Dr. James Saaka, the head of the National Information Technology Authority (NITA), told MPs on the parliamentary committee on ICT that the initiative would decrease government operational costs and increase Internet access in remote areas.
It will also check absenteeism in government departments and agencies, connect all districts to the Internet and provide low-cost bandwidth throughout the country.
Read more: UG: National ICT backbone ready in October, says NITA chief
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda told the 1st National Communications Conference that the first and second phase of laying the country's long awaited completion of the government fibre optic cable commonly known as the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure cable was complete.
"Now, we're carrying out a forensic and security audit. There were rumors about the type of cable that was laid. We found it to be fine. The actual switch on date will be this October," Rugunda explained to ICT stakeholders.
Information Communication Technology minister, Ruhakana Rugunda launched the Government unified messaging and Collaboration Platform at NITA-U.
The data Centre is part of the IT infrastructure that will host key Government applications starting with secure messaging and collaboration systems.
"A consultant has been selected to make a technical audit to see if government got value for money," Mr Nyombi said at a meeting to discuss Uganda's digital broadcasting migration, in Kampala yesterday. "The contractor has accepted to fill the gaps in case of any inadequacy that is detected," he added.
Read more: UG: Inquiry Into National Internet Project Starts
The SMS and online service – all of which can be got over the mobile phone – will help members get information from anywhere, limiting the long journeys to the Fund’s office to seek clarification. To access balances through the sms platform, customers are required to type their NSSF number and send to 6773. Each SMS will cost Shs 220.
Read more: UG: National Social Security Fund launches online platform