Uganda is the first country in East Africa to have 5G technology thanks to a trial by China's ZTE and MTN Uganda.

KAMPALA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's ZTE and MTN Uganda on Friday started 5G technology trial here to be the first who brings the Standalone 5G network into reality in east Africa as the region awaits its commercial rollout.

Uganda's Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda(L) shakes hands with a robot that uses the 5G network during the 5G technology trial ceremony in Kampala, Capital of Uganda, Jan. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping)

Uganda's Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, who was the chief guest at the launch, said the government supports the development of new technology provided it will solve people's challenges and make life easier and affordable.

He was optimistic that technologies like 5G will have an impact on the economic development of the country.

Godfrey Mutabazi, executive director of the Uganda Communication Commission, said that as a regulator of the communications sector, they are working to ensure that there is an appropriate infrastructure that supports 5G.

"If we accept this technology, this country will be the best in Africa," Mutabazi said, noting that Uganda is the first country in East Africa to have 5G technology and the third in Africa after South Africa and Nigeria.

Wim Vanhelleputte, chief executive officer MTN Uganda, said 5G technology will have increased speeds and capacity with exact wireless connections but similar to fiber optic cable experience.

Guests experience the VR glass with 5G network/enjoy the benefits of 5G +VR technology during a 5G experience week in Kampala, Capital of Uganda, Jan. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Joseph Kiggundu)

Vanhelleputte said this will enable easier wireless connections compared to running fiber optic cables to every facility or home.

"In the next 2-3 years, we will embark on massive commercial rollout of the technology," he said, noting that advancements like telemedicine will be easier when there is real-time connection.

Yi Yahua, ZTE corporation vice president for Southern Africa, said ZTE is fully supportive of MTN Uganda's strategy to tap into the potential of modern mobile technologies to serve this country better and move forward with 5G industrialization. ■