Airtel Uganda contributes UGX 42.9 billion to boost rural internet access

KAMPALA, Uganda — Airtel Uganda handed over UGX 42.9 billion to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund on Monday to expand digital connectivity across the country.

The contribution represents 2% of the company’s gross annual revenue for the financial year ending Dec. 31, 2025, complying with the Communications Act and its national telecommunications license. This marks an increase from the UGX 37.9 billion the telecom company contributed last year.

Airtel Uganda CEO and Managing Director Soumendra Sahu handed over the funds at the Uganda Communications Commission headquarters, saying the investment aims to bridge the digital divide.

“Airtel’s contribution goes beyond compliance with our license obligations,” Sahu said. “It is a deliberate and strategic investment in Uganda’s digital future, a future where every Ugandan, whether in Kampala or Karamoja, has access to safe, fast, reliable and affordable communication services.”

Sahu attributed the increased contribution to business growth and said the company remains committed to sustained investment in information and communications technology infrastructure.

To support these efforts, Airtel added 258 4G sites and expanded its 5G network to 364 sites across major cities and towns, including Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja, Mbale, Mityana, Masaka, Lira, Fort Portal, Gulu and Mbarara.

Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo welcomed the contribution, highlighting its role in the country’s broader digital inclusion agenda.

“The goal of universal access cannot be achieved by government alone,” Thembo said. “It requires collective responsibility and deliberate investment by all stakeholders in the industry.”

The Universal Service and Access Fund is a government-backed initiative managed by the commission to develop communication services in unserved and underserved areas. The funds are used to extend broadband and voice coverage to rural communities and facilitate digital access in schools and health centers.

Sahu also announced that Airtel has entered the testing phase of a Direct-to-Cell system in partnership with Starlink, a move aimed at further enhancing seamless network coverage across Uganda.