OPINION: Expensive internet in Uganda and why the government needs to tame its excessive appetite Despite the Government’s expression in the National Broadband Policy of its understanding of the importance of internet connectivity as a critical factor of production essential for business continuity, healthcare, education and government services, there is a disconnect between this aspiration and the country’s tax policy in relation to internet connectivity.

Uganda has one of the highest costs of the internet in the region largely attributed to high taxation. As we set out in this publication, it is time for the government to re-examine its policy stance on the taxation of internet connectivity services in Uganda to make it more affordable. Imported internet  Prior to selling internet connectivity services to customers in Uganda, the Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”) import the same either via satellites or fibre optics. As we expound further in this article, at this point of importation of this internet by the ISPs, there is imposed a tax known…