like ICT and energy.
However, the benefits of digital progress remain deeply unequal, with access to reliable and affordable electricity being a significant barrier, particularly in rural areas.
The forum thus addressed this head-on, with participants agreeing that coordinated infrastructure development is the most efficient way to reduce operational costs for telecom providers and expand services to underserved communities.
American Tower’s CEO, Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, emphasised this point, stating that, “This integrated approach is fundamental to achieving inclusive growth.” Her call for joint planning and shared infrastructure was met with a significant commitment from the government.
“The commitment from government through the Ministry of Energy to include telecom infrastructure in national electrification master plans, and the creation of a multi-agency technical task force, are concrete steps that align with Vision 2040 and NDP IV,” Kabagambe added.
A Milestone for Public-Private Collaboration
According to Kabagambe, a major outcome of the forum was the government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, to integrate telecom infrastructure into its national electrification master plans.
This landmark decision, she noted, will see a multi-agency technical task force, comprising both public and private stakeholders, work on implementation.
This level of collaboration is a powerful testament to the shared vision of digital transformation and energy access going hand in hand.
The presence of Marek Busfy, CEO of American Tower for Africa and Asia, underscored the global importance of this agenda.
His participation highlights that this is more than a local initiative; it’s a model for other countries across the continent seeking to address similar development challenges.
By embracing this integrated approach, Uganda is not only paving the way for a more connected and prosperous future for its citizens but also positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development for Africa.