NITA-U, Ministry of ICT & National Guidance Announce Launch of National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX) Kampala,
14th April, 2026 - The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U), in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, has officially announced the upcoming launch of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX). The launch will take place during an awareness and engagement workshop on Friday, 17th April, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala.
The NIPX is Uganda’s first neutral and open Internet Exchange Point (IXP). It enables Internet Service Providers (ISPs), content providers, cloud platforms, data centres, and government networks to exchange internet traffic locally and efficiently within the country. By keeping local traffic local, the platform is expected to significantly reduce latency, lower the cost of internet services, enhance network resilience, and strengthen Uganda’s digital sovereignty.
The launch represents a key deliverable under the Digital Uganda Strategy and Vision 2040. It addresses long-standing inefficiencies where even domestic internet traffic was routed through expensive international pathways before returning to Uganda, a situation that increased costs and reduced performance.
In his address, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance highlighted the NIPX’s strategic importance saying, “Today marks a bold and historic milestone in Uganda’s digital journey. With the launch of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX), Uganda is taking a decisive step toward achieving true digital sovereignty.
He stated that the Ministry had fulfilled its role as an enabler by working closely with NITA-U to deliver this critical national infrastructure which will firmly position Uganda as a competitive ICT hub within the East African region.
Furthermore, he urged all Internet Service Providers, content providers, and digital businesses to actively peer at the NIPX so that the government and private sector could work together to build a faster, cheaper, more secure, and resilient internet for every Ugandan.
The Minister’s remarks highlighted how the NIPX will attract investment, stimulate innovation, and create new economic opportunities, particularly for the youth and digital entrepreneurs.
Richard Obita Director Technical Services, NITA-U provided technical insight into the platform.
“The NIPX has been deliberately designed under neutral ownership where it is neither owned nor controlled by the government hence ensuring that no single entity holds controlling interest. This creates a genuine level playing field for all participants.”
He continued, “Instead of routing local traffic through expensive international carriers, networks can now interconnect directly within Uganda. This delivers three immediate benefits; significantly lower latency for faster user experience, reduced operational costs by minimising reliance on international bandwidth, and greater reliability even during international link disruptions. For the ordinary Ugandan, this means smoother video calls, faster access to e-government services, improved online learning, and eventually more affordable data packages.”
Godfrey Sserwamukoko, Chairman of the Internet Service Providers Association of Uganda (ISPAU), speaking on behalf of the private sector, applauded the development saying, “On behalf of the internet service industry, we commend the Ministry of ICT and NITA-U for this initiative. The NIPX provides a neutral and open platform that has the potential to optimise local traffic exchange and bring meaningful cost efficiencies. We look forward to active collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure maximum participation and to realise the full benefits of faster and more affordable internet services for businesses and citizens across Uganda.”
The NIPX operates on globally recognised best practices open peering, non-discriminatory access, and shared governance.
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About the National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U)
NITA-U is a statutory body under the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. Its mandate is to coordinate, promote, and monitor IT development in Uganda. NITA-U leads key e-government initiatives that support efficient service delivery, transparency, and data-driven governance. www.nita.go.ug
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Communications Office
National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U)
📧 communications@nita.go.ug | 📞 +256 417 801 053
