The government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Uganda Telecommunication Corporation Ltd (UTCL), signaling a push to modernize and expand the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.
At the inaugural shareholders’ meeting, Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija emphasized the government’s dedication to restoring UTCL’s prominence, highlighting its crucial role in driving commerce, trade, and development. “We are committed to providing the necessary support to ensure UTCL regains its leadership in the telecommunications sector,” he stated.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, addressed past delays and urged investors to take swift action. “We are prepared to transfer key infrastructure assets to investors once operational capacity and seamless service delivery are assured,” he said, emphasizing the need for efficient implementation.
Chaired by Dr. Baryomunsi, the meeting facilitated discussions between government representatives and Rowad Capital Commercial (RCC), the new private sector partner. Moses Kantu, representing RCC, expressed readiness to commence operations while acknowledging the need to navigate government processes. “We are eager to begin real work in partnership with the government shareholders,” Kantu stated, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts.
Finance Ministry spokesperson Jim Mugunga confirmed that the shareholders’ meeting was a critical step towards operationalizing the venture. “This meeting triggers future actions, including fulfilling contractual conditions that will enable full business operations and investment flow,” Mugunga explained. He emphasized the expectation of minimal service disruptions and enhanced efficiency under the new leadership, which would have implications for workforce retention and future recruitment.
The government’s focus on infrastructure handover and investor commitment signals a strategic move to bolster Uganda’s digital connectivity and telecommunications capabilities.
