Uganda said on Monday that it will look to develop the infrastructure for IT and other important efforts to bolster economic expansion in the country. Speaking to reporters, President Yoweri Museveni announced that his government believes the information and communications technology sector is one of the most “important” entities in the country and will be increased.
Analysts said the move is likely to help spur investment and initiate a move toward “true ICT infrastructure development” in Uganda, which has recently started to discuss the IT world directly.
“We have for too long been walking through the IT industry as if it will just take off on its own, but now the president appears ready and willing to start showing the world, and potential investors, that Uganda means business,” said one analyst.
Speaking to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, Museveni said the government would “pay special attention to the development of the sectors involving electricity, building roads, development of piped water, ICT, schools and health care.”
Observers say these issues go hand-in-hand in order to create an atmosphere that is exciting for potential investors.
Museveni said the government has “struggled and increased electricity generation from 60 megawatts in 1986 to the current 600 megawatts.”
Many international corporations have said that without adequate basic infrastructure in the country they would avoid investing in call centers and other IT-based efforts.
“Let’s hope the government is not just giving lip service to this idea and will make this happen,” said another analyst after hearing the president’s talk.
By Staff
