The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has received UGX 54.27 billion from MTN Uganda as the telecommunications company’s statutory contribution towards expanding connectivity and advancing digital inclusion across Uganda.
UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo received the contribution and commended MTN Uganda for its continued support towards Uganda’s national development and digital transformation agenda.
Licensed communications operators are required under Uganda’s regulatory framework to contribute 2% of their annual gross revenue to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), which is administered by UCC.
The Fund supports expansion of communications services in unserved and underserved parts of Uganda and is intended to promote equitable access to ICT services.
MTN Uganda’s contribution to the Fund has continued to increase. The company contributed UGX 36 billion in 2023, UGX 42.5 billion in 2024, UGX 50.55 billion in 2025 and UGX 54.27 billion in 2026.
Speaking during the handover, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge said the contribution goes beyond fulfilling a regulatory requirement and reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring Ugandans can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
“These contributions reflect our belief that every Ugandan, regardless of where they live or what they earn, deserves the benefits of a modern connected life because, in today’s world, connection is opportunity,” Mulinge said.
Despite progress in expanding connectivity, significant digital inclusion gaps remain.
Uganda has more than 20 million smartphones connected in a country of over 45 million people, highlighting the number of Ugandans who still lack access to devices that can enable meaningful participation in the digital economy.
Mulinge identified smartphone affordability as one of the issues that must be addressed.
“We need to unlock smart phone affordability because that is the gateway through which millions of Ugandans connect to learning, enterprise, financial services and opportunity,” she said.
She noted that this aligns with Government priorities that increasingly focus not only on network coverage but also on internet affordability.
Receiving the contribution, Nyombi Thembo said MTN Uganda’s payment represents more than regulatory compliance.
“While this contribution represents compliance with a licensing requirement, it is much more than that. It is a tangible demonstration of MTN Uganda’s continued commitment to the growth and sustainability of Uganda’s communications sector,” he said.
According to UCC, half of the contribution is remitted to the Consolidated Fund. The balance retained by the Commission supports UCUSAF programmes, while a portion also supports the Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology at Nakawa.
UCUSAF is particularly important in areas where extending commercial communications services may not otherwise be financially attractive to private operators.
UCC says the resources will support ICT infrastructure in underserved communities, ICT integration in education and agriculture, digital inclusion for persons with disabilities, research and innovation, digital skills development and distribution of smart devices to marginalised communities.
The Commission is pursuing these programmes in line with the National Development Plan IV, Vision 2040 and its strategic ambition of delivering a fully Connected Uganda by 2030.
MTN Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to working with UCC and other stakeholders to deepen digital inclusion and accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation.
