• Uganda to launch first national internet exchange point (NIPX)
• Platform to keep domestic traffic local, reducing costs and latency
• Initiative aims to boost ICT growth, investment, digital services

Uganda’s National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, on Monday announced the upcoming deployment of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX), the country’s first Internet exchange point.

The platform is expected to streamline the routing of domestic digital traffic and improve the efficiency of Uganda’s Internet ecosystem.

@NITAUganda1 in collaboration with @MoICT_Ug have officially announced the launch of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX) scheduled to take place this Friday, 17th April, at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

As Uganda’s first neutral and open Internet Exchange Point (IXP), the NIPX… pic.twitter.com/aLH7YgzImJ

— NITA-Uganda (@NITAUganda1) April 15, 2026

Speaking to reporters, Minister of State for National Guidance Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku said the NIPX would position Uganda as a competitive ICT hub in East Africa and beyond. He added that the infrastructure is expected to attract investment, support innovation, and boost the development of local digital content and services, while creating new economic opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs.

Scheduled for official launch on Friday, April 17, the NIPX will function as a national interconnection hub, allowing internet service providers, content platforms, public networks, and private operators to exchange traffic locally.

Until now, much of Uganda’s domestic Internet traffic was routed through infrastructure abroad before returning to the country, increasing costs and latency. The new system aims to keep this traffic within national borders, reducing costs and improving network performance.

The project falls under the Uganda Vision 2040 framework, which prioritizes digital transformation, science, and innovation as key drivers of economic growth.

It also underscores the government’s push to strengthen digital sovereignty, modernize the ICT sector, and enhance the country’s appeal to digital economy investors.

Authorities say the NIPX is expected to lower international connectivity costs, improve service speed and quality, and strengthen the resilience of the national network against external disruptions. For users, this should translate into smoother online experiences, particularly in communications, e-government services, and education.

Samira Njoya