31 October 2024

Patrick Kabonero, coordinator of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP) in Uganda, has announced that the country is considering a new internet route via Tanzania.

“Currently, 100% of Uganda’s internet traffic to the rest of the world goes through Kenya. Under the NCIP, we are negotiating an alternative route through Tanzania, which will be managed by the private sector,” said Kabonero.

In addition to the new route via Tanzania, the countries of the East African Community (EAC), of which Uganda is a part, decided to invest in the installation of a satellite to provide internet to the entire sub-region. However, this option, which is expected to cost around $300 million, may take time to materialize.

With a new internet route, Uganda could reduce its dependence on undersea cables passing through Kenya, better meet the growing bandwidth needs of its population, or promote economic development and digital innovation.