Gov’t Urged to Lower Internet Cost for Wider Accessibility

The call for the Ugandan government to reduce the cost of internet services has gained momentum, with the Internet Society of Uganda emphasizing the current high prices are hindering widespread access for the average citizen.

Lydia Nalwoga, from the Internet Society-Uganda Chapter, highlighted the challenges faced by many Ugandans due to the unaffordability of internet services. She stressed that in the digital age, access to the online world is crucial, as various entities, including the government, private sector, and development partners, rely on digital platforms for communication.

Surfshark, a cybersecurity company based in the Netherlands, reported in a 2022 research study that Uganda ranks 116th out of 117 countries surveyed in terms of internet affordability. This alarming ranking indicates that internet services in Uganda are considerably more expensive compared to global standards.

A 2019 report by Cable.co.uk, a UK-based Broadband, TV, and Mobile Phone Price Comparison Site, highlighted that Ugandans paid some of the highest prices for mobile data in the East African region. During that period, 1GB of data in Uganda cost USD 4.69 (equivalent to 17,231 Shillings), making Uganda the second-highest in data prices in East Africa after Tanzania.

The low internet penetration in Uganda is attributed to multiple factors, with the high cost of internet and smartphones being a significant barrier. Nalwoga stressed the need for the government to reduce costs and invest in reliable infrastructure to improve overall connectivity.

While acknowledging progress in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan area, Nalwoga pointed out connectivity challenges beyond Kampala, urging the government to address these issues.

Speaking during a dissemination workshop on Internet Usage in Enhancing Service Delivery and Promotion of Transparency and Accountability organized by Evidence and Methods Lab in collaboration with the Internet Society–Uganda Chapter, she emphasized the importance of comprehensive coverage.

At the workshop, Michael Katagaya from Evidence Method Lab explained that their research aimed to understand how some government institutions provide digital services and how these practices could be replicated in other institutions. The goal was to explore the potential of the Internet for service delivery, providing insights for Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and District Local Governments.

Katagaya revealed that the research, conducted in 13 districts, identified challenges such as a lack of ICT skills among office personnel, insufficient infrastructure, and limited resources in upcountry institutions. 

He emphasized the alignment of their findings with the government’s strategic vision in the National Development Plan (NDP) III, emphasizing the role of digitalization and e-services in transforming government operations across various sectors