COMMENT | DAVID BIRUNGI | Our neighbourhoods are looking disorganised. Even before the fiber wires arrived, we were not well organised. We live on 50×100 plots with no back alleys, no utility ducts, no aesthetically pleasing architecture or comfortable physical land use. It is not unusual to find a …
Read More »Airtel Uganda starts Direct-to-Cell Starlink trials
Airtel trials to boost connectivity in hard-to-reach areas Kampala ,Uganda | NEWS CORRESPONDENT | Airtel Uganda has commenced testing of the Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite service in a move aimed at expanding connectivity and improving network access in hard-to-reach areas across the country. Following approval from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Airtel …
Read More »Cheaper cross border call rates beckon on lower tariffs push
A new wave of reforms across Africa is setting the stage for significantly cheaper cross-border call rates, as regional blocs and national regulators move to cut mobile termination rates (MTRs) and roaming charges. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Cross-border traders and travellers across Africa are set to benefit …
Read More »MTN Uganda profit jumps to Shs 678.8bn as data, fintech drive growth
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | As Uganda’s digital economy gathers pace, MTN Uganda says demand for connectivity and digital financial services continued to drive growth in 2025, underlining the expanding role telecommunications companies now play in the country’s economic life. For the year ended December 31, the telecoms operator reported …
Read More »Airtel Uganda raises dividend on data-driven profit jump
The proposed payout, subject to investor approval, follows a 29 per cent increase in net income to Shs 446.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Telecom firm Airtel Uganda will pay shareholders a final dividend of Shs 3.55 per share, amounting to …
Read More »M&A in 2025: Banks, insurers and telcos lead consolidation
Mergers and acquisitions in 2025 reflected a shift toward consolidation, regional scale and restructuring as firms responded to tighter regulation and rising capital demands. From cross-border bank takeovers and insurance mergers to fintech spin-offs, companies moved to strengthen balance sheets and position for long-term growth. The Independent highlights the key …
Read More »AXIAN’s Wananchi deal sparks fiercer East Africa broadband battle
Uganda’s impact may be stronger, with low fixed broadband penetration dominated by MTN and Airtel, and only a few fibre providers serving the enterprise market Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | AXIAN Telecom has moved to strengