NITA-U, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, MINISTRY OF ICT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE COLLABORATE TO EXTEND NBI PHASE 5 TO KANUNGU DISTRICT

• High-speed National Backbone fibre reaches Kanungu district as Uganda’s digital revolution goes nationwide

The National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U) in collaboration with the Office of the President and the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance officially launched the extension of Phase 5 of the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) project in Kanungu District. The event was commissioned by the President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni together with the Honourable Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi and the Executive Director of NITA-U, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa.

Almost one year after the national launch of Phase 5 in Moroto District on 4 December 2024, the deliberate choice of Kanungu demonstrates the Government’s commitment to balanced national development and the President’s directive that no region or district shall be left behind in Uganda’s digital transformation journey.

Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, the Executive Director of NITA-U, expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “This initiative is truly a big leap for Kanungu and it’s people. With expanded network coverage and upgraded infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for inclusive growth, innovation, and improved public service delivery.”

Kanungu District is primed to experience immediate and profound benefits from NBI Phase 5 such as connecting district headquarters and sub-counties to the national backbone for the first time through optical fibre that will be laid to pass directly through Kanungu, last-mile connectivity that will enable schools, health facilities, police posts, and local government offices to access high-speed internet making government services more accessible, efficient, and reliable. Citizens will no longer need to travel long distances for simple online services like applying for IDs, visas, or accessing health and education information.

This digital infrastructure will also unlock new opportunities for the youth of Kanungu. Affordable, high-speed internet will empower young people to participate in the digital economy freelancing on global platforms, running online businesses, or developing solutions within innovation hubs supported across the country.

The backbone is expected to connect 20 agencies across key sites in Kanungu such as the Kanungu Police, Nyakatare Technical Institute, Kanungu Town Council, Kihihi Health Centre and others.

“The NBI is coming to the schools, to the health facilities and to the district and sub-county offices of Kanungu. When those public institutions are connected, every member of Kanungu who walks through their doors will feel the power of high-speed internet in their hands. That is the Kanungu we are building today,” said Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi.

“This infrastructure will open up new opportunities for our community, improving access to health, education, and business services,” he added.

He further highlighted that the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, together with NITA-U and all involved partners, were fully committed to delivering the project on schedule and to the highest standards.

Kanungu is one of 63 districts prioritised under Phase 5, the largest and most ambitious expansion of the National Backbone to date. The NBI Phase 5 involves laying over 5,000 km of new optical fibre cable, construction of 21 solar-powered transmission sites, and connectivity to 2,800 last mile public institutions countrywide, covering major sectors such as the local government, education, health, tourism, agriculture, and security.

With the launch in Kanungu, the people of Kigezi join the rest of Uganda on the path to full digital inclusion, economic prosperity and modern service delivery.

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About the National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U)

NITA-U is a statutory body under the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. Its mandate is to coordinate, promote, and monitor IT development in Uganda. NITA-U leads key e-government initiatives that support efficient service delivery, transparency, and data-driven governance. www.nita.go.ug

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