Government announces plans to launch 5G technology

The Ministry of Information, Communications Technology (ICT) and National Guidance  is in final stages of launching 5G Technology, a move that will go a long way in  improving  communications in the country.

This revelation was made by ICT Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi, at a function organised by MTN Uganda to officially welcome their newly appointed CEO, Ms Sylvia Mulinge, at Kampala Serena Hotel on Thursday.

Dr Baryomunsi said government is doing everything possible to create a conducive environment for companies like MTN to thrive in the market place.

“We are working as a East African Community to ensure easy access to smart phones. Very soon we will be launching the 5G technologies.  We are also exploring the possibility of enhancing fibre network across the country,” he said.

The function was organised by Charles Mbire, the Chairman MTN Uganda Board of Directors.

Dr Baryomunsi welcomed Ms Mulinge to Uganda,  thanking  MTN for the cordial relationship it has  continued to have with the government of Uganda.

“We are working as a East African Community to ensure easy access to smart phones. Very soon we will be launching the 5G technologies.  We are also exploring the possibility of enhancing fibre network across the country,”

ICT Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi

“As government, we thank you for the services you continue to provide for Uganda. He pledged government’s continued support to MTN and the entire  private sector.

Mr Mbire on his part highlighted the accolades collected by Ms Mulinge over the last 15 years of her professional journey, adding that MTN Uganda hit a jackpot by bringing her on board.

“Sylvia have received several awards including the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear 2022 on Kenya, a prestigious presidential award given for distinguished service, she appeared in the second publication of the 100 most influential African Women in 2020 by Avance Media and was acknowledged as Kenya’s top 25 women in Digital by Digitalk,” he said.

Mr Mbire further noted that since MTN listed on the Securities Exchange on 6th December 2021, the subscriber base has increased from 14.9 million to 17 million in one year and Shs  447.55 billion have been paid to shareholders as dividends.

He added that additional Shs120.9 billion which was declared  as dividends recently will be paid to shareholders by 22nd December this year.

Ms Mulinge talked about her experience in Uganda, the places she have visited so far and the friendliness of Ugandan people.

“It is indeed a pleasure to be here with you all and thank you so much for the warm welcome and hospitality,” she said.

“I have been truly overwhelmed by the warm welcome that I have received since my arrival in Uganda from the team at MTN to my line minister, our regulators, the people I have met from the Uganda business community and the trade,” she added.

She pledged to continue polishing the building blocks she found in place for the growth of the MTN business by particularly ensuring improved service to customers.

“True to chairman’s words, the business I have taken on is a big business and the task ahead is one that is big. I nonetheless know that if I get support from everyone represented in this room today, I will be able to achieve,” she said.

“We go farther when we go together, I look forward to receiving support when I come to your doors for strategic partnerships. My dream has always been to work for companies that do meaningful work that causes a positive shift in the issues we face as continent,” Ms Mulinge added.