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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 26517, member: 2262"] East African countries in the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs) have agreed to create a shared communication and broadcasting satellite. This will help improve digital connection and broadcasting services across the region. Officials made this decision at a meeting in Juba, South Sudan, on February 24-25, 2025. The meeting brought together top government officials responsible for ICT infrastructure from several countries. Dr. Aminah Zawedde from Uganda's Ministry of ICT led the meeting, which was attended by people from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda. The leaders of these countries first requested this project at the 14th NCIP Summit. The satellite offers a cheaper way to solve problems with Digital Terrestrial Television access, internet connection in rural areas, and regional broadcasting. As Africa goes through rapid digital changes, this satellite will be important for internet access, electronic government services, and digital programs. It will reduce the need to pay for expensive foreign satellite services. Dr. Zawedde said Uganda strongly supports regional digital progress. She explained that the satellite project fits with Uganda's National Development Plan priorities: agriculture industry, tourism, mineral development, science, technology, and ICT. "We are fully committed to coordinating and monitoring the progress of this strategic initiative, ensuring that the Heads of State directives on ICT integration within NCIPs are effectively implemented," she stated. The meeting approved the satellite project. Technical teams must finish the plan and find the money for a study to determine whether the project can work. The countries noted that current rules already allow for creating satellites, but changes can be made later if needed. The satellite should provide affordable, good internet for schools, health centers, businesses, and people in rural areas. This will help close the digital gap and support economic growth, digital access for all, and regional stability. The Northern Corridor connects Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Kenya's Port of Mombasa. It serves more than 120 million people. Leaders first ordered the satellite project at the 3rd NCIP Summit. The project matches broader regional goals for ICT infrastructure, helping East Africa stay ahead in technology and economic teamwork. During the meeting, Dr. Zawedde and the Uganda team visited Uganda's Ambassador to South Sudan, Gen. Ronnie Balya. They talked about ongoing work between the two countries to strengthen regional diplomatic and technology connections. [/QUOTE]

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