Bayobab Uganda’s investments in accessibility are delivering connectivity to both rural and urban communities.
Uganda is fast emerging as a key player in East Africa’s digital ecosystem. With a population of over 45 million and rising digital demand, Uganda is reaching a connectivity tipping point. As digital adoption accelerates, access to reliable, high-speed connectivity is becoming central to development. Bayobab Uganda, part of Bayobab’s pan-African vision, is responding to this need with robust infrastructure projects that boost internet access and digital transformation, improving national and international access. Through its groundbreaking licenses and newly deployed national-long distance fibre network, Bayobab Uganda is delivering on Bayobab’s vision of connecting Africa, one route at a time.
Building Uganda’s Infrastructure Backbone
In January 2024, Bayobab Uganda acquired two key licenses from the Uganda Communications Commission: the National Infrastructure Provider and Regional Public Service Provider licenses. These licenses enabled Bayobab Uganda to offer capacity resale services and build infrastructure for licensed operators across Eastern and Central Uganda. These licenses were a critical step in Bayobab’s mission to deliver the benefits of a modern connected life to all in Uganda, strategically positioning the infrastructure provider to lead the country’s connectivity transformation. “Bayobab Uganda heeded the call for technological transformation across the nation and the region. Technology, though, cannot truly benefit our countries and communities without reliable and accessible internet connectivity,” said Juliet Nsubuga, Managing Director: Bayobab Uganda.
One year later, and Bayobab Uganda delivered a key infrastructure project: the launch of a national long-distance fibre network. In February 2025, Bayobab Uganda completed a 260km fibre route built along the Uganda Railways Corporation line, linking Kampala to the Kenyan border towns of Malaba and Tororo. Reflecting the urgency of Bayobab Uganda’s mission to connect Africa, this project was constructed from December 2024 and completed in February 2025. It provides an alternative route to existing cables and fibre systems, adding diversity and increased reliability.
The infrastructure injects one terabyte (TB) of capacity into Uganda’s network, offering reliable and affordable internet to both rural and urban communities along its path. It is the only fibre system connecting major data centres such as Raxio, Airtel House, and the NITA Data Centre, and, as part of MTN Group, it supports critical MTN infrastructure.
“This project connects key routes not just between Kampala and Malaba at the Kenyan border, but also provides connectivity along the route, providing affordable and fast internet access to rural and under-served areas. Bayobab Uganda is vitalising the idea that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life,” said Nsubuga. “Bayobab Uganda is providing the fibre railroad that delivers digital transformation and therefore economic transformation to the nation.”
Delivering Seamless Interconnection
Under the dynamic leadership of Nsubuga, the newly launched long-distance fibre network provides the lynchpin for interconnectivity between Uganda and Kenya, and onward connection to subsea cables at Mombasa, Kenya. Forming the basis of the East African Corridor, this route provides a vital gateway to subsea cable systems and enhances Uganda’s access to global content and services, improves latency, and increases network resilience.
“The fibre deployment connects key areas between Kampala and Malaba, extending beyond the Kenyan border to Mombasa and Subsea cables through Bayobab Kenya’s existing fibre network; poised to drive economic growth, improve communication services, and enhance access to fast and reliable internet to the communities and across the region,” said Nsubuga. “This project creates a true East African connectivity Corridor and is a testament to our commitment to driving technological transformation and enhancing connectivity across the country and the region, reinforcing MTN’s commitment and belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.”
Regional and National Alignment
This development aligns closely with Uganda’s national digital strategies, which prioritise improved access to affordable, high-speed internet. By connecting underserved areas and supporting government goals for inclusive digital transformation, Bayobab Uganda is helping to future-proof the national economy. Its network bolsters public and private efforts to increase digital equity and regional integration.
Bayobab Uganda’s fibre investments mark a new chapter in the country’s digital future. As infrastructure scales, the company is well placed to continue delivering critical services that support economic growth and regional integration. With every connection made, Bayobab is powering Uganda’s path to a digitally inclusive future.
