President Museveni has explained that the government had deliberately invested in undersea fibre-optic cables to lower the cost of internet access, which had previously depended on expensive satellite communication.
He was responding to broadcaster Isaac Katende, popularly known as Kasuku, who raised concerns over limited government support for digital media, particularly in the wake of the Facebook shutdown, noting that the sector provides livelihoods for many young Ugandans.
The concerns were discussed on Sunday during a candid Jazz with Jajja dialogue between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and young Ugandans (Bazukulu) at State Lodge, Nakasero.
“In the past, the internet was very expensive because it relied on satellites. We decided to invest in fibre-optic cables,” the President said. “There were attempts by telephone companies to monopolise, and we said no.”
He noted that government intervention helped expand infrastructure and significantly reduce data costs across the country.
Addressing the Facebook shutdown, President Museveni said the decision was prompted by misuse of the platform, but stressed that the government remains open to engagement.
“We closed it because some people thought they could insult and play around with us,” he said. “If platforms operate responsibly, we can always engage.”
The President also revealed that discussions are ongoing with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on the possibility of introducing Starlink satellite internet in Uganda, provided the service becomes affordable.
“If the satellite becomes cheaper, we shall allow it,” President Museveni said.
