Uganda Digital Acceleration Project – GovNet (UDAP – GovNet)
Overview:
UDAP – GovNet is a flagship government initiative aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Uganda. Funded by the World Bank, the project focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure, expanding internet access, and strengthening e-governance. It seeks to bridge digital divides and foster inclusive economic growth through technology. The project aligns with Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDP III 2021–2025) and the World Bank’s “Building Back Better” framework to promote economic resilience and digital governance.
Key Objectives:
- Expand internet connectivity to government institutions and underserved communities.
- Promote digital inclusion for vulnerable groups, including refugees in 12 host districts and 13 settlements.
- Improve efficiency and accessibility of e-government services.
- Advance digital skills and workforce readiness.
- Support responsible e-waste management to promote environmental sustainability.
- Foster cross-sector linkages with energy and financial programs to drive socio-economic transformation.
Key Project Benefits:
- Expanded internet access to remote and underserved areas, including refugee settlements.
- Reduced internet costs for government agencies.
- Improved data sharing and operational efficiency through integrated systems.
- Better delivery of public services through digitization.
- Enhanced national cybersecurity capabilities.
- Growth of Uganda’s BPO sector supported by high-speed connectivity.
- Increased government revenue through monetization of the National Backbone Infrastructure.
1. UDAP – GovNet is a flagship government initiative aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Uganda. Funded by the World Bank, the project focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure, expanding internet access, and strengthening e-governance. It seeks to bridge digital divides and foster inclusive economic growth through technology. The project aligns with Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDP III 2021–2025) and the World Bank’s “Building Back Better” framework to promote economic resilience and digital governance.
The project is implemented by the National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U), in collaboration with government ministries, local authorities, development partners and private sector stakeholders.
- Expanding internet connectivity to public institutions and refugee communities.
- Strengthening digital public services for more effective service delivery.
- Promoting digital skills, economic empowerment, and responsible e-waste management.
- Creating synergies with energy and financial inclusion programs to improve socio-economic outcomes.
1. UDAP – GovNet is designed with sustainability at its core. Project champions and long-term partnerships are being established to ensure ongoing support for digital inclusion and e-government services.
The project has allocated a portion of the funds for environmental and social safeguards. NITA-U’s Environmental & Social (E&S) team is proactively identifying and integrating these considerations into project planning and implementation.
Stakeholders can support the project by partnering with NITA-U, advocating for digital inclusion, contributing to capacity-building efforts, or participating in community engagement and innovation initiatives.
