Why Kilimanjaro Telecom’s New Internet Route Is a Game-Changer for Uganda and the Region

Uganda’s Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has hailed Kilimanjaro Telecom for introducing a new internet access route that promises to transform digital connectivity across the East African region. Speaking at a high-level stakeholder meeting held today at Serena Kampala Hotel, Dr. Baryomunsi said the new route offers a timely and strategic alternative that will enhance internet stability, reduce costs, and boost regional digital integration.

“This initiative gives Uganda’s business community the edge they need—stable and affordable internet access that supports productivity and innovation,” Dr. Baryomunsi noted.

The meeting brought together a delegation from Tanzania, led by ICT Minister Jerry Silaa, and top executives from Kilimanjaro Telecom, intending to strengthen cross-border digital infrastructure and regional collaboration.

Dr. Baryomunsi emphasised the importance of harmonising policies among East African Community (EAC) member states to ensure seamless digital connectivity. He also called for increased local production of digital devices, citing ongoing assembly projects at Uganda’s Namanve and Mbale industrial parks, while commending Tanzania’s head start in domestic device manufacturing.

“We must reduce dependency on imports, especially from China. By producing our own digital tools, we make technology more accessible and affordable for our people,” he said.

Tanzania’s ICT Minister, Jerry Silaa, underscored the urgency of expanding bandwidth and closing the digital divide across Sub-Saharan Africa. He said the new Kilimanjaro Telecom route will lay the foundation for a more resilient and competitive digital ecosystem.

“Our aim is to build a robust internet backbone by leveraging the Tanzania-Uganda corridor. This will ensure fair access and pricing for businesses and consumers alike,” Silaa stated.

Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, Executive Director of the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U), noted that the new route comes at a crucial time, as Uganda scales up its national fiber optic coverage to reach all 134 districts.

“This will address chronic challenges with last-mile connectivity and high data costs. More competition in the infrastructure space means better prices for the end user,” Mugasa said.

Kilimanjaro Telecom CEO Alex Nkuyahaga reaffirmed the company’s commitment to narrowing the digital gap across East Africa and enabling inclusive access to internet services. He called the operationalisation of the Tanzania-Uganda corridor “a major step in making the region digitally resilient.”

Also speaking at the event, Julianne Mweheire, Director of Economic Regulation, Content and Consumer Affairs at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), welcomed the initiative. She highlighted recent benchmarking visits to Tanzania’s communications regulator, where Ugandan officials studied best practices in digital licensing and regulation.

“This kind of knowledge exchange is crucial. It allows us to implement smarter regulatory models that promote investment and innovation in ICT,” Mweheire said.

With the East African region increasingly relying on digital infrastructure to power its economies, stakeholders say Kilimanjaro Telecom’s new route marks a significant milestone — one that could shift the region’s internet future toward affordability, speed, and reliability.

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