By
Denis Kasule Ssebunya
The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Chris Bary’omunsi, has advocated for stronger Public-Private partnerships to enhance 5G connectivity across Uganda, calling it a catalyst for digital transformation. He emphasized that this partnership is crucial for cementing Uganda’s position in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Speaking during the formal welcome of Airtel Uganda’s new Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu, Bary’omunsi highlighted the significant role 5G technology will play in Uganda’s socio-economic growth. He stated, “Uganda’s pioneering of 5G technology has become a cornerstone of the nation’s digital transformation journey.”
Bary’omunsi pointed out that public-private partnerships will maximize the potential of 5G, with private sector players like Airtel Uganda contributing global expertise while the government creates a conducive environment for innovation. He explained that the deployment of 5G is not just about faster internet; it’s about establishing a solid foundation for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness. He noted that Airtel’s introduction of 5G is a groundbreaking milestone, positioning Uganda among Africa’s leaders in this field.
The Minister also emphasized the transformative potential of 5G in remote areas, citing his hometown, Kanungu, as an example. He illustrated how small-scale farmers could benefit from IoT-enabled sensors to optimize agricultural yields, and students in remote schools could access virtual labs and global resources through seamless online platforms.
Acknowledging challenges in infrastructure and digital literacy, Bary’omunsi encouraged stakeholders to turn these challenges into opportunities. He called on Airtel Uganda to collaborate with the government and private sector to accelerate the rollout of 5G infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions. He also urged the company to continuously engage with stakeholders, listen to customer feedback, and innovate around the pressing needs of Ugandans.
Soumendra Sahu, the newly appointed Managing Director, shared his vision for 5G’s impact on Uganda’s socio-economic landscape. He highlighted several sectors that stand to benefit from 5G, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and small business development. In healthcare, rural clinics connected via 5G could facilitate telemedicine consultations with specialists in urban centers, improving patient outcomes. In education, students in remote areas could access real-time virtual classrooms, leveling the playing field for education. In agriculture, farmers could adopt smart farming solutions such as drones and IoT devices to optimize crop monitoring, predict weather patterns, and improve water usage.
Sahu further explained that 5G would allow small businesses to access global markets through high-speed connectivity, boosting e-commerce and enhancing exports, which in turn would foster entrepreneurship in the country. “Our commitment to 5G goes beyond speed and innovation,” Sahu remarked. “It’s about creating solutions that address real-world challenges, empowering individuals, and transforming communities.”
As Uganda embarks on this digital frontier, the collaboration between Airtel Uganda and the government is set to unlock unprecedented opportunities for both individuals and businesses. With 5G as a transformative catalyst, Uganda is poised to become a regional leader in digital innovation, economic development, and inclusive growth.