Uganda has taken another major step towards expanding digital access after American Tower Company (ATC) Uganda contributed Shs20.9 billion to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF). The contribution, received by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), will support efforts to extend communication services to underserved and hard-to-reach communities across the country.
The funds were officially handed over during a ceremony held at the UCC headquarters in Kampala. The event was presided over by the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo, and attended by UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo and ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Ssemanda. The ceremony highlighted the strong partnership between government, the communications regulator and private sector players in promoting digital inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ssebugwawo said the contribution will help government achieve its goal of ensuring that every Ugandan has access to communication services regardless of where they live. She noted that through UCUSAF, many communities that were previously left behind are now gaining access to digital services, creating new opportunities for education, business, healthcare and economic growth.
She praised the continued cooperation between UCC and companies like ATC Uganda, saying such partnerships are essential in accelerating Uganda’s digital transformation. According to the minister, expanding communication infrastructure will enable more citizens to participate in the country’s growing digital economy and improve their quality of life.
UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo described UCUSAF as one of the country’s most important tools for closing the digital gap. He explained that the fund supports communication projects in areas where it is not commercially attractive for companies to invest. He added that contributions from industry stakeholders allow UCC to build communication infrastructure that benefits millions of Ugandans.
Nyombi thanked ATC Uganda for its continued support and commitment, saying the company’s contribution demonstrates how collaboration between regulators and private companies can transform lives. He stressed that UCC remains committed to ensuring that no Ugandan is left behind in the country’s digital future.
ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Ssemanda said the company’s mission is to enable connectivity across Uganda. She explained that every communication tower built or upgraded by ATC helps mobile network operators extend services to more homes, schools, health facilities and businesses. She said the company is proud to support initiatives that improve connectivity and digital inclusion throughout the country.
Despite the company’s achievements, Ssemanda revealed that ATC Uganda continues to face several operational challenges. She said obtaining permits from agencies such as Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) often delays the construction of new communication towers. However, she acknowledged that UCC has played an important role in helping the company secure these approvals more quickly.
She also pointed to vandalism as another serious challenge affecting the company’s operations. According to Ssemanda, theft of tower cables, batteries and other equipment continues to disrupt communication services and increase maintenance costs.
Another challenge, she said, is resistance from some communities, especially in rural areas, where people reject the construction of communication towers because of misconceptions. She noted that some residents believe the towers produce sounds that prevent women from conceiving, making it difficult to expand communication infrastructure in certain areas.
The Shs20.9 billion contribution is expected to strengthen government efforts to improve digital connectivity, bridge the communication gap and ensure more Ugandans benefit from modern communication services. As Uganda continues its digital transformation journey, partnerships between government, regulators and private companies are expected to play a key role in connecting more communities and driving national development.
