Airtel Uganda, one of Uganda’s top telecom providers, reaffirmed its commitment to extending digital connectivity throughout the country on Tuesday by donating UGX 37.9 billion to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF).
In accordance with the Communications Act and the conditions of the business’s national telecommunications licence, the contribution amounts to two percent of Airtel Uganda’s gross yearly revenue for the fiscal year that ends on December 31, 2024.
Aims to close digital gap and promote inclusive growth
During the handover ceremony, which took place at the Uganda Communications Commission’s (UCC) headquarters, Soumendra Sahu, the managing director of Airtel Uganda, emphasised the two companies’ shared goal of using communication services to close the digital divide and promote inclusive growth.
“This contribution is not simply about fulfilling a licence 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.
Airtel’s strategy to promote digital innovation and inclusion
The donation is part of Airtel Uganda’s ongoing, multi-year strategy to invest in ICT infrastructure to promote innovation and inclusion.
In addition to continuing to be one of the biggest donors to UCC-UCUSAF, the company has pledged to collaborate closely with the UCC and other partners to provide digital access to even the most remote regions of Uganda.
“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.
Funds to expand digital inclusion in rural Uganda
The UCC oversees the government-backed Universal Service and Access Fund (UCC-UCUSAF), which supports the expansion of communication services in underserved and unserved areas.
The money is used to support digital inclusion across the country, expand voice and broadband coverage to rural areas, and make ICT more accessible in schools and health facilities.
The Uganda Communications Commission’s Executive Director, Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo, praised Airtel Uganda’s ongoing cooperation and leadership and welcomed the contribution.
“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,” he noted.
“We commend Airtel Uganda for consistently honouring its obligations and actively partnering with us to bridge the digital divide.” He said
Protection of Uganda’s telecom infrastructure
In a related development, on Thursday, Airtel Uganda participated in the launch of the Tokigeza Campaign, a coordinated telecom sector effort to combat telecom infrastructure vandalism.
The crucial campaign, which was supported by MTN Uganda, ATC Uganda, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Uganda Police, and the UPDF, aims to protect the connectivity that drives business, education, social progress, and emergency services.
Vandalism can be reported by the public by calling the toll-free number 0800282662.
Airtel Uganda’s Network Director, Mr Rajesh Agrawal, stated, “Vandals steal from society and hurt service for everyone. Airtel Uganda is committed to creating awareness and protecting connectivity.”
“Let’s work together to stop this vice and preserve the services that connect Uganda,” he emphasised.