President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to classify telecommunications towers as critical national infrastructure to curb increasing cases of vandalism and theft that threaten service delivery across Uganda.
He made the commitment during a meeting at State House Entebbe with officials from American Tower Uganda (ATC Uganda), led by Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
The President announced plans to integrate surveillance cameras on telecom towers with the national police monitoring system to enhance real-time oversight and improve response to security threats.
“I will give an order to the police so we can have a camera network on each of these towers, linked with the existing police surveillance system,” said President Museveni. “Those cameras can provide zonal oversight from command centers.”
He further recommended legal reforms to deter vandalism. “If we add legal administrative orders of no bail to the criminals and vandals, it will serve as a deterrent,” he said.
Museveni also encouraged telecom companies to reinforce tower security using tamper-proof materials and install cameras at their own cost. “Add a cage made of material that’s not attractive to thieves like concrete poles so the vandals struggle to reach,” he advised.
ATC Uganda CEO Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda welcomed the President’s proposals and pledged the company’s support.
“We are committed to securing our towers and supporting national development,” she said.
Kabagambe detailed the company’s investment in Uganda’s telecom infrastructure, citing over Shs4.5 trillion spent on building more than 4,500 towers used by providers like MTN and Airtel.
She also emphasized the towers’ role in rural economic empowerment. “We work with over 5,000 landlords who earn more than Shs55 million monthly. This has improved household incomes, especially in rural areas,” she said.
However, she raised concerns about the more than 1,000 tower sites that remain off-grid due to their remote locations. She urged the government to prioritize electricity extension to these towers.
“Over the past 12 years, we have invested Shs120 billion to connect towers to the grid, extending over 2,200 kilometers of electricity lines,” she said. “Once a tower is electrified, everyone along the path benefits.”
President Museveni backed the proposal. “I totally agree and that one, we shall do,” he said.
Kabagambe also emphasized ATC Uganda’s local roots and called for stronger legal protections and partnerships. “This company is built by Ugandans, for Uganda. Though our shareholders are in Boston, we are deeply rooted here,” she said.
The meeting was also attended by George William Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission.
ATC Uganda operates as a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, a global leader in telecom infrastructure.