By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
The government has entered into a landmark partnership with Rowad Capital Commercial (RCC), a Dubai-based firm, to revive Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited (UTCL).
The agreement, signed on Friday, October 25, at State House Entebbe, was witnessed by President Kaguta Museveni, marking a significant step toward revitalizing Uganda’s telecommunications sector.
The collaboration aims to modernize UTCL, enhancing its capacity to deliver quality telecom services domestically and across borders. The agreement was formalized by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, on behalf of the Ugandan government.
In his address, President Museveni emphasized the government’s priority of fostering job creation and economic growth through strategic partnerships.
“Our main interest is to get investors to create wealth and jobs,” he stated, underlining the administration’s commitment to stimulating employment opportunities for Ugandans.
Dr. Baryomunsi expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for his role in driving the partnership forward, acknowledging his dedication to the telecommunications sector.
“I would like to express my appreciation to our President Yoweri Museveni, who has worked hard to see that we bring new life to UTCL. He has been personally involved in ensuring that this partnership matures to reality,” he said.
He further pledged to offer RCC unwavering support in its mission to strengthen UTCL into a viable and robust telecom entity.
Mr. Chaher Al Taki, CEO and Managing Director of RCC, voiced his excitement at the partnership’s fruition and expressed a desire to further expand RCC’s presence in Uganda. “Uganda is our second home, and we can invest in more projects here as we had promised,” he remarked.
Also expressing his appreciation, RCC Chairman Mr Kantu Moses thanked President Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Museveni, and Evelyn Anite, the minister of state for investment and Privatisation, for their sustained guidance and support.
The event saw attendance from other key government officials, including Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (General Duties), who reinforced the government’s commitment to providing the necessary frameworks for public-private partnerships that advance national development goals.
With this partnership, the government aims to harness RCC’s expertise to transform UTCL into a competitive telecommunications player in the region, potentially opening further investment avenues in Uganda.
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