Internet Usage Grows in Uganda, But Costs Remain High

The number of internet users in Uganda has seen a modest rise, with nine percent of Ugandans now accessing the internet, up from 8.6 percent in 2014. This information was revealed in the 2024 National Population Housing Census report, which was launched by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, during an event at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Thursday.

The report shows that the majority of Ugandans using the internet, about 67 percent, primarily engage in social networking activities. Another 16 percent of users access the internet for academic purposes, while 13 percent rely on it for business or office-related tasks. The census figures were gathered from individuals aged 10 years and above.

Regionally, Buganda leads with the highest percentage of internet users, with 19 percent of its population online. Ankole follows with 7.8 percent, and Elgon records 7 percent internet usage. On the lower end, Karamoja and Lango regions report the least internet access, with figures standing at 3.2 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively.

In light of these figures, it’s important to note that the United Nations, in 2016, declared internet access a human right, recognizing its critical role in modern life. To support this, the Ugandan government has taken measures to expand internet access across the country. In 2023, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, announced a reduction in the cost of internet services from $70 to $35 per Mbps per month to enhance service delivery.

The government has also installed 280 free internet hotspots in Kampala, which can be accessed in marketplaces, hospitals, schools, and at the Kampala City Square. An additional 300 free internet hotspots have been established in various upcountry locations to extend internet services to rural areas.

Despite these efforts, the cost of internet in Uganda remains high compared to global standards. According to internet pricing comparison website Cable.co.uk, the cost of one gigabyte (GB) of data in Uganda is approximately $1.11, which translates to around UGX 4,167.95. This places Uganda 103rd out of 237 countries in terms of internet affordability.

In East Africa, Uganda’s internet is cheaper only when compared to South Sudan, which ranks 234th in affordability. Somalia boasts the region’s most affordable internet, ranked 45th globally, followed by Rwanda at 52nd, Kenya at 57th, and the Democratic Republic of Congo at 68th. Tanzania ranks 84th, while Burundi ranks just ahead of Uganda at 102nd.

Efforts to make the internet more accessible continue, but analysts point out that Uganda still faces challenges in reducing costs and improving affordability, especially compared to neighboring countries.