I've been away from Uganda for a bit, but wasn't our Minister of ICT someone from our community?
I know Badru (Ntege) and others have always had the President's ear via a technical roundtable. I'm not aware of the current state of that vehicle, but certainly, it appears that the community needs to create and send leadership into government to fight for the interests of telecommunications. Not that that leadership does not exist already, but maybe it needs to be more visible, and/or needs more help from those on the ground. Mark. On 16/Mar/17 10:33, Joe Willrich Lutalo wrote: > > Nice. It's a mixture of political and economic problems. Now the debate... > > *Qstn*: What can you, as a technocrat do about it? > > Whenever problems of this sort are presented, it would be beneficial > (to the collective - or even our communities), to likewise propose > some potential solutions; What's the way forward? > > No matter how incapacitated we might seem to be, we do have the > potential to ideate solutions, and who knows, perhaps effect them one > way or another. > > We don't live in a meritocracy nor a technocracy (and perhaps Uganda > doesn't need one), but considering who's present on this list - yes, I > know who you are, I believe we have the potential to report to those > in power, or even assume positions of power in the long-run (the next > round of elections isn't far, and technocrats running for office isn't > something far-fetched - see what the Trump saga has spawned - an > active debate about scientists having to actively engage in > politics)[1][2]. > > Perhaps setup an advocacy? Write and promote blogs critical of policy? > Technically sponsor proper governance? Educate the masses in more > effective way? Damn, run for office! > > There's things we can definitely do, instead of just crying foul, > returning to our editors and routers, and thinking and acting as > though the REAL problems of our society remain insulated from us, or > that we can't even do a thing! > > All that said, it's definitely not true that having a technocracy is > guaranteed to deliver us unto some sort of utopia - heck, even being a > good leader in and of itself, has little to do with being an expert in > some elitist domain such as tech, medicine or law - see [3] > > If you are going to be complaining about society, the economy, > politics, et cetera, and yet don't even want to consider the > possibility of getting actively involved, then perhaps you should > recognize you have no right to even be complaining in the first place. > Sounds rude? I think it'd help solve most of our problems sooner than > later. > > > [1] > https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/01/thanks-to-trump-scientists-are-planning-to-run-for-office/514229/ > > [2] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13482182 > > [3] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13482427 > > > On 16-Mar-17 10:27 AM, Kizito Thomas wrote: >> My contribution: >> Before we consider the price of internet in Uganda as compared to >> other neighboring countries, lets consider the cost of delivering >> internet in Uganda as compared to our neighboring countries. >> 1) How much is the cost of fuel in Uganda compared to Kenya, Mauritius? >> 2) What is the percentage of Road Network versus topology in >> Uganda... generally what is the cost of travelling to Teleco BTS sites? >> 3) What are the regulatory requirements to join Internet business in >> Uganda compared to neighboring countries? Basically what are the >> license fees.... not forgetting the hardships in getting the license >> in Uganda? >> 4) How does our business politics compare with neighboring countries >> 5) Who is the biggest consumer of Internet in Uganda and how long >> does he take to pay? >> Lets think along these lines and find a ground of whether to blame >> our Telecos or Our government. Otherwise I dont want to blame yet! >> >> On 16 March 2017 at 10:02, Joe Willrich Lutalo <[email protected] >> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> >> And while at it, have you also considered the fact that Uganda's >> stance in the regional (as well as global) market/econ is so >> terrible? Look to the trends and stats around our currency and >> performance of the Economy in general, and you'll notice we'd not >> be crying, had we a better local currency or bargaining power. >> >> IMO, therein lies the core of the problem, not just in telecom >> products and services, but this pervades all things we pay for, >> that rely on foreign exchange. It's a bigger problem than mere >> IT/tech biz. >> >> J. >> >> >> On 16-Mar-17 9:55 AM, Mark Tinka wrote: >>> The telecommunications landscape in Uganda needs much better >>> policy (reform). >>> >>> In Africa, the more inland you are, the higher your cost of >>> Internet access. It is not an excuse, but regulation and policy >>> reform are the ways to fix that. I think this is an area that is >>> sorely lacking in our country. >>> >>> Mark. >>> >>> On 16/Mar/17 07:44, David Okwii wrote: >>>> Obel, >>>> >>>> If it boils down to a game of numbers, Mauritius which is an >>>> african state with a GDP of 11.93 billion USD (2013) has a >>>> total population of 1.296 million people -- that's the entire >>>> country, which isn't even Kampala's population (of 3 million?). >>>> >>>> Okay monthly tariff of 30 Mbps with Mauritius Telecom (MT), the >>>> country’s incumbent broadband operator, is MUR 1,499 (USD 43 ~ >>>> Ugx 150,000) which is almost in the same range as Zuku >>>> Kenya's 20Mbps unlimited. >>>> >>>> I know you are about to introduce in another variable -- >>>> landlocked vs coastal countries :) >>>> >>>> @Zulu everyone pays taxes everywhere. >>>> >>>> On Wed, Mar 15, 2017 at 6:38 PM, Angello Obel <[email protected] >>>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>> >>>> It is likely to do with profits and margins. The gap in >>>> wireless data between Uganda and Kenya is significantly >>>> smaller. Though Uganda's is still twice as expensive. This >>>> is also likely because of the same reason. >>>> Nairobi has a lot going for it compared to kampala, Incomes >>>> are higher, the population is about twice as large, it has >>>> many more planned high density neighbourhoods and >>>> residences like apartment buildings. This means larger >>>> demand and a lower cost of deploying network >>>> infrastructure. Add to that the access to cheaper financing ... >>>> Basically the Ugandan telecoms need to have charge more to >>>> their fewer customers to remain profitable as compared to >>>> kenyans. You don't even have to look outside Uganda to see >>>> this effect. Wireless data, with a lot of customers is much >>>> cheaper than fibre in Uganda. For instance you can get an >>>> unlimited 12mbps fibre connection from tangerine at 1200$ >>>> <http://tangerine.co.ug/data-plans/#vas-anchor> for that >>>> same price you could get 800GB, of faster LTE data from >>>> MTN. Sure 800gb is not unlimited but for many people it >>>> practically is. >>>> >>>> On Wed, 15 Mar 2017 at 17:57 Richard Zulu >>>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>> >>>> David, >>>> >>>> How about looking at it from the perspective of the >>>> ISP? Have you tried analysing the taxes that come with >>>> service provision? My assumption is that there might be >>>> some pointers there. >>>> >>>> >>>> --------------- >>>> Richard Zulu >>>> Lead, Outbox <http://www.outbox.co.ug> >>>> Technology entrepreneurship and innovation >>>> 4th Floor, Soliz House, Lumumba Avenue, >>>> Kampala, Uganda >>>> +256392000152 <tel:+256%2039%202000152> >>>> www.outbox.co.ug <http://www.outbox.co.ug> >>>> Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/OutboxHub> Twitter >>>> <http://www.twitter.com/OutboxHub> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Wed, Mar 15, 2017 at 5:36 PM, David Okwii >>>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>>> >>>> Hello, >>>> >>>> I've come to ponder on this question for a while >>>> now without very satisfying answers and I would >>>> appreciate some pointers from people working with >>>> ISP/Govt authorities in the sector. >>>> >>>> Here's the thing; 20Mbps unlimited by Zuku fibre >>>> (http://zuku.co.ke/internet/fiber-packages >>>> <http://zuku.co.ke/internet/fiber-packages>) is >>>> only 4,499 Ksh (Ugx 157,465). Safaricom >>>> Fibre-To-Home has almost similar packages. That >>>> amount in comparison only gives you about 15GB on >>>> any mobile telecom in Uganda. >>>> >>>> 1Mbps unlimited link by most telecom in Uganda is >>>> about $325 (Ugx 1,200,000). So our neighbors in >>>> Kenya are getting 10 times more bandwidth at about >>>> 7 times less the amount!!! The gap is too huge to >>>> ignore. Please I would like to know why if anyone >>>> is in position to answer. Thanks. >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Thanks & regards, >>>> David Okwii, >>>> Mobile(default): +256-791-040-262 >>>> >>>> Christ in me the Hope of Glory(Col.1:27) >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> The Uganda Linux User Group: http://linux.or.ug >>>> >>>> Send messages to this mailing list by addressing >>>> e-mails to: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>> Mailing list archives: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>> <http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/> >>>> Mailing list settings: >>>> http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug >>>> <http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug> >>>> To unsubscribe: http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug >>>> <http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug> >>>> >>>> The Uganda LUG mailing list is generously hosted by >>>> INFOCOM: http://www.infocom.co.ug/ >>>> >>>> The above comments and data are owned by whoever >>>> posted them (including attachments if any). The >>>> mailing list host is not responsible for them in >>>> any way. >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> The Uganda Linux User Group: http://linux.or.ug >>>> >>>> Send messages to this mailing list by addressing >>>> e-mails to: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>> Mailing list archives: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>> <http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/> >>>> Mailing list settings: >>>> http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug >>>> <http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug> >>>> To unsubscribe: http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug >>>> <http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug> >>>> >>>> The