Uganda’s growing dependence on mobile networks, internet connectivity, broadcasting and digital financial services means communications infrastructure has become critical national infrastructure. Protecting it is therefore increasingly important to keeping millions of Ugandans connected.
The Uganda Communications Commission regulates communications infrastructure as part of its wider mandate over Uganda’s communications sector. That responsibility extends beyond licensing operators to measures designed to protect physical infrastructure and maintain the quality and reliability of communications services.
One challenge is damage to underground fibre and other communications infrastructure during road works, construction and excavation.
According to UCC, excavation and construction activity is one of the major causes of damage to underground communications infrastructure. In many cases, damage occurs because contractors do not have adequate information about infrastructure already buried around a construction site.
Protecting Underground Communications Infrastructure
To address this, UCC developed the Underground Communication Infrastructure Information Exchange Platform, UCIIEP.
The platform enables infrastructure owners and organisations planning excavation or construction works to exchange information about underground communications infrastructure before digging begins.
This allows contractors to establish whether fibre or other communications infrastructure exists within or close to the area where work is planned.
The objective is simple: prevent accidental damage before it happens rather than responding after connectivity has already been disrupted.
UCC has also developed a framework governing optical fibre installation, maintenance, protection and disposal as part of its regulatory tools for Uganda’s communications industry.
Tackling Deliberate Vandalism
Accidental damage is only part of the challenge. Telecommunications sites and equipment can also be deliberately vandalised or stolen.
UCC works with telecommunications operators, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and communities to address infrastructure vandalism.
The consequences can be significant. In one case subsequently publicised by UCC, equipment and cables valued at UGX 23.6 million were vandalised at a telecommunications mast site in Kibaale District.
The perpetrator was prosecuted and sentenced to a combined five years in prison for criminal trespass, vandalism and theft. Uganda Communications Commission
Damage to communications infrastructure does more than create a repair bill for operators. It can interrupt mobile and internet connectivity, increase network maintenance costs and slow expansion of services.
Modern communications networks also support services far beyond phone calls. Internet banking, mobile money, education, healthcare, business operations and emergency communications increasingly depend on reliable connectivity.
Protecting a fibre route or telecommunications mast therefore ultimately means protecting the services running over that infrastructure.
UCC has consequently called upon communities to report vandalism and recognise communications infrastructure as an asset whose protection benefits everyone.
As Uganda moves towards a more connected economy, maintaining the physical infrastructure behind that connectivity will be just as important as building new networks.
