Driving Uganda’s Digital Transformation Through Strategic Fibre Infrastructure
Bayobab Uganda, a subsidiary of MTN Group, has officially launched its newest and shortest fibre optic route spanning from Kampala to Malaba. This groundbreaking project, completed between December 2024 and February 2025, signifies a major leap forward in cross-border digital connectivity across the East African region. By leveraging this high-speed, high-capacity network, Uganda strengthens its link to Kenya and gains a direct route to Mombasa’s subsea cable landing stations—solidifying the nation’s access to international internet and digital services.
Enhancing Cross-Border Connectivity from Kampala to Mombasa
Stretching 260 kilometers from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, to Malaba on the Kenyan border via Tororo, the newly deployed fibre optic route is a crucial segment of East Africa’s digital corridor. Built along the Uganda Railway line, this initiative aligns with Bayobab’s broader strategy of utilizing existing national infrastructure to accelerate broadband deployment and reduce costs. The connection integrates seamlessly with Bayobab Kenya’s recently launched Mombasa to Malaba/Busia fibre route—completing an efficient digital highway from Kampala to the Indian Ocean port city.
This upgrade offers significant improvements in network redundancy, low-latency data transmission, and overall internet reliability, addressing the pressing demand for dependable digital infrastructure in a landlocked nation that relies on cross-border links for global connectivity.
Empowering Communities with High-Speed Internet Access
Juliet Nsubuga, Managing Director of Bayobab Uganda, highlighted the transformative impact of this new route on communities along the Kampala–Malaba corridor. “We recognized the need for sustainable, reliable internet and responded by deploying fibre using the existing railway network. This enhances connectivity not only within Uganda but across regional borders,” she stated.
The new line enables a wide range of stakeholders—including telecom providers, ISPs, tech firms, and digital startups—to access high-capacity internet services, fostering innovation and productivity throughout urban and rural communities alike.
Aligning with Uganda’s National Digital Agenda
The project aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s vision to digitize public and private services, bridge the digital divide, and foster inclusive digital growth. Julianne Mweheire, Director of Industry Affairs and Content Development at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), lauded the development, noting that it boosts redundancy in Uganda’s existing internet infrastructure.
“This new fibre route supports our goal of expanding equitable access to digital services across Uganda,” she said. “It provides a vital link that increases bandwidth availability and resilience while helping mitigate service disruptions.”
Fueling Innovation and the Digital Economy
The Kampala–Malaba fibre route represents more than just improved internet speeds; it’s a foundation for Africa’s digital future. Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, emphasized how the fibre line is already unlocking opportunities for Ugandans in agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, and more.
“From farmers using real-time weather updates to make informed decisions, to students in remote villages accessing virtual classrooms, this is the reality of a connected Uganda,” Mulinge noted. “It’s about enabling every citizen to thrive in a modern digital world.”
Supporting Hyperscalers, ISPs, and Tech Enterprises
Bayobab’s infrastructure is designed to serve not just end-users but also large-scale digital players. The new Kampala–Malaba route supports over 1 terabyte of data capacity and connects efficiently to leading data centers in Kampala, including Raxio, Airtel House, and MTN Uganda.
This reliable backbone opens new doors for hyperscalers, cloud service providers, and enterprise tech firms seeking to invest and operate in East Africa. The infrastructure allows seamless interconnectivity, supports data localization, and strengthens regional competitiveness in the digital economy.
Diversifying Routes for Resilience and Reliability
One of the standout advantages of this new route is its contribution to network diversity. As a secondary path to existing fibre connections through Busia–Jinja–Kampala and other corridors, it provides alternative routing that helps mitigate network congestion and ensures service continuity in case of disruptions.
This initiative also enhances disaster resilience and adds flexibility to Uganda’s and East Africa’s telecom infrastructure—vital in a region where digital services are critical for economic, health, and educational systems.
A Pan-African Vision of Digital Connectivity
Bayobab Uganda’s efforts reflect a larger mission within MTN Group to enable Africa’s digital transformation. With an extensive presence in over 50 African countries and more than 70 Points of Presence (PoPs) across Africa, Europe, and Asia, Bayobab is building the foundation for a unified digital economy.
The company’s expanding fibre footprint supports rising demands from telecommunications providers, content delivery networks, fintech companies, and cloud service operators—playing a crucial role in interconnecting markets and driving economic development across the continent.
Conclusion: Connecting Africa, Empowering Uganda
The launch of Bayobab Uganda’s Kampala–Malaba fibre optic route represents a major infrastructure win for the region, transforming Uganda from a landlocked challenge into a digitally empowered nation. It provides faster, more resilient internet, supports Uganda’s national digital strategy, and paves the way for greater regional integration.
As Uganda continues to digitize its services and invest in smart infrastructure, this milestone sets a new benchmark in East Africa’s journey toward universal digital inclusion, innovation, and economic prosperity.
About Bayobab
Bayobab, an MTN Group company, is a leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider. With a strong legacy of excellence, the company partners locally and globally to deliver next-generation digital services across the continent. Bayobab supports cross-border connectivity, powering Africa’s transformation by linking over 50 countries through its proprietary networks and strategic collaborations.
