Uganda, like many African countries, has experienced a surge in internet access in recent years. However, its progress in expanding access and improving quality still lags behind its East African counterparts.
In this article, we will explore the state of Uganda’s internet infrastructure, compare it to other East African countries, and discuss the broader trends in internet access across the continent.
Uganda ranks 113th out of 115
According to the Global Internet Value Index for 2022, Uganda is ranked 113th out of 115 countries included in the index. This ranking is based on factors such as internet affordability, quality, and accessibility.
Uganda has a relatively low internet penetration rate, with only 28.7% of the population using the internet as of 2022. In contrast, neighboring Kenya has a much higher internet penetration rate of 53.1%, and Tanzania has a rate of 14.8%.
The cost of internet access in Uganda is also relatively high compared to other countries in the region. The average monthly cost of internet access in Uganda is $41.28 USD, while the average cost in Kenya is $33.06 USD and the average cost in Tanzania is $22.43 USD.
The quality of internet access in Uganda is also relatively low, with an average download speed of 8.69 Mbps and an average upload speed of 2.57 Mbps. In comparison, Kenya has an average download speed of 18.12 Mbps and an average upload speed of 8.92 Mbps, while Tanzania has an average download speed of 5.15 Mbps and an average upload speed of 1.44 Mbps.
Despite these challenges, Uganda has made some progress in expanding internet access in recent years. The government has launched several initiatives aimed at improving connectivity, including the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure and e-Government Infrastructure project and the plan to provide free Wi-Fi in public places. However, the success of these initiatives has been limited by factors such as inadequate funding, insufficient technical expertise, and a lack of coordination between government agencies.
Slower progress
Compared to other East African countries, Uganda’s progress in expanding internet access has been slower. Kenya, in particular, has emerged as a regional leader in internet access and innovation. The country has a thriving tech sector, with startups such as M-Pesa, iHub, and Ushahidi gaining global recognition. Kenya has also made significant progress in expanding internet access in rural areas through initiatives such as the Digital Literacy Program, which provides tablets and other digital devices to primary school students.
Tanzania has also made some progress in expanding internet access, particularly in urban areas. The government has launched several initiatives aimed at improving connectivity, including the National ICT Broadband Backbone project and the plan to establish a National Data Center. However, the quality of internet access in Tanzania remains a concern, with slow download and upload speeds and frequent service disruptions.
Rwanda and Burundi are two other East African countries that have made significant progress in expanding internet access in recent years. Rwanda has a relatively high internet penetration rate of 21.6%, with the government aiming to increase this to 60% by 2024. The country has launched several initiatives aimed at improving connectivity, including the National Data Center and the One Laptop Per Child program, which provides laptops to primary school students.
Burundi has a lower internet penetration rate of 6.2%, but the government has launched several initiatives aimed at expanding access and improving quality. These include the National Broadband Network project, which aims to provide high-speed internet to urban and rural areas, and the plan to establish a National Data Center.
Africa still a long way behind
Looking at the broader trends in internet access across Africa, it is clear that there is still a long way to go in terms of expanding access and improving quality.
According to the World Bank, only 28% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa had access to the internet as of 2021, compared to a global average of 51%. The cost of internet access in Africa is also relatively high, with the average monthly cost of a basic internet package representing around 10% of the average monthly income.
Despite these challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of internet access in Africa. The continent has a young and growing population, with more than 60% of Africans under the age of 25. This demographic trend presents a huge opportunity for the growth of digital technologies and services. There is also increasing recognition among governments, businesses, and civil society
