By Mulengera Reporters
Uganda is strengthening its push toward an inclusive digital economy as the communications regulator expands broadband access, lowers internet costs and strengthens consumer protection across the country.
In an interview published in New Vision of December 18, 2025, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), George Nyombi Thembo, highlighted the commission’s progress in building a modern and dynamic ICT sector that supports national development.
Uganda’s ICT sector has continued to register strong growth, expanding at an average rate of 14.8 percent annually and contributing about nine percent to the country’s gross domestic product. The progress has been driven by a favourable policy and regulatory environment, increased investment and sustained government prioritization of information and communication technologies as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.
UCC has intensified efforts to expand broadband infrastructure and ensure ICT services are accessible and affordable to all Ugandans. Internet prices have declined sharply in recent years, with the cost of a 1.5GB mobile data bundle dropping by about 50 percent over the last three years to an average of Shs5,000.
To further improve affordability, the regulator is working with government and private sector players to lower the cost of digital devices. Local device assembly plants have already been established in Uganda, while telecom operators are implementing device ownership schemes aimed at helping more citizens acquire smartphones. Through the Universal Communications Service Access Fund, more than 10,000 free smart devices have also been distributed to low-income households.
Expanding connectivity in underserved areas remains a central focus of the commission’s strategy. Telecom operators are required to achieve 90 percent geographical network coverage within five years, while the remaining hard-to-reach areas are being connected through infrastructure funded by the Universal Communications Service Access Fund.
The commission is also strengthening fair competition in the communications sector to improve service quality and keep prices competitive. A comprehensive study commissioned through Salience Consulting is currently assessing the state of competition in Uganda’s telecom market, including market structure, key players and potential barriers to entry.
Consumer protection has equally taken centre stage as digital services continue to grow. UCC conducts regular quality-of-service assessments to ensure telecom operators meet standards for reliability, transparency and fair service delivery.
To address rising cyber threats, the commission operates the Uganda Computer Emergency Response Team, which monitors cyber incidents, issues alerts and coordinates responses across sectors. The regulator is also working closely with Bank of Uganda and telecom operators to curb fraud in mobile money and digital financial services while enforcing SIM-card registration guidelines.
Digital literacy campaigns are being rolled out nationwide to promote safe internet use, protect personal data and raise awareness about online fraud and responsible social media behaviour, particularly among young users.
Beyond connectivity and regulation, UCC is investing in digital skills and creative industries to support Uganda’s growing technology ecosystem. Initiatives such as the Uganda Film Festival and regional film competitions are helping promote local content creation and professional development within the country’s audio-visual sector.
The commission is also nurturing youth innovation through the National Conference on Communications, which brings together universities, innovators and industry stakeholders to develop new technology solutions.
Through partnerships with telecom operators, broadcasters, technology firms and other private sector players, UCC is expanding digital infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity while supporting Uganda’s long-term development goals under Uganda Vision 2040. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com). 
