By John Kusolo
The Ugandan government has made a significant investment of 2.5 Billion Uganda Shillings through the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to implement the E-Booster Programme. This announcement was made by Hon. Nyombi Thembo, former Minister of ICT and Director of Industry Affairs and Content Development at the UCC, during the official launch of the program at the UCC offices on June 26, 2023. The aim of the E-Booster Programme is to increase access to ICT and communication services in underserved and unserved communities in Uganda through competitive and sustainable ICT solutions.
During his speech, Hon. Nyombi Thembo emphasized the abundance of app startups in Uganda but highlighted the challenge of transforming them into viable business models. He expressed confidence that Makerere University Business School (MUBS) would play a crucial role in assisting innovators by teaching them how to incubate business models and provide solutions.
Following the signing of an agreement between MUBS and the Uganda Communications Commission, MUBS has become the implementing partner of the E-Booster Programme. Their role involves selecting eligible Ugandan companies that have already developed solutions. These selected companies will receive mentorship, and their ideas will be refined and supported to make them commercially scalable, thereby contributing to the growth of the ICT sector in Uganda.
Assoc. Prof. Ernest Abaho Lead Consultant and Focal Person, speaking on behalf of MUBS, emphasized the importance of supporting Ugandan companies and refining their solutions. He highlighted the need for scalability and commercial viability to ensure long-term success. MUBS will provide the necessary guidance and mentorship to help these companies reach their full potential.
Prof. Muhwezi, the Deputy Principal and Acting Principal of MUBS, addressed the broader issue of knowledge development in Africa. He noted that academia currently contributes only 30% to the knowledge base in Africa, while Africa as a whole contributes only 2% to the global knowledge base. He stressed the need for greater collaboration between academia and other sectors to improve these statistics. By working together, academia and various industries can foster innovation and contribute to the growth of knowledge and technological advancements in Africa.
One of the major challenges facing Uganda is the lack of internet coverage throughout the entire country. However, Hon. Nyombi Thembo mentioned that significant progress has been made in recent years. While 7-10 years ago, only 40% of the country had 3G network coverage, with the introduction of 4G technology, Uganda’s coverage has now expanded to 80%. This increased coverage will undoubtedly improve access to ICT services and facilitate the implementation of the E-Booster Programme.
Hon. Nyombi Thembo also warned about the threat of online fraudsters who hack into online systems. However, he assured the audience that the UCC, in collaboration with joint security organizations, is working diligently to combat these threats. He urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution while using online services.
In conclusion, the investment made by the Ugandan government through the Uganda Communications Commission in the E-Booster Programme demonstrates their commitment to expanding access to ICT and communication services in underserved areas. With the partnership between MUBS and the UCC, eligible Ugandan companies will receive mentorship and support to refine their ideas and make them commercially scalable. The collaboration between academia and other sectors, as emphasized by Prof. Muhwezi, is crucial for fostering innovation and knowledge development in Africa. While challenges such as internet coverage and cybersecurity persist, the advancements made in recent years provide hope for a more connected and secure future for Uganda.