Airtel Uganda boosts UCC fund with UGX34.8 billion

Airtel Uganda has handed over a cheque worth UGX34.8 billion to the Uganda Communications Commission aimed at supporting the establishment of better communication infrastructure and technologies in rural areas across the country. Under the Uganda Communications Act of 1997, every telecom operator is mandated to contribute 2% of their gross revenues to support the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), whose aim is to contribute to the realization of universality in access and use of communications services through establishment of communications projects in areas that are unserved or underserved by the telecommunications operators. While receiving the contribution at their head office in Bugolobi yesterday, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo saluted Airtel Uganda for being an example and a force in communication development in the country. Manoj Murali, the Airtel Uganda CEO, reaffirmed their commitment to unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s telecommunications industry. “Airtel Uganda is deeply committed to Uganda’s development. Our commitment is demonstrated by our participation in the licensing regime and providing reliable communication services across Uganda on our 100% 4G network. We do this because our role as technology enablers is to unlock the potential of Uganda as we connect people and businesses to opportunities. We are proud to be exceedingly delivering on this mandate,” he said. According to the UCC, serious challenges still persist in most unserved and underserved areas, particularly remote regions due to absence of essential complementary infrastructure and basic amenities such as access roads and grid power. The absence of these foundational elements not only hampers the speed of construction of communication infrastructure but also hinders the operational efficiency of telecommunication masts once they are installed. Getting the mandatory financial support from telecom operators to address these infrastructure gaps therefore becomes imperative for ensuring a more inclusive and effective communication services and products across the country.