Uganda: Government Declares Telecom Infrastructure Vandalism Economic Sabotage

What the report says

Uganda’s government says vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure will be treated as economic sabotage, as officials warn that attacks on towers and equipment are disrupting digital services and broader national development. The report, carried by Nile Post and distributed by AllAfrica, says the warning was issued in Kampala on 31 July 2026 by Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance Joyce Ssebugwawo.

Ssebugwawo described telecom networks as critical national infrastructure rather than ordinary private assets, saying they support emergency response, healthcare, education and commerce. She said the government has taken a firm position against vandalism and praised the Uganda Communications Commission, security agencies and the judiciary for efforts to curb it. According to the article, such incidents have affected network availability and limited access to digital services in some parts of the country.

The minister made the remarks at a ceremony where ATC Uganda handed over Shs20.9 billion to the Uganda Communications Commission’s Universal Service and Access Fund. That fund supports projects aimed at extending communication services to underserved and hard-to-reach areas. The contribution was presented as part of a broader public-private effort to expand connectivity.

Ssebugwawo also said Uganda’s digital agenda must focus not only on network coverage, but on meaningful access, including affordable devices, internet service and digital skills. She added that policymakers also need to pay attention to cybersecurity, child online protection, consumer rights and misinformation as the country expands connectivity.