Airtel Uganda’s Customer Base Surges Amidst Data Boom

Airtel Uganda has reported a significant increase in its customer base, growing by 13.9% to reach 16.9 million users in 2024. This growth is largely attributed to rising data demand and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing connectivity across Uganda.

The company’s 2024/2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on Tuesday, was a platform for executives to share their achievements and future strategies. Led by Chairman Hannington Karuhanga and Managing Director Soumendra Sahu, Airtel Uganda outlined its impressive performance, highlighting its resilience and commitment to providing quality services in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Karuhanga described 2024 as a transformative year, stating: “This has been a defining chapter.” He also acknowledged the company’s strength in its first year as a publicly listed entity, saying: “Our first year as a publicly listed company proved our strength: delivering growth, creating value, and standing tall for our stakeholders.”

Financial Success and Expansion Efforts

Airtel Uganda’s financials reflect its robust growth. Revenue surged by 11.4% to UGX 1,986.5 billion, while profit after tax climbed by 2.7% to UGX 316.7 billion. Additionally, the company injected UGX 134.9 billion into Uganda’s tax shelters, reinforcing its commitment to economic development.

Sahu highlighted the company’s dedication to compliance, remarking: “Meeting regulatory standards isn’t just an obligation—it’s how we power economic transformation.” Airtel Uganda demonstrated this commitment by paying UGX 30.2 billion ($8.2 million) in spectrum fees to the Uganda Communications Commission for the 2024–2025 period, which the company views as a strategic investment in Uganda’s digital future.

Despite the significant expenditure, Airtel Uganda maintained capital spending at UGX 244 billion and launched 310 new network sites, 150 of which were 5G-enabled, bringing the total to 200. The company’s push towards enhancing network coverage has contributed to a massive 41.7% increase in data usage for 2024.

The average revenue per user also rose by 11.2%, with Airtel’s home broadband routers contributing to the impressive 5.45 GB of data usage per client. The company’s subscriber base has grown to 7.3 million, benefiting from improved services and a more streamlined online experience.

Innovative Services and Future Plans

Airtel Uganda is pressing the government to lower taxes on smartphones and broadband gadgets, aiming to provide more Ugandans with internet access. The company’s strategic focus on 4G and 5G networks, combined with a 27.8% rise in subscribers, demonstrates its drive to improve connectivity and enhance the overall user experience.

The adoption of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and the ongoing expansion of its fibre network are critical components of Airtel’s growth plan. As Sahu explained: “We’re tapping fiber and 5G to grow this space and deliver value to shareholders.”

Investors are also benefiting from Airtel Uganda’s growth, with the company announcing a dividend payout of UGX 100 billion for 2024, translating to UGX 2.5 per share. The total payout per share for the year reached UGX 7.88, which is likely to attract more investors banking on the company’s ambitious vision.

Sahu’s enthusiasm for VoLTE and expanding the fibre network remains strong. He remarked: “This is about linking Ugandans to endless possibilities. Transforming lives is our purpose—it’s in every decision we make.”

Karuhanga hinted at future plans to improve shareholder engagement through interactive town halls and revealed that the 9.11% of shares yet to be subscribed to would return to the market in November 2026. He stated, “We are a forward-thinking company. Watch this space.”

As Airtel Uganda continues to innovate and expand its network, the company’s vision of bridging the digital divide appears more attainable than ever. With technology at its core, Airtel is determined to connect more Ugandans to the digital world, one step at a time.