Uganda LUG mailing list is generously hosted by >>>> INFOCOM: http://www.infocom.co.ug/ >>>> >>>> The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted >>>> them (including attachments if any). The mailing list >>>> host is not responsible for them in any way. >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Angello Obel | Systems Engineer | Director >>>> Global Capital & Infrastructure Fund Partners >>>> Mobile: +256 794 320 345; +256 776 320 345 >>>> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> | Skype: nabs2kx >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> The Uganda Linux User Group: http://linux.or.ug >>>> >>>> Send messages to this mailing list by addressing e-mails >>>> to: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>> Mailing list archives: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>> <http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/> >>>> Mailing list settings: http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug >>>> <http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug> >>>> To unsubscribe: http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug >>>> <http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug> >>>> >>>> The Uganda LUG mailing list is generously hosted by >>>> INFOCOM: http://www.infocom.co.ug/ >>>> >>>> The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted >>>> them (including attachments if any). The mailing list host >>>> is not responsible for them in any way. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Thanks & regards, >>>> David Okwii, >>>> Mobile(default): +256-791-040-262 >>>> >>>> Christ in me the Hope of Glory(Col.1:27) >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> The Uganda Linux User Group: http://linux.or.ug >>> >>> Send messages to this mailing list by addressing e-mails to: >>> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>> Mailing list archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>> <http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/> >>> Mailing list settings: http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug >>> <http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug> >>> To unsubscribe: http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug >>> <http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug> >>> >>> The Uganda LUG mailing list is generously hosted by INFOCOM: >>> http://www.infocom.co.ug/ >>> >>> The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including >>> attachments if any). The mailing list host is not responsible for them in >>> any way. >> >> -- >> >> Joseph Willrich Lutalo >> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> | +256704464749 >> <tel:0704%20464749> >> Founder, CTO >> NuChwezi. >> >> Let's build a new civilization together... >> >> _______________________________________________ The Uganda Linux >> User Group: http://linux.or.ug Send messages to this mailing list >> by addressing e-mails to: [email protected] >> <mailto:[email protected]> Mailing list archives: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> <http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/> Mailing list >> settings: http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug >> <http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug> To unsubscribe: >> http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug >> <http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug> The Uganda LUG mailing list >> is generously hosted by INFOCOM: http://www.infocom.co.ug/ The >> above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them >> (including attachments if any). The mailing list host is not >> responsible for them in any way. >> >> -- >> ..................... Kizito Thomas Tel: +256 782 062708 +256 >> 712 929564 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> The Uganda Linux User Group: http://linux.or.ug >> >> Send messages to this mailing list by addressing e-mails to: [email protected] >> Mailing list archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> Mailing list settings: http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug >> To unsubscribe: http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug >> >> The Uganda LUG mailing list is generously hosted by INFOCOM: >> http://www.infocom.co.ug/ >> >> The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including >> attachments if any). The mailing list host is not responsible for them in >> any way. > -- > > Joseph Willrich Lutalo > [email protected] | +256704464749 > Founder, CTO > NuChwezi. > > Let's build a new civilization together...
_______________________________________________ The Uganda Linux User Group: http://linux.or.ug Send messages to this mailing list by addressing e-mails to: [email protected] Mailing list archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Mailing list settings: http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug To unsubscribe: http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug The Uganda LUG mailing list is generously hosted by INFOCOM: http://www.infocom.co.ug/ The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including attachments if any). The mailing list host is not responsible for them in any way.
