The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has intensified efforts to drive digital inclusion by engaging in high-level talks with Airtel Africa executives on Friday, September 5.
The discussions were centered on strengthening infrastructure, expanding network reach, and making devices more affordable for Ugandans.
The meeting, held at UCC headquarters, highlighted government’s resolve to bridge the country’s digital divide at a time when internet penetration is projected to reach only 21.88% in 2024.
UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo led the engagement alongside Airtel Africa Group CEO Sunil Taldar, East Africa Regional CEO Apoorva Mehrotra, and Airtel Uganda Managing Director Soumendra Sahu.
Images from the session depicted delegates seated around a polished wooden table decorated with Ugandan and East African Community flags, holding spirited conversations before sealing the moment with a handshake and a group photograph.
Nyombi applauded Airtel’s role in the telecom sector, noting, “Airtel has been a key player in enhancing our digital landscape, and we appreciate their role in paving the way for a vibrant digital economy.”
He stressed that UCC’s mandate is to act as “an enabler of progress,” pointing out the importance of partnerships that encourage innovation while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Central to the discussions was the agenda of extending network infrastructure to rural communities and making mobile devices more affordable.
Nyombi emphasized, “It’s crucial to ensure that technology is available and affordable for everyone; this is key to inclusive growth.”
A UCC official added, “The future of Uganda’s competitiveness rests on how fast we bridge the digital divide.”
Uganda’s telecommunications sector continues to expand rapidly, with internet subscriptions exceeding 20 million in 2024 and mobile money transactions topping Shs 200 trillion, according to UCC statistics.
Airtel, ranked as Uganda’s second-largest telecom operator after MTN, has played a pivotal role in digital innovation.
The company pioneered 5G services in 2023 and operates across 14 African countries, generating more than \$2 billion in revenue in the first half of the year.
The latest talks are closely aligned with Uganda’s 10-year development strategy, which prioritizes the use of digital solutions to drive economic inclusion.
The collaboration, however, emerges at a time of heightened public scrutiny.
In August, Airtel Uganda came under fire following allegations of mobile money fraud, triggering national town hall meetings and the launch of an Anti-Spam Alert service aimed at curbing SIM card scams.
When Nyombi shared news of the UCC-Airtel meeting on social media, many Ugandans questioned whether issues of fraud and high transaction charges were adequately addressed.
One commenter lamented “the loss of hard-earned money” to Airtel, calling for urgent regulatory intervention.
In response, Airtel pledged to implement reforms, including tighter security measures in partnership with the Bank of Uganda, which also convened with the telecom operator on the same day to improve mobile money safeguards.
Looking ahead, Airtel and UCC agreed on targeted investments to expand networks and strengthen digital financial services, steps expected to enhance efficiency and competition.
As Uganda positions itself for a digital economy breakthrough, this alliance could become a cornerstone of transformation, though addressing consumer concerns will remain critical to building lasting trust.
Nyombi summed up the outlook by declaring, “Exciting times ahead!”
With a population of more than 47 million, Uganda’s ultimate ambition remains ensuring equal access to digital services for every citizen.
