Airtel Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda’s digital transformation agenda following high-level discussions with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and National Guidance on expanding connectivity, increasing smartphone access and accelerating digital inclusion.
A delegation led by Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu met with Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba as part of ongoing engagement between the government and the telecommunications industry to strengthen the country’s digital economy.
The discussions centred on expanding digital connectivity, promoting innovation and improving access to technology-enabled services. With smartphone adoption remaining a major challenge, both parties acknowledged the importance of increasing access to affordable smart devices to enable more Ugandans to participate in the digital economy. According to World Bank data, only 27% of Ugandans owned a smartphone in 2024.
The minister encouraged Airtel Uganda to intensify efforts to make smartphones more affordable and accessible, recognising that mobile devices have become essential tools for education, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and access to digital public services.
Airtel Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government to expand smartphone adoption and digital inclusion. The operator has previously partnered with device manufacturers and financing providers to improve smartphone accessibility and is also piloting Starlink Direct-to-Cell technology to extend connectivity to underserved and remote communities across Uganda.
