NITA-U launches UGHub, a Digital Platform that integrates all Gov’t agencies

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Government of Uganda through the National Information Technology Authority (NITA) Uganda launched UGHub, an Application, and Data Integration platform that has integrated Government Systems so as to enable seamless sharing of data in a rational, secure, efficient, and sustainable manner across the Government.

The platform has been developed with funding from the World Bank under the Regional Communication Infrastructure Program (RCIP). It cost USD$3.8 million (roughly UGX13.5 billion) for developing this platform.

While addressing journalists at the launch of the platform at NITA Uganda head offices, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, NITA Uganda Executive Director said, UGHub aims to unlock efficiency across Government MDAs leading to better service delivery for citizens.

“There will be no more need for a citizen to fill out multiple documents just to get a government service or make multiple visits to an office to follow up a service request. NITA Uganda aims to have citizens receive government services without necessarily having physical contact with government offices and therefore UGHub is a clear manifestation of that goal,” Mugasa explained.

The Acting Board Chairman of NITA Uganda, Hon. James Kyewalabye Kabajo said, “The Government having set up National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) and established the first tier-3 National Cloud Data Center with the capacity to host all Government systems, applications and data among others, Ugandans can now enjoy the fruits of the infrastructure through services like UGHub that enable to receive government services without necessarily having physical contact with government offices”

Kyewalabye said UGHub is one of the steps for the journey to improve service delivery using technology.
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NITA Uganda Director of e-Government Services Mr. Collin Mugasha said UGHub is one of the most strategic and important government-wide digital projects that will be the backbone for service delivery —making life easier for Ugandans.

To date, systems and applications from over 13 pilot Government MDAs have been integrated onto UGHub —this includes seven banks and financial institutions.

Mr. Julius Torach, the Commissioner of Information Technology, at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transforming citizens’ lives by deepening access to all services through harnessing the power of Information Technology. He said, “the government developed the National e-Government Policy in 2011 and UGHub is one of the foundation projects which has turned out to be a milestone in the development of e-Services in the country.”

UGHub will host e-services like Immigration, National ID, Driving Permits, KCCA, URA, among others in one portal to ease access to these services swiftly without the need for one to go to a physical office.

Mugasa thanked all the stakeholders; the World Bank, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Pilot Government entities, and the NITA-U staff that have been key in making UGhub a reality.