Uganda Secures $200 Million from World Bank to Boost Digital Inclusion

The new Uganda Digital Acceleration Project-GovNet (UDAP-GovNet) will fund the expansion of the national backbone fibre infrastructure by 1,000 kilometres, an additional 500 kilometres of fibre optic network links between towns, mobile broadband connections for 900 government administrative units and service centres in underserved areas, and 828 Wi-Fi hotspots in strategic locations to support access to online services.

The World Bank Country Manager for Uganda, Tony Thompson said, “Transforming Uganda’s digital infrastructure is an urgent necessity for post-COVID-19 recovery”. He added, “We look forward to the time when all citizens can access high-quality and low-cost internet, public services online, a digital economy driving growth, innovation and job creation.”

The project will support the implementation of the government’s flagship initiative, GovNet, with $140 million in funding received from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $60 million grant, contributing to the goals of the Digital Uganda Vision and the Digital Transformation Program under the National Development Plan III.

It will assist in the development of shared platforms enabling ministries, departments, and agencies to deliver digitally enabled public services to citizens and companies across the country efficiently. By increasing the effectiveness of government e-services that can be delivered remotely, in a paperless and cashless approach, and eliminating the need to travel for government services, these digital platforms will lay the groundwork for improved resilience and economic recovery in Uganda.

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