Airtel Uganda has handed over a staggering UGX 37.9 billion to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF). This is an 11.4% leap from last year’s contribution and a clear signal that Airtel is doubling down on its mission to connect every corner of Uganda with fast, safe, and affordable communication services.
Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu, made it clear: this contribution is not just about ticking regulatory boxes.
“This contribution goes beyond compliance with License obligations. It is a deliberate and strategic investment in Uganda’s digital future, a future where every Ugandan has access to safe, fast, reliable, and affordable communication services,” Sahu emphasized.
This annual contribution, representing 2% of Airtel Uganda’s gross revenue for the financial year ending December 2024, is a requirement under the Communications Act and the company’s national telecommunications license. But for Airtel, it’s also a chance to shape the nation’s digital destiny.
What is UCUSAF and why does it matter?
The Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) is a government-backed initiative managed by the UCC. Its mission? To bridge the digital divide by bringing broadband and voice coverage to Uganda’s most remote and underserved areas.
The fund powers projects that equip rural schools and health centers with ICT tools, distribute digital devices, and promote digital literacy-ensuring that no Ugandan is left behind in the digital revolution.
UCUSAF’s latest strategy, “Digital Inclusivity through sustainable interventions and impactful collaborations,” is anchored on four pillars: Access, Adoption and Usage, Value Creation, and Cooperation. The results are tangible: over 19,000 tablets distributed to villages, solar-powered connectivity solutions, and digital training for parents and children in remote communities.
Airtel Uganda isn’t stopping at infrastructure. In a first for East Africa, the telecom giant recently rolled out an AI-powered SMS Spam Alert System that automatically shields users from scam messages-no downloads, no sign-ups, just seamless protection for everyone.
Read About it: How Airtel Uganda’s New AI-Powered Spam Alert Service Works
An Airtel-UCC partnership for progress
Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the UCC, praised Airtel’s proactive approach: “The goal of universal access cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires collective responsibility and deliberate investment by all stakeholders in the industry. We commend Airtel Uganda for consistently honoring its obligations and for their commitment to public safety with their new Spam Alert service.”
The government’s vision is clear: digital transformation is a collective journey. With partners like Airtel stepping up, Uganda is well on its way to unlocking the socio-economic potential of digital inclusion, especially for those in remote and rural areas.
Read About: Here is why MTN Uganda is Giving UGX 50 Billion to the Telecom Regulator UCC
.){kind=link}