Uganda’s Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, has revealed that the East African Community (EAC) is moving plans forward to launch a joint regional satellite aimed at improving broadband connectivity and lowering internet costs across the region.
Speaking while appearing on UBC TV’s Front Bench programme, Dr Baryomunsi said the idea was first agreed upon by EAC ministers in 2023 as a long-term solution to complement fibre-optic infrastructure, especially in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.
According to the minister, the regional satellite project is intended to bridge East Africa’s persistent digital divide, with internet penetration currently estimated at about 45 percent, while data costs remain high for many users.
He pointed out that Uganda has already made notable progress in improving digital access, citing the sharp drop in smartphone prices over recent years. “A smartphone that used to cost about Shs1 million can now be bought at around Shs200,000,” Baryomunsi noted, adding that further affordability is expected within the next one to two years.
However, the announcement has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some Ugandans expressed scepticism online, recalling previous government claims about satellite projects that never materialised. Others questioned the commitment to expanding internet access in light of repeated internet shutdowns during periods of political unrest.
The reactions underline a growing tension between government-led connectivity ambitions and public concerns over digital freedoms and state control, even as the region pushes for broader, more affordable internet access.