The contribution will finance the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), which supports the expansion of communications services to underserved communities and advances Uganda”s digital inclusion agenda.
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 the Government. The contribution will finance the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), which supports the expansion of communications services to underserved communities and advances Uganda’s digital inclusion agenda.
The cheque handover ceremony, held at the UCC headquarters in Kampala, was presided over by the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo, and attended by UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo, ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer Dorothy Ssemanda, senior communications sector officials and members of the media.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ssebugwawo said the contribution demonstrates the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors in supporting Uganda’s digital transformation. While noting that the levy is a statutory licensing requirement, she emphasised its broader developmental significance.
“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.”
– Joyce Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Government of Uganda
The Minister added that Uganda’s digital transformation agenda must focus not only on expanding network coverage but also on ensuring meaningful access to digital services.
“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.”
– Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
She also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining a policy environment that encourages continued investment and innovation in the country’s communications sector.
Receiving the contribution, UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo thanked ATC Uganda for its continued support of Uganda’s digital future. He noted that the 2% levy remains an important source of funding for UCUSAF programmes, which expand communications infrastructure, internet connectivity and digital skills development in underserved areas.
“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.”
– Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
Nyombi Thembo explained that half of the statutory contribution is remitted to the Consolidated Fund, while the remaining half is retained by UCC to finance UCUSAF initiatives. He added that the contribution also reflects the continued growth of Uganda’s telecommunications 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.”
– Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
The Executive Director also called for greater collaboration among government, regulators, operators and communities to protect communications infrastructure from vandalism, noting that recent prosecutions demonstrate that such offences will be dealt with firmly.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Dorothy Ssemanda, Chief Executive Officer of ATC Uganda, reaffirmed the tower operator’s commitment to expanding connectivity and supporting the country’s digital development.
“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.”
– Dorothy Ssemanda, Chief Executive Officer, American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda
Under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, UCUSAF is mandated to promote universal access to ICT services, particularly in rural and remote communities. The fund has supported a wide range of digital inclusion programmes, including ICT laboratories in more than 1,000 public secondary schools, digital skills training, ICT initiatives for agriculture and persons with disabilities, internet connectivity expansion, research support and the distribution of digital devices to underserved households.
