ATC UGANDA CONTRIBUTES UGX 20.9BN TO SUPPORT UNIVERSAL ACCESS

KAMPALA, July 30, 2026 – American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda has presented UGX 20.9 billion to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in fulfilment of its statutory obligation to remit 2% of its gross annual revenue to Government.

The levy finances the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), administered by UCC, which extends communications services to underserved communities in support of Government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and advancing digital inclusion.

Held at the UCC Head Office in Kampala, the cheque hand-over ceremony was presided over by the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo, and attended by the Executive Director of UCC, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Ssemanda, senior officials from the communications sector and members of the media.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Ssebugwawo described the contribution as a demonstration of the power of partnership between Government and the private sector in advancing Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.

She noted that while the 2% levy is a statutory licensing obligation, it represents much more than regulatory compliance.

“This contribution reflects the principle that companies which prosper in Uganda should also contribute to Uganda’s long-term development. It supports a specific national objective of extending the benefits of communications technology to communities that might otherwise be left behind,” she said.

The minister observed that the country’s digital agenda must now move beyond expanding network coverage to ensuring meaningful use of connectivity.

“We know of many citizens who live within network coverage but still lack meaningful access because devices remain expensive, data is unaffordable, or they lack the digital skills needed to participate confidently in the digital economy. Digital transformation is not simply about deploying more infrastructure. It is about improving lives,” she said.

Hon. Ssebugwawo also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to maintaining an enabling policy environment that encourages continued investment and innovation in Uganda’s communications sector.

Receiving the contribution, UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo thanked ATC Uganda for its continued commitment to Uganda’s digital future.

He noted that contributions made through the 2% levy have become an important source of financing for initiatives implemented under UCUSAF, helping to extend communications services to communities that would otherwise remain underserved.

“Through this contribution, you are directly supporting initiatives aimed at expanding connectivity, promoting digital inclusion and ensuring that the benefits of communications services reach all Ugandans,” he said.

Hon. Nyombi Thembo explained that half of the 2% contribution is remitted to the Consolidated Fund, while the balance is retained by UCC to finance UCUSAF initiatives, including expanding communications infrastructure, internet connectivity and digital skills development.

He added that the contribution was also a strong indicator of the continued growth and resilience of Uganda’s communications sector.

“Your contribution is a strong signal that Uganda’s telecom sector is flourishing and ready to give back to the community that has made that growth possible,” he remarked.

The Executive Director also highlighted the need to safeguard communications infrastructure against vandalism, describing it as a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among Government, regulators, operators and communities. He noted that recent prosecutions of offenders demonstrate that attacks on communications infrastructure will not go unpunished.

Speaking on behalf of ATC Uganda, Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Ssemanda reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s digital transformation journey.

“As a shared telecommunications infrastructure provider, our mission is to enable connectivity. Every tower we build and every site we upgrade supports operators in extending communications services closer to communities, businesses, schools and health facilities across Uganda. We are proud to support efforts that advance connectivity and digital inclusion across the country,” she said.

About UCUSAF

Section 3(g) of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013 mandates UCC to establish and manage a fund dedicated to promoting the development of ICT services in rural or remote areas across Uganda. The Fund contributes to the realisation of universal access to communications services by extending connectivity and promoting the use of ICTs in areas that may not be commercially viable if left solely to market forces.

Over the years, UCUSAF has implemented a range of programmes aimed at expanding digital inclusion and ensuring that more Ugandans benefit from the opportunities created by communications technology. The flagship initiative is the ICT in Education Programme, under which UCC has established computer laboratories in more than 1,000 public secondary schools, equipped thousands of ICT teachers with relevant skills, and supported the formation of school ICT clubs.

Other UCUSAF interventions include ICT for Agriculture, digital skills development, research support, access infrastructure development, distribution of devices to underserved households, ICT initiatives for persons with disabilities, and expansion of internet connectivity.