The Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, has promised that Ugandans will soon have access to the internet as a result of a national digitization drive.

Baryomunsi’s strong stance is powered by the decision by Parliament to approve a government request to borrow $150 million from the Export-Import Bank of China. The money will be used to connect districts that are not yet connected to the national internet fiber.

“Government has been laying fiber for us to access the internet and has covered 50 percent of the country,” Baryomunsi told Parliament. “This loan is to enable us to extend internet to the remaining 62 districts,” he added.  

Baryomunsi said that the loan will be focused on connecting government service infrastructures such as schools, health centers, district headquarters, and sub-counties.

The State Minister of Finance, Henry Musasizi, explained that the loan covers 20 years, at 2 percent interest.

The Chairperson of the Committee on National Economy, John Bosco Ikojo, said they supported the loan approval and recommended that the cost of internet be lowered to increase accessibility.

Elijah Mushemeza (NRM, Sheema County South), like many other MPs, said the loan has the potential to boost economic growth, noting that several businesses are operated online.