Frank Tumwebaze calls for satellite usage

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Frank Tumwebaze has called on the Northern Corridor member States to think about use of satellite technology in the region.

Frank Tumwebaze

Tumwebaze reasoned out that the extension of optic fibre networks has many limitations such as geographical terrain and needs to be bolstered by satellites.

“Satellite remains the most reliable technology for communication despite being expensive. Every country is aspiring to develop nuclear technology. We should ask our leaders to endorse it (satellite technology),” Tumwebaze said on Friday while addressing the ICT Cluster meeting of the Northern Corridor Infrastructure Project (NCIP) at Kampala Serena Hotel.

The meeting saw top ICT officials from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan evaluate the progress in regard to implementation of key infrastructure projects as directed by regional leaders. Some of the key issues included cyber security.

A Kenyan official told the meeting that his country would soon beam satellite technology throughout all the constituencies.

It also emerged that Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda have already built fibre optic networks up to their respective neighbours’ borders and are awaiting the legal frameworks to facilitate inter-connectivity.

Experts are expected to work out an action plan for a cyber security Memorandum of Understanding by mid December.