Kampala, Uganda
Airtel Uganda has remitted UGX 42.9 billion, representing 2% of its Gross Annual Revenues, to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), reinforcing national efforts to expand internet and communication services to underserved communities across the country.
The handover was officially announced by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on Monday during a ceremony held at the regulator’s headquarters in Kampala.
According to UCC, the contribution will support strategic projects aimed at improving digital inclusion, expanding ICT infrastructure, and increasing connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach parts of Uganda.
“This morning, Airtel Uganda handed over 2% of its Gross Annual Revenues to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF),” UCC said in an official statement shared on its social media platforms.
Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) is a government-managed fund established under the Uganda Communications Act and administered by the Uganda Communications Commission.
The fund was created to bridge Uganda’s digital divide by financing communication and internet access projects in areas where private telecom investment may not be commercially viable.
Licensed telecommunications operators in Uganda are legally required to contribute a percentage of their annual gross revenues toward the fund.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo commended Airtel Uganda for consistently supporting national connectivity initiatives through its annual contributions to UCUSAF.
“The contribution goes beyond regulatory compliance and reflects a shared commitment to expanding communication services to underserved communities in Uganda,” Thembo said.
He noted that this year’s contribution increased significantly from the UGX 37.9 billion remitted last year, describing the growth as evidence of continued expansion within Uganda’s telecommunications sector.
“This year’s contribution is a strong indicator of growth in Uganda’s telecommunications sector and continued investment in national digital transformation,” he added.
Thembo further emphasized that the UCUSAF fund remains central to supporting Uganda’s long-term digital development goals, including digital inclusion, ICT innovation and development of digital skills.
Uganda has made significant progress in mobile and internet penetration over the past decade, but major connectivity gaps still exist between urban and rural communities.
Recent telecommunications sector data shows that while mobile phone usage has expanded rapidly, many parts of rural Uganda continue to face limited broadband coverage and weak network infrastructure.
The latest Airtel Uganda contribution is expected to support projects aligned with Uganda’s broader digital transformation agenda under initiatives such as #ConnectedUg2030 and #DigitalUganda.
Airtel Uganda is one of the country’s largest telecommunications providers, offering mobile voice, broadband internet, mobile money, and enterprise communication services.
The company competes primarily with MTN Uganda
Telecommunications companies have become increasingly important players in Uganda’s economic development, particularly as demand for internet services, digital payments, and online services continues to grow.
The handover highlights the growing role of partnerships between government regulators and private telecom companies in supporting Uganda’s digital economy.
Officials say investments through UCUSAF are expected to accelerate efforts to connect millions of Ugandans who still lack reliable access to communication and internet services.
While UCC has not yet announced the specific projects that will benefit from the latest contribution, regulators maintain that expanding affordable and reliable connectivity remains a key national development priority.
