Uganda Telecom has announced that it plans to 'relaunch' its voice short message service (SMS) for both feature phones and smartphones in that country.

The new service is planned to be launched by Kirusa, a voice and social media solutions firm for emerging markets.

Uganda Telecom is using Kirusa’s voice SMS technology, which is planned to allow mobile subscribers to send messages by voice and eliminating the need to type, a statement reads.

Kirusa Voice SMS service used monthly by over 80 million mobile users in four continents.

According to a statement, the relaunched service is planned to enable Uganda Telecom subscribers to "have a voice" and connect more with their loved ones.

Commenting on the launch, Shailendra Naidu, chief commercial officer of Uganda Telecom, said, “We are delighted to re-launch this contemporary service from Kirusa. We are hopeful that this service will introduce a new way to communicate for our subscribers, and prove to be a beneficial resource.”

Chief executive officer at Kirusa Inderpal Singh Mumick added, “We are honoured that Uganda Telecom has chosen to re-launch Voice SMS with Kirusa ... It is easier to speak than to type, much more powerful and gives you the freedom to express beyond textual boundaries.”