On the 7th November, Uganda Communications Commission - UCC - announced that a new national postcode and address system is being worked on. This, the tweet, says is "aimed at reforming and modernizing the delivery of postal services in the country."
#Uganda is developing a national #postcode & address system aimed at reforming & modernising the delivery of postal services in the country.
— UCC (@UCC_Official) November 7, 2017
UCC recently released the industry report [pdf] for the second quarter from April-June 2017. It is a summary of the analysis done on the market and industry.
The data used is "largely extracted from the operational reports of licensees in Uganda's Communications Industry for the period April to June 2017" according to UCC. It was on the back of this that the communications regulator made the announcement.
Currently, according to the report, there are 8,5 and 11 international, regional and domestic courier services in Uganda. However, their operations are hindered by the poor postcode and address system.
The same issue makes running an e-commerce platform - that entirely depends on a well set-up address system - to run smoothly.
Currently, leading e-commerce platforms have had to rely on traditional descriptions methods to make deliveries. It is not strange to use "next to", "before this" or "after that" as the descriptions for where a package is to be delivered.
One of the Twitter fans hinted on Arvana - an application that got a grant from ResilientAfrica Network to work on solving the address issue in the country. Though, their team lead got hired by Andela mid-this year. (See also: ResilientAfrica Network Is Not Closing, We Did Not Receive all the $25 Million – Dr. Mayega).
Several Twitter users came in with positive messages that were mainly congratulatory - to applaud the move. Though, others had some feedback to chip in with. Something UCC took in with pleasure.
About time we get modernised! Great steps thank you. I am glad I will soon be omitting our mango tree as part of the directions to my house!
— William F. Blick (@william_blick) November 8, 2017
This is awesome. But when I look at Katanga + others I just shake my head.
— Andy Lau (@stemduncun) November 7, 2017
Interesting observation. But I guess we need to start some as a country. Our colleagues will find us on the way.
— Ibrahim Bbossa (@IBbossa) November 8, 2017
Postal delivery is outdated. Invest in innovative ideas from the tech community. Be leaders, not followers
— Sharif Kiberu (@sharifkiberu) November 7, 2017
@UCC_Official believe me you need to educate Ugandans on the personal benefits of postal services itself - esp given this electronic age.
— Gerald Okoth (@OkothGerald) November 7, 2017
Feedback much appreciated,awareness campaigns on the same are ongoing.
— UCC (@UCC_Official) November 7, 2017