To control an actuators direction and speed using an Arudino

What you need is an H-bridge. There are many H-bridge motor driver modules made. Pololu (among others) carries many modules of various voltage and current ratings. The correct H-bridge for your motor depends on the rated voltage and stall current of the motor. It is a bad idea to power a motor from the Uno 5V supply. The Uno cannot safely supply the required current for any but the very smallest of motors.