The Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) has secured $23.2m in two days to expand digital connectivity across the country.
Just a day after MTN Uganda handed a $13.3m, William Nyombi Thembo, executive director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), welcomed a $9.9 (UGX 37.9 billion) contribution from Airtel Uganda yesterday.
The contribution represents 2% of Airtel Uganda’s gross annual revenue for the financial year ending 31st December 2024, in full compliance with the Communications Act and the company’s national telecommunications license terms.
Soumendra Sahu, managing director of Airtel Uganda, emphasised the company’s shared vision with UCC to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive growth through enhanced communication services.
“This contribution is not simply about fulfilling a license obligation. It is a deliberate and strategic investment in Uganda’s digital future, a future where every Ugandan, regardless of their geographic location, has access to fast, reliable, and affordable communication services,” he said.
Sahu stressed that the handover is a continuation of the telco’s multi-year efforts to drive innovation and inclusion through investment in ICT infrastructure.
Airtel Uganda remains one of the largest contributors to UCC-UCUSAF and has pledged to support efforts aimed at expanding digital access to even the most remote areas of the country.
“Together with UCC, we are not just laying down infrastructure, we are laying down opportunity. Opportunity for a student to learn, for a farmer to access market prices, and for a small business to scale. That’s what this partnership is about: impact at the grassroots,” Soumendra added.
The UCC-UCUSAF is a government-backed initiative managed by the UCC to support the expansion of communication services in unserved and underserved areas.
The fund is used to extend broadband and voice coverage to rural communities, provide ICT access in schools and health centres, and promote digital inclusion nationwide.
Thembo applauded Airtel Uganda’s continued leadership and collaboration.
"The goal of universal access cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires collective responsibility and deliberate investment by all stakeholders in the industry. We commend Airtel Uganda for consistently honouring its obligation and actively partnering with us to bridge the digital divide,” he said.
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