Airtel delivers UGX 42.9 bn contribution to UCC universal access initiatives

KAMPALA, May 18, 2026 – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has received a UGX 42.9 billion contribution from Airtel Uganda as part of the statutory 2% levy on gross annual revenues paid by licensed telecommunications operators.

The cheque was presented during a courtesy visit to UCC headquarters in Kampala by a delegation led by Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu.

Welcoming the Airtel delegation, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo commended the telecom operator for its continued partnership and timely fulfilment of its regulatory obligations, describing the contribution as a demonstration of commitment to Uganda’s communications sector and national development agenda.

“This contribution is significant not only because it fulfils a regulatory requirement, but because it symbolises Airtel Uganda’s continued commitment to growing Uganda’s communications sector,” the Executive Director said.

Under Uganda’s communications regulatory framework, all licensed operators are required to contribute 2% of their gross annual revenues to the Commission. Half of the sum is remitted to the Consolidated Fund, while the remainder is retained by UCC to support strategic national initiatives through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF).

Part of the retained funds supports the Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology (UICT), the government-owned ICT training institution located in Nakawa. The bulk of the resources is invested in expanding communication services to unserved and underserved communities across the country.

The Executive Director emphasised that while the levy is a licence obligation, Airtel Uganda’s consistency and promptness in meeting this responsibility reflects a spirit of good faith and partnership.

“What we celebrate today is not merely compliance, but the consistency, promptness and spirit with which Airtel Uganda fulfils this obligation,” he said. “You have made this a matter of good faith rather than enforcement, and that speaks volumes about your commitment to national development beyond commercial interests.”

The Executive Director noted that although telecommunications companies such as Airtel Uganda are among the country’s major taxpayers, the additional contribution remains essential in supporting the Government’s objective of ensuring inclusive access to communication services.

“Businesses understandably focus on profitability and shareholder value, while Government must think about inclusion and ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the digital age,” he said. “The 2% levy therefore represents a modest contribution with significant national impact, enabling us to bridge the digital divide and expand access to communication services where commercial investment alone may not reach.”

He added that this contribution is “a strong signal that Uganda’s telecom sector is flourishing and ready to give back to the communities that have supported its growth,” describing the year-on-year growth from UGX 37.9bn to UGX 42.9bn as indicative of “sound government policy, legislation and regulation.”

In his remarks, Airtel Uganda’s CEO and Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu, reaffirmed the company’s shared vision with UCC to bridge the digital divide and drive inclusive growth through improved communication services.

“Airtel’s contribution goes beyond compliance with our licence obligations. It is a deliberate and strategic investment in Uganda’s digital future; a future where every Ugandan, whether in Kampala or Karamoja, has access to safe, fast, reliable and affordable communication services. We are proud to stand with UCC in making that future a reality,” he said.

Mr. Sahu added: “This year’s increased contribution is a result of our stable and growing business in Uganda. It reflects the trust that Ugandans place in us every single day, which has enabled us to contribute more toward this important cause. We remain committed to doing even more in the years ahead, further cementing our multi-year commitment to driving digital inclusion through sustained investment in ICT infrastructure across Uganda.”

UCC uses resources mobilised through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) to extend ICT infrastructure to underserved communities; support ICT integration in education and agriculture; promote digital literacy; support innovation and research; and enable access to digital services for persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups, among other universal access initiatives.

These initiatives are aligned with the objectives of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), Uganda Vision 2040, and UCC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which seeks to deliver a fully Connected Uganda by 2030.

Nyombi Thembo reaffirmed UCC’s commitment to working collaboratively with Airtel Uganda and other sector players to accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation journey.

“Together, we can build a more connected, empowered and inclusive Uganda where every citizen, regardless of their location, gender or economic status, can access and benefit from the opportunities of the digital era,” he said.