President Yoweri K Museveni launches NBI PHASE V in Karamoja

MOROTO, Uganda | Wednesday, 04th December, 2024

H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni inaugurates Phase 5 of the NBI. The president highlighted that the initiative emphasizes four key sectors aimed at modernizing households and transforming the economy: commercial agriculture, industry, services and information communications technology (ICT). NBI will reduce the cost of doing business and connect all administrative units, including support to Parishes implementing the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The Government of Uganda, through the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), has reached a significant milestone with the launch of Phase V of the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI). This project, spearheaded by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, underscores Uganda’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity as a catalyst for national development.
 
The NBI, implemented as the primary vehicle for secure, high-speed data, internet, and voice services across government entities, has consistently enhanced communication, increased government efficiency, and improved service delivery. To date, NITA-U has successfully completed four phases of the NBI/E-Government Infrastructure Project (NBI/EGI).
Successes of the NBI
The first four phases of the NBI have achieved remarkable progress, laying 4,387 kilometers of optical fiber that connects: 53 district headquarters, 11 major border stations, and 1,480 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
This extensive network has significantly boosted the efficiency of digital government service delivery and lowered the cost of communication across government institutions. Expanding the Reach with Phase V
Phase V of the NBI is a transformative project, funded by the Government of China through the Export–Import (EXIM) Bank of China. It will extend broadband connectivity to previously unserved and underserved regions, including Karamoja and other remote areas in the country.  
Under Phase V, an additional 5,845 kilometers of optical fiber will be laid, covering 63 more districts across the country. The project also includes last-mile connectivity to over 2,800 sites, such as schools, hospitals, government institutions, parishes, youth centers, and community centers. Furthermore under this project Wi-Fi coverage will be extended to an additional 1,754 sites nationwide.
 
The president expressed his gratitude to the Government of China for its support to various projects in Uganda through soft loans obtained through the EXIM Bank of China, including this particular project. The president also thanked Ministry of ICT and the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) for their dedicated efforts.  
Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted the broader impact of the NBI, stating: "The National Backbone Infrastructure project is transforming Uganda by narrowing the digital divide. Across the country, the digital economy is unlocking unprecedented opportunities in education, employment, and investment."
Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, Executive Director of NITA-U, emphasized the project’s potential to revolutionize connectivity and service delivery: "Phase V will bring reliable internet to more districts and institutions, enabling digital inclusion and improving the lives of Ugandans."
Looking Ahead
With Phase V, Uganda is poised to harness the power of broadband connectivity to drive inclusive growth, empower underserved communities, and strengthen the country’s position in the global digital economy.

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