On Tuesday, Uganda took a bold leap by launching its first shared-infrastructure “Internet-for-All” pilot network, aiming to make internet access affordable and widespread across the country.
This innovative project marks a shift from competition to collaboration among telecom providers, promising to transform Uganda’s digital ecosystem.
Collaborative network model breaks barriers
The pilot network is a joint effort by local telecom innovator Sombha Solutions Store, global tech leader Veea Inc., and infrastructure giant BG Titan Group (BGT).
Haruna Nyanzi Lule, CEO of Sombha Solutions Store, emphasized the breakthrough: “What we’re achieving today is exactly what UCC envisioned—transforming competitive barriers into pathways of collaboration.”
This shared infrastructure allows all providers to deliver high-quality connectivity, expanding digital access to more Ugandans.
Julianne Mweheire from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) highlighted the regulatory vision behind this move, stating that “consumer empowerment and universal digital access were at the core of the commission’s regulatory vision.” The initiative fosters healthy competition while ensuring that digital services reach underserved communities.
Technology and Impact driving Uganda’s digital growth
The backbone of this network is Veea’s broadband access platform, which integrates Wi-Fi, multi-access backhaul, edge computing, and cybersecurity into compact devices called VeeaHubs.
Adam Bicha, VP at BG Titan Group, remarked, “This collaborative model isn’t just Uganda’s blueprint. It’s a powerful catalyst that will soon ignite similar transformations across East Africa.” This technology-driven approach aims to accelerate Uganda’s modernization and digital inclusion.
Uganda’s journey toward improved internet connectivity began years ago with the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure and e-Government Infrastructure Project (NBI/EGI), which laid a fiber-optic backbone across major cities.
Despite advances, many households and small businesses remained disconnected due to cost and geographical difficulties. The new shared-infra pilot tackles these shortcomings by minimizing infrastructure duplication and lowering access prices.
The government’s support has been crucial, with policymakers trusting agencies like NITA-U to implement projects that benefit all citizens.
By 2013, the NBI/EGI project had connected over 300 government agencies and provided fibre to 25 municipalities. This enabled online services such as tax payment and visa application.
However, until this new joint network effort, reaching consumers in rural areas with limited incomes was challenging.
With Uganda’s first shared infrastructure, the “Internet-for-All” network, now operational, the country is setting a new standard for affordable, inclusive internet access in Africa.
This initiative could reshape how digital services are delivered, creating opportunities for education, business, and government services nationwide.
