Museveni Says Internet Should Be Owned by Government, Not Private Companies

President Yoweri Museveni has stated that internet infrastructure should not be controlled or dominated by private companies, arguing that government ownership is necessary to keep costs affordable for citizens. During a recent press briefing, he explained that when private players hold full control, monopolies form easily since their decisions are driven by profit rather than national priorities. As a result, he believes ordinary people end up paying more for connectivity than they should.

Museveni emphasized that essential internet systems must remain under state authority to guarantee reasonably priced access. He clarified that while private service providers have an important role, they should not control the core transmission lines that determine national connectivity. “The internet should not be owned by private people…because when the internet is owned by business people, especially if they monopolise it, they are after money, that’s why the backbone (should be) owned by the government,” he stated.

Why Does Museveni Want Government Control of Internet Infrastructure?

To illustrate why he believes digital infrastructure is too important to leave entirely to private hands, Museveni linked the conversation to the evolution of technology. He reflected on his early military experiences during Uganda’s liberation struggle, pointing out how much digital tools have changed the way people operate. “Internet and electronics have indeed helped us to do things much faster because when we were fighting in the early days, I had to use my eyes to estimate how far the enemy was so that I could adjust my gun sight to shoot properly,” he said. “These days, with laser, it tells me exactly where the target is. I don’t have to calculate.”

He used this comparison to argue that technological advancement makes it even more important for the government to secure and manage critical digital infrastructure. According to him, state oversight is the only way to ensure that citizens are not burdened by high data charges. “For the internet, we need low-cost transmission so that it doesn’t become expensive,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s plans to lower broadband costs nationwide.

How Is Uganda Expanding Its National Internet Backbone?

Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term, has made digital infrastructure a major part of his development agenda. One of his flagship projects is the expansion of fibre cables across the country to support high-speed internet access. In 2024, he launched Phase V of the National Backbone Infrastructure, known as the NBI, which involves adding 5,845 kilometers of fibre to the existing 4,387 kilometers already laid.

During the launch, he highlighted the broader economic impact of the project. “The NBI will connect all administrative units and facilitate access to critical e-services, education, healthcare, and business opportunities, driving national development,” he stated at the time. His administration believes that with a stronger national backbone and government-controlled core systems, Uganda can reduce the cost of doing business, support digital services, and expand opportunities across key sectors.

Museveni’s renewed push for state-managed internet infrastructure has opened conversations across the region about affordability, digital sovereignty, and the long-term future of connectivity in East Africa.

By Lucky Anyanje