Technological Distribution in Uganda: Information and Communications Technology and the State in an Eastern African Nation

Abstract

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) include old technologies-such as the radio and the television-as well as newer technologies-such as the Internet and wireless telephony. This study considers the process that the government of Uganda has used to adopt and implement ICT policy. This study also considers the techniques which the government of Uganda has used to distribute ICTS in public locations such as government offices, schools, and hospitals. In particular, this study attempts to consider the political motivations for distribution. The Ugandan government's attempt to distribute this technology reflects strengths in the area of distribution of artefacts, particularly to rural areas. Information and communications technologies are an important part of the Ugandan economy. In addition, ICTs strengthen the ability of citizens to communicate with each other across regional and language borders through shared access points. Methodologically, this paper uses the case study method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with politicians, policy makers, civil society activists, citizens, academics, medical personnel, regional government officials, and business people. This paper argues that politicians use ICTs as a component of a basket of goods and services that they can distribute to witnessing publics. This paper argues that ICT should be viewed as a type of infrastructure, and that as a public good, it can be used as a "club" good or "pork." Although several authors discuss the potential of ICTs as democratizing, this paper documents that the Ugandan government has employed ICTs in oppressive ways, including for the surveillance of opposition leaders, and for social control. bs_bs_banner 836 Warigia M. Bowman TIC deben ser vistas como un tipo de infraestructura, y que como un bien público, pueden usarse como un "club" bueno o "cerdo". Además, aunque mucha literatura discute el potencial de las TIC como democratizadoras, Este documento documenta que el gobierno de Uganda ha empleado las TIC de manera opresiva, incluso para la vigilancia de los líderes de la oposición y para el control social.

E-Booster Uganda: Towards an Inclusive Digital Economy in Uganda Through Provision of ICT Services to The Underserved and Unserved Communities

“…It sets policies and standards to ensure that telecommunication operators and service providers expand their networks and services to underserved and unserved areas (Walyemera, 2022). The Commission also helps to promote universal access through planning, administering and overseeing universal access programs aimed at extending telecommunication and internet services to remote and marginalized communities in the country (Bowman, 2019). This involves subsidizing infrastructure development in areas where commercial viability is low.…”