The phones are loaded with the renowned BlackBerry Enterprise Solutions, which enables users to have their emails directed to their mobile phones as long as they are in areas with Celtel network coverage or in countries with a roaming facility.
A user will pay a monthly fee of $50 (about Shs80, 000) to access the service, which translates into $10,000 (more than Shs16 million) per month for the 200 phones.
A press release said Dr Ham Mulira, the Information and Communication Technology minister signed on behalf of the government. He said the move marks a remarkable step in the government's vision to embrace e-government and service delivery improvement.
"As a minister, BlackBerry will help me to access my office mails while I am on the move and this will enhance my own and therefore my ministry's efficiency," he said.
Celtel Uganda's Marketing Director, Ms Cesear Mloka applauded the ICT ministry's move to embrace one of the latest technologies in Uganda's ICT industry.
"What this means is that delivery of services to the public will be greatly enhanced while productivity of government officials will increase," she said.
BlackBerry services, which are currently undergoing rigorous testing, would be unveiled to the public by the end of August, according to the telecommunications giant.
Quelle/Source: AllAfrica, 04.08.2007
