Kampala–Malaba fibre route boosts digital connectivity in East Africa

Bayobab Uganda has activated the Kampala–Malaba fibre route, creating the shortest and fastest digital corridor between Uganda’s capital and the Kenyan border via the Uganda Railway. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The 260-kilometre route was completed between December 2024 and February 2025. It represents a key milestone in MTN Group’s strategy to expand digital infrastructure across Africa.

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By using existing rail lines in collaboration with Uganda Railway, Bayobab deployed high-capacity fibre to ensure faster, more reliable internet access.

The new line links Kampala directly to Mombasa’s subsea cable stations through Bayobab Kenya’s backbone. This crucial connection enhances East Africa’s digital network resilience.

Kampala–Malaba fibre route unlocks regional opportunities

Juliet Nsubuga, Managing Director of Bayobab Uganda, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration. She stated that the project supports both local communities and global digital service providers.

“By integrating fibre along the railway, we’re enabling faster data delivery for ISPs, telecoms, and businesses that rely on stable, high-speed networks,” she said.

Uganda’s landlocked geography makes international fibre routes critical. This deployment offers a powerful alternative to existing systems with reduced latency and increased reliability.

Kampala–Malaba fibre route supports Uganda’s digital goals

Uganda Communications Commission, represented by Julianne Mweheire, welcomed the milestone. He noted that the route aligns with national efforts to expand access and reduce rural–urban digital gaps.

MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge shared real-world examples: farmers accessing weather data, startups testing cloud apps, and remote schools streaming science lessons. These scenarios reflect the benefits of improved connectivity.

The network supports over 1 terabyte of capacity and connects directly to key Kampala data centres, including Raxio, Airtel House, and MTN Uganda. These links enhance performance and interconnection for enterprise customers.

Bayobab reaffirmed its mission to build a pan-African digital ecosystem. This infrastructure supports cloud providers, hyperscalers, and businesses aiming to invest in Uganda’s growing digital economy.

Source: www.independent.co.ug

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