ATC Uganda contributes UGX20.9bn to fund universal connectivity initiatives

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Regulation; 04 August 2026; 462 views

American Tower Corporation (ATC) Uganda has contributed UGX20.9 billion (US$5.7 million) to Uganda's Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), supporting government efforts to expand connectivity and digital inclusion in underserved communities.

The payment fulfils the tower company's statutory obligation to remit 2% of its annual gross revenue to the government under Uganda's communications licensing framework. Half of the contribution will be transferred to the Consolidated Fund, while the remainder will be retained by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to finance UCUSAF projects.

The cheque was presented to the UCC during a ceremony in Kampala attended by Uganda's Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Joyce Ssebugwawo (pictured, fifth), UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo (pictured, seventh) and ATC Uganda CEO Dorothy Ssemanda (pictured, third).

Minister Ssebugwawo said the contribution demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing Uganda's digital transformation agenda.

Although the 2% levy is a regulatory requirement, she said it also supports the broader national goal of extending digital services to communities that would otherwise remain underserved.

The minister added that Uganda's digital agenda must now focus on meaningful connectivity rather than simply expanding network coverage, noting that many people still face barriers such as expensive devices, unaffordable data services and limited digital skills.

Receiving the contribution, Thembo said the levy has become an important source of funding for projects aimed at expanding communications infrastructure, improving internet connectivity and strengthening digital skills across the country.

He also said the payment reflected the continued growth of Uganda's telecommunications sector and called for greater collaboration to protect communications infrastructure from vandalism.

ATC Uganda CEO Dorothy Ssemanda said the company remains committed to supporting the country's digital transformation by enabling operators to expand network coverage through shared telecommunications infrastructure.

"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," she said.

UCUSAF, which is managed by the UCC under the Uganda Communications Act, finances connectivity projects in areas where commercial investment alone is unlikely to be viable.