The Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has called for the need to make educational websites accessible to all children, especially those in rural areas. He made these remarks at the launch of CanalBox by Group Vivendi Africa (GVA) Uganda, a new internet service provider aiming to improve internet accessibility across the country. The event took place on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Tayebwa highlighted the significant benefits of zero-rating educational websites, which means providing access to these sites without incurring data charges. He argued that this would enable students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access valuable learning resources without the financial burden of internet costs.
“While my child can afford internet access, many children in rural Wakiso and other similar areas would greatly benefit from free access to educational resources,” Tayebwa stated. He stressed that by zero-rating educational services and eliminating harmful content, Uganda could build a more educated society and protect its children and cultural values.
Call to Ban Pornography
In addition to advocating for free access to educational websites, Tayebwa called for a ban on pornography, citing its negative impact on families and society. “Pornography adds no value to our economy and contributes to the breakdown of families. In countries like Dubai, pornography is banned, leading to stronger family structures,” he added.
Addressing the issue of corruption and inefficiency in public infrastructure projects, Tayebwa proposed the establishment of an infrastructure corridor. This initiative aims to streamline government operations, reduce redundancy, and cut costs associated with compensations for land used by different utilities. “Some people have been compensated more than five times to allow different utilities to pass by their land,” he noted.
Launch of CanalBox by GVA Uganda
Jean-François Duboy, the Managing Director of GVA, spoke about the company’s goal to democratize broadband internet access through fiber technology. He stated, “With a speed of 200 Mbps for only Shs200,000 in terms of price, speed, and value for money, we are convinced it will be game-changing. CanalBox will now enable a large number of Ugandan families to connect to high-speed internet in their homes.”
Julius Kayoboke, CEO of GVA, shared that when GVA entered the Ugandan market, only 30,000 homes had fiber internet connections compared to Kenya’s 600,000. He noted that in the 11 months since their entry, they have connected 5,000 homes and aim to cover another 500,000 homes in Kampala within three to four years.
Julianne Mweheire, Director of Industry Affairs and Content Development at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), highlighted the broader impact of increased internet access. She stated that it boosts business opportunities and fosters innovation across various sectors.
Key Points from the CanalBox Launch Event
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | July 10, 2024 |
| Event Location | Kampala Serena Hotel |
| Main Advocate | Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa |
| Main Proposals | Free internet for educational websites; ban on pornography; infrastructure corridor |
| Internet Service Provider Launched | CanalBox by Group Vivendi Africa (GVA) Uganda |
| Managing Director of GVA | Jean-François Duboy |
| CEO of GVA | Julius Kayoboke |
| Current Fiber Connections in Uganda | 30,000 homes |
| GVA’s Fiber Connection Target | 500,000 homes in Kampala within three to four years |
| UCC Representative | Julianne Mweheire |
| Benefits of Increased Internet Access | Boosts business opportunities; fosters innovation |
