ATC Uganda Invests Shs20.9 Billion to Boost Digital Access in Underserved Areas

American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda has made a significant contribution of Shs20.9 billion towards enhancing digital access across the nation. The funds have been channeled to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), a body dedicated to supporting communication projects in areas where commercial investment is challenging.

The handover ceremony, which took place at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) headquarters, was attended by key figures including the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Joyce Ssebugwawo, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, and ATC Uganda CEO Dorothy Ssemanda.

Minister Ssebugwawo emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in extending digital services, stating that such collaborations are crucial for enabling more Ugandans to benefit from the digital economy. UCUSAF plays a vital role in reaching communities that might otherwise be overlooked due to the high cost of infrastructure development.

UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo highlighted that contributions from industry players like ATC Uganda significantly bolster the commission’s capacity to implement universal access programs. He noted that these partnerships are instrumental in accelerating digital inclusion across Uganda, ensuring more citizens can connect and access opportunities.

Dorothy Ssemanda, CEO of ATC Uganda, affirmed the company’s commitment to fostering telecommunications growth through its shared infrastructure model. “Our mission is to enable connectivity,” Ssemanda stated, emphasizing how their tower infrastructure helps operators reach more communities, businesses, schools, and health facilities.

ATC Uganda manages crucial telecommunications infrastructure that mobile network operators utilize to deliver voice and data services. The company remains dedicated to supporting government efforts aimed at expanding network coverage, particularly in rural and remote regions, to ensure equitable access to digital services and opportunities for all Ugandans.

This contribution underscores Uganda’s ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide and enhancing digital inclusion nationwide.