By Beatrice Nakibuuka
Between January 2023 and 2025, Uganda added more than 2 million internet users, marking sustained annual growth of around 10%. This rise, from just 15% penetration in 2017 to nearly 30% now, reflects a digital revolution powered by widespread mobile adoption, especially in the urban and suburban areas.
Internet connectivity
In just over a decade, Uganda has made significant strides in increasing internet access for its people. From scattered connections in urban centres to widespread mobile internet in towns and villages, the transformation has been remarkable.
According to the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawede, as of 2023, in Uganda, 77% of the population is covered by 3G and 31% by 4G, while 53% of the country’s geography is covered by 3G and 24% by 4G. 5G technology has also been launched commercially in Uganda.
Today, more than 14 million Ugandans are connected to the internet. This represents a major leap from earlier years when connectivity was limited to internet cafes in Kampala and other major towns.
“Most Ugandans access the internet through their mobile phones. Thanks to the growing availability of affordable smartphones and the expansion of mobile networks, the digital divide is slowly narrowing. The introduction of 4G and 5G networks, coupled with efforts to lay thousands of kilometres of fibre-optic cables, has made internet access faster and more reliable in many parts of the country,” she says.
Uganda’s Place
When it comes to internet penetration, Uganda holds a middle ground in the East African region. Uganda now trails behind regional leaders: Kenya (40.8%), Rwanda (34.4%), and Tanzania, with about 23 million users. While Uganda holds the middle rank, it climbs steadily.
Globally, internet penetration averages 67%, compared to 37% for Africa. Uganda remains below both benchmarks but is steadily closing the gap.
The growth of internet users in Uganda has been driven by both private and public investments. Telecom giants like MTN Uganda have played a key role by expanding network coverage and offering data packages that cater to a wider audience.
The Challenges
Despite these gains, several hurdles continue to hold Uganda back from fully harnessing the power of the internet. Affordability remains one of the biggest obstacles according to Dennis Kahindi of Liquid Technologies.
“The cost of mobile data in Uganda is still high compared to average incomes. Many people are forced to choose between buying food and buying data. High taxes on internet services and devices further deepen the problem, making access a luxury for some, rather than a right for all,” he says.
Another significant challenge is the uneven distribution of internet infrastructure. While urban centres like Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja enjoy relatively stable and fast connections, rural areas continue to suffer from poor or no access. This digital divide is not just a technological issue but a social one, as it limits educational opportunities, business growth, and access to information for millions of rural Ugandans.
Additionally, even among those who do have access to the internet, the majority use it primarily for social networking and entertainment. Only a small fraction uses the internet for business, education, or accessing essential services. This points to a missed opportunity where the internet could be a tool for empowerment and development rather than just leisure.
Future for Uganda
Uganda needs key actions to benefit from the digital revolution. First, reduce internet costs through lower taxes, device subsidies, and fostering competition. Second, urgently expand rural infrastructure, including networks and solar power for reliable connectivity off-grid.
Third, boost digital literacy nationwide via campaigns and school programs to enable effective internet use for education, business, and services. Fourth, ensure ISP transparency on data, speeds, and costs to build trust. Finally, develop local digital content (e-commerce, e-learning, telemedicine) to meet Ugandan needs. These steps—affordable access, rural coverage, digital skills, transparency, and relevant content—are essential.
A digital future within reach
Uganda has come a long way from the days when internet access was limited to a handful of cyber cafes. The number of people connected to the web continues to grow, and with it comes new opportunities for innovation, education, and economic growth. Yet challenges such as high costs, limited rural access, and low digital literacy still hold the country back.
The dream of a fully connected Uganda is within reach, but it requires action, investment, and above all, the belief that every Ugandan deserves to be part of the global digital village.
“If Uganda can bring costs down, bridge the rural gap, and cultivate digital skills, its next leap could unlock medical breakthroughs, thriving SMEs, and a truly connected national ecosystem,” Kahindi warns.
