Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda told the 1st National Communications Conference that the first and second phase of laying the country's long awaited completion of the government fibre optic cable commonly known as the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure cable was complete.
"Now, we're carrying out a forensic and security audit. There were rumors about the type of cable that was laid. We found it to be fine. The actual switch on date will be this October," Rugunda explained to ICT stakeholders.
Plans for Uganda to construct the 1500km National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure cable started in 2006. However, the process was halted after complaints on the type of cable, the implementers Huawei Technologies were laying and the total cost of the project which was valued at $106m. It emerged that the G652 cable type that Uganda laid instead of the G655 type was of poor quality.
"This G652 type was last laid in South Africa in the 1980's. It is what we have laid in 2011. Its outdated technology," said a researcher Mr. Winston Ireeta.
The minister was optimistic that the implemented technology would deliver the required data services as well as propelling government business. He was hopeful that cheaper and affordable internet services would be extended to all corners of the country.
One of Uganda's strategies is to utilise Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to create an efficient Government aimed at simplifying procedures, bringing transparency, accountability and making timely information available to all citizens.
To achieve the above, the Ministry of ICT, identified the establishment of the E-Government Infrastructure (EGI) and the establishment of the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) to bridge the communication gap with in government bodies and the rural communities of Uganda.
According to Mr. James Saaka the Executive Director of the National Information Technology Authority (NITA), Uganda has set up 17 transmission sites, with the fibre cable connected from Busia (Uganda/Kenya border) to Nimule (Uganda/South Sudan border) in the second phase. "The cable is now in Luweero, Nakasongola, Masindi, Gulu, Nimule, Lira, Soroti, Kumi, Mbale, Tororo, Malaba, Busia, Hoima, Kyenjojo and Fort Portal townships," he stressed. The NITA director however noted inadequate resources, the rapid changes in technology and the growing cadre of Information Technology professionals as a challenge that could hinder the progress of the IT sector in the country.
He added that due to limited resources, NITA is venturing into a private, public partnership arrangement to link the big fibre cable to offices and other emerging town centres in Uganda.
NITA is also in the process of setting up a National Data bank, which will enable egovernment services, promote secure access for online transactions through the implementation of public key infrastructure and promoting community based information systems.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Paul Tentena
Quelle/Source: East African Business Week, 11.09.2011
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