UCC Introduces New Framework to Curb Duplication of Utility Poles and Streamline Telecom Infrastructure
KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced a sweeping new regulatory framework aimed at addressing the chaotic duplication of utility poles and uncoordinated installation of fibre optic cables across the country.
Following widespread concerns raised by government entities and the public regarding the unsightly clutter of telecommunications infrastructure—particularly in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area—the Commission has moved to enforce stricter compliance measures.
Effective January 1, 2026, the newly established Framework for Optical Fibre Installation, Maintenance, Protection and Disposal mandates that all telecommunications operators obtain formal approval for their deployment plans before any installation begins.
“The Commission has directed all relevant stakeholders to streamline the installation and deployment of telecommunications infrastructure across service providers and sectors, thereby reducing clutter and improving the overall aesthetics of urban areas,” the UCC stated in a public notice.
Under the new guidelines, operators are required to coordinate their rollouts to ensure safety, efficiency, and order. The Commission emphasized the critical role of local governments in urban planning, urging that telecom infrastructure be properly integrated into road construction and other civil engineering projects from the outset.
While the UCC encourages operators to deploy infrastructure underground to preserve the urban landscape and enhance safety, it also issued a stern warning to civil works contractors. Officials noted that damage to existing fibre networks during roadworks often leads to significant disruptions in service availability and quality, and urged developers to exercise due care in protecting the existing facilities.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to collaborating with government bodies, local authorities, and industry stakeholders to ensure that Uganda’s telecommunications infrastructure remains orderly, safe, and future-ready.
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