President Yoweri Museveni has pledged decisive government action to safeguard Uganda’s telecom infrastructure from vandalism, describing the country’s towers as critical national assets. This commitment came during a high-level meeting at State House Entebbe with officials from American Tower Uganda (ATC Uganda), led by Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
ATC Uganda, a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, manages over 4,500 towers across Uganda that serve providers like MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda. These towers play a vital role in national connectivity.
President Museveni said he would instruct the Uganda Police Force to integrate surveillance systems on telecom towers with national security infrastructure to enable real-time monitoring and deter vandalism. “I will give an order to the police so we can have a camera network on each tower, linked with the existing surveillance system,” he stated.
He also endorsed tougher legal action, suggesting that suspected vandals be denied bail. Additionally, he encouraged telecom firms to reinforce tower structures with tamper-proof materials and install cameras at their own cost.
ATC Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, welcomed the President’s support and pledged to implement additional security measures. “We are committed to securing our towers and supporting national development,” she affirmed.
Ms. Kabagambe highlighted ATC Uganda’s investment of UGX4.5 trillion and its partnerships with over 5,000 landlords who host tower sites, collectively earning over UGX55 million monthly—significantly boosting rural incomes.
She also appealed for government assistance in connecting over 1,000 tower sites to the national grid. “We have already extended over 2,200 kilometers of power lines with an investment of UGX120 billion, but the remaining towers are in remote locations where grid lines must stretch over 10 to 15 kilometers,” she explained, urging their inclusion in rural electrification efforts.
President Museveni supported the proposal, “I totally agree, and that one, we shall do,” he said, noting the additional benefit to surrounding communities.
Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), who was present at the meeting, advocated for stronger infrastructure policies.
Ms. Kabagambe concluded by reaffirming ATC Uganda Office’s local commitment, “This company is built by Ugandans, for Uganda. Though our shareholders are in Boston, our roots are here,” she said, calling for stronger partnerships and laws to protect national infrastructure.
Source: Uganda Media Network
