By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Government is set to install wifi hotspots in remote areas of Uganda one way of increasing internet connectivity and improve on quality access to internet across the country.
Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, the minister of state for national guidance made the revelation during a media engagement on the forthcoming Universal Day to Access to Information at Media Centre today.
He said government already acquired loans from the World Bank and Exim Bank to install internet at every parish in Uganda to enable effective and efficient operationalization of government programs such as the Parish Development Model.
“We acquired loan from the World Bank to take the internet to every parish . We also acquired loan from Exim Bank to build another 700km of the National backbone. And, we strongly believe that in the next 3-4years we should have covered the whole country,” said minister Kabbyanga
The minister further noted that plans are underway to lower the cost of smart gadgets such as 3G mobile smartphones to make them affordable by every Ugandan especially those in rural areas.
“Access to Information is only meaningful when coupled with digital literacy because its crucial to equip citizens with knowledge and skills required to harness the power of internet,”
On poor internet access in Kampala, the minister said government has already instructed NITA Uganda to reactivate wifi hotspots in divisions and wards where internet has been inactive.
“There are some places where internet is not working but we shall ensure that each ward has internet,” he said
“We have told NITA-U to reactivate them and the affected areas will be able to access internet in a months time.”
Violet Alinda, Twaweza Uganda country lead said the cost of internet in Uganda remains high calling upon the government to further deduct the cost from the current fee of about $35. She further retaliated the need for government ministries, agencies and departments to undertake digital skills and capacity building training.
“We have a large proportion of our people who cannot access information in a language known and understood to them,” she said
On the other hand, Charity Komujjurizi, monitoring and evaluation coordinator at Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) asked government to allow free operation of online platforms because they are influential in increasing access to information.
“Remove all obstacles regarding access and use of social media platforms including reopening of Facebook, lowering taxes and removing all forms of internet shutdowns and network disruptions,” said Komujjurizi.
During its 74th session, the UN General Assembly on October 15, 209 marked September 28 every year the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). This year’s celebration is commemorated under the global theme: “Importance of the online space for access to information,” as set by UNESCO. Uganda will celebrate the IDUAI tomorrow, Friday 29th September, 2023 at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Nakawa.
