Makerere University mounts equipment to support internet connectivity in Apac

26 March 2023, 1:42 pm

By; Mike Okwang Ogule

Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and innovations fund has installed internet equipment in 10 points including farmers groups and schools within Apac district.

According to the project’s Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Edwin Mugume, the main objective of the development is to pilot a model for rural broadband connectivity in support of a knowledge-based economy with a focus on two sectors of agriculture and education.

Dr. Mugume says Uganda has evidenced increases in internet penetration per 100 persons largely driven by a growth of mobile internet subscription and in turn, demand for broadband services.

He however said the growth of traffic, particularly data traffic is also a compulsion to address potential constraints including access to spectrum and also frequency re-allocation and dynamic spectrum access that provides rapid access possibilities which will not avail the necessary spectrum for increasing throughput requirements.

Speaking during a radio talk show on radio Apac last Friday, the Apac district IT officer Mr. Walter Okello applauded the government of Uganda and Makerere University for the initiative and implored the beneficiaries to exhibit the best use of the equipment given to them.

Mr. Tonny Jasper Odongo the vice Chairperson LC5 Apac District thanked Makerere University for the various projects being brought to Apac and promised to always sensitize the community in making the best use of the equipment given to them.

Mr. Odongo however requested the public to continuously comfy to developments that include internet since it’s now the global trend. He also asked Makerere university to pilot more schools and institutions in the district towards the same development.

Among the beneficiaries are Radio Apac where the server is installed, Bed-Igen women’s group in Awiri, Apac Secondary School, Atopi Primary School, Maruzi Seed Secondary School, Apac Technical School, St Albert Technical Institute, Apac District Headquarters, Apac main Hospital and Nicho poto studio.