Airtel Uganda expands 4G network on Kalangala Islands

KALANGALA, Uganda — Airtel Uganda has commissioned two new 4G sites in the Kalangala Islands, marking a major step in the company’s ongoing nationwide network expansion. The new sites are intended to improve voice and data connectivity and enhance service reliability for communities on Bugala Island.

The new sites are the ninth and tenth 4G sites the company has installed in the district. They will cover the villages of Buyindi, Bumanji, Kizira, Lunsi, Kasenyi, Kyagwima, Njoga, Buyiri and surrounding areas.

This deployment is part of Airtel’s national campaign to close network gaps, during which the company has built more than 180 new sites since the start of the year.

Presiding over the commissioning, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kalangala Henry Ssebunya commended Airtel Uganda for its investment.

“We thank Airtel Uganda for thinking about the people of Bugala Island and Kalangala,” Ssebunya said. “We have long struggled with network challenges in these areas, and this upgrade will greatly support our community in business, communication, and innovation.”

Airtel Uganda’s Business Territory Manager for Kalangala, Musa Gava, reiterated the company’s commitment to improving service quality and expanding digital access.

“We listened to the concerns about poor connectivity, and this upgrade is our response,” Gava said. He noted that the new infrastructure will drive socioeconomic transformation in the region.

Gava added that the upgrades will not only improve connectivity but also benefit local businesses. “With better access to calls, SMS, data, financial services, and the internet, Kalangala’s community can look forward to real growth and new opportunities,” he said.

The company’s investment comes as demand for reliable digital services continues to rise. Recent financial results from Airtel Uganda show the company now serves 17.9 million subscribers, with data users reaching 7.5 million.

Gava noted that the continued network investment will support economic activity, enhance access to essential services such as health care and education, and strengthen social and digital inclusion across Uganda. Other islands in the district already covered by Airtel 4G include Bukasa, Bubeke, Kitobo and Bugala.