Nyombi Thembo, a shrewd politician and an economist is no stranger to the corporate corridors at Uganda Communications Commission headquarters in Bugolobi, an affluent Kampala suburb.
Before his appointment as new executive director, Nyombi has been serving as Director of the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) since January 2017 under the close watch of his predecessor and former boss, Ms Irene Kaggwa Ssewankambo.
Ms Kaggwa continues in her substantive role as Director of Engineering and Communications Infrastructure.
Ms Kaggwa took over from Godfrey Mutabazi in February 2020, and her tenure in an acting capacity lasted for nearly four years with long ticks and remarkable achievements to her name.
“On my part, it has been an honour to serve UCC, the sector, my country and the global industry,” Kaggwa wrote on her X official account on November 24.
She has vast experience in the ICT sector spanning policy development, research, regulation and implementation in various aspects such as internet, licensing, universal access, and quality of service.
Airtel’s Public Relations Manager, David Birungi is grateful for Engineer Kaggwa’s service rendered to the ICT sector.
Birungi credits Ms Kaggwa for the implementation of the National Broadband policy, especially the listing of the major telecom players and the allocation of 5G spectrum.
Ms Kaggwa oversaw the launch of the cutting-edge 5G network technology revolution spearheaded by Uganda’s telecom sector this year, and digital innovations within the radio and television space.
Even in her last days as Acting Executive Director, she was at the forefront of Airtel’s listing on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), following the listing of MTN in 2021.
The listing of the two major telecoms in the country was a requirement under the National Broadband Policy launched in 2018 requiring telecoms to list at least their 20 per cent shareholding on USE.
In the public arena, Ms Kaggwa led an active corporate life appearing on major discussion panels.
Given her background as a telecom engineer, she would respond with ease to some of the most complex questions relating to cyber fraud and other hair-raising matters plaguing the ICT sector. It is therefore not surprising her exit led to mixed public reviews, especially for Ugandans on Elon Musk’s X social platform where she’s a digital native.
During her reign, the telecom sector blossomed. Telecom revenues reached UGX 4.26 trillion in 2020 and grew to UGX 4.87 trillion in 2022. She also helped reduce the cost of a gigabit per second (GB/s) to UGX 5000, and the growth of internet subscriptions to 26 million among other key achievements.
Long road ahead for Nyombi Thembo
Nyombi faces a long road ahead, and perhaps he will still face the controversial public question of Facebook’s closure in Uganda.
Facebook, away from social interactions, remains a lifeline for many Ugandan businesses cashing in on digital marketing and sales.
The social media platform was blocked by the Ugandan government in 2021, but still boasts the highest number of users in Uganda at 1.85 million as of February which is a drop from 2.5 million users in 2022, according to data published in Meta’s advertising resources from Datareportal.com.
A large number of Ugandans, including some government agencies and private companies use Virtual Private Networks to access the platform.
It is anticipated that opening the platform could unlock more revenue, and let the digital economy thrive.
Nyombi’s political boss, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the ICT and National Guidance Minister has on several occasions during media interviews tasked Ugandan innovators to develop “their own Facebook”, a cryptic message to remind innovators of “African solutions to African problems.”
Telecoms have also voiced concerns over high taxes on smart devices limiting affordability and internet penetration.
For instance, MTN, in its 2022 financial results noted that its engaging authorities on the reduction of taxes charged on smartphone devices to increase smartphone affordability and access.
URA data shows taxes levied on smartphones are dependent on the type of smartphone and the country of origin. For instance, Import Duty is 10 per cent, Value Added Tax (VAT) at 18 per cent, Withholding Tax (WHT) at 6 per cent and Infrastructural Levy at 1.5 per cent, giving a total of 35.5 per cent.
“We would like to see affirmative action taken about the cost of terminal devices, especially smartphones,” Airtel’s Birungi says.
An average smartphone with inbuilt applications costs UGX 150,000 (USD41.3) on the market, a cost which is high compared to what most Ugandans earn vis a- vis other living costs.
A 2021 national labour force survey conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics revealed that about 20 million people engaged in gainful employment earn UGX 200,000. Telecoms have been at the forefront of delivering the country’s digitisation agenda by innovating and growing access to ICT solutions in the transformative sectors of the economy.
“Thanks all for the wonderful congratulatory messages,” Nyombi wrote on his official X platform account on November 26.
In response, one Hakim Kanyere commented, “Congratulations but start with reversing the decision to disconnect unverified numbers, because it affects the economy, not all Ugandans have National IDs, and NIRA is also challenged by resources they cannot print more IDs.”
Kaahwa Martin Isaac, Kabalega radio station manager in Hoima District says Nyombi should streamline the broadcasting industry.
“He [Nyombi] should address the proliferation of the spectrum…too many radio stations for a small market. Many are now struggling to pay workers,” Mr Kaahwa said.
The right man for the job?
Mr. Nyombi’s illustrious career spans both the political arena and various key roles in the public and private sectors, culminating in his current position as the esteemed head of UCC.
Before assuming his pivotal role at the UCC, Mr. Nyombi carved a distinguished path in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2015.
During his tenure, he showcased his leadership prowess by undertaking ministerial responsibilities in the Ugandan Cabinet, presiding over crucial portfolios such as Primary Education, Luwero Triangle, and Information and Communications Technology.
Before venturing into the realm of politics, Mr. Nyombi demonstrated his commitment to public service and strategic planning.
In the early 1990s, he held progressive roles at the Uganda Railways Corporation, including positions as an analyst, planning officer, and senior planning officer in Strategic Planning.
Subsequently, he extended his influence as a Project Coordinator for the Transport Rehabilitation Project (Railway Component) and as a Transport Database Specialist at the prestigious Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
His dynamic engagement in public administration was further highlighted by his role as the Chairman of the Finance and Administration Committee of the Kampala City Council from 1997 to 2001, which is now known as KCCA.
Mr. Nyombi’s multifaceted background is accentuated by his extensive education and diverse experiences, positioning him as a dynamic, strategic thinker, and accomplished leader.
His notable leadership as Minister of State, ICT (Communication), overseeing the pivotal analogue to digital migration and the enactment of the UCC Act, 2013, alongside subsequent regulations, reflects his deep impact on the communications landscape.
Additionally, his transformative role as the Director of the Uganda Communications Universal Access and Service Fund (UCUSAF) underscores his commitment to advancing the communications sector in Uganda.
Beyond the confines of regulatory expertise, Mr. Nyombi is a passionate participant in the creative industry.
His involvement in music, dance, and drama goes beyond mere hobbies, as he is not only a director and founder member of Ndere Troupe Limited but also a distinguished playwright, songwriter, and producer.
This commitment to the arts earned him the prestigious title of Best Actor in Uganda in 1985 by the Uganda Theatrical Groups Association (UTGA).
UCC indicates this unique blend of regulatory expertise and creative involvement encapsulates Mr. Nyombi’s dynamic and well-rounded leadership in the diverse communications sector, bringing immense value to the authoritative regulator of the communications landscape in Uganda.
As night follows day, it remains to be seen what Nyombi brings to the table at UCC.
All eyes on him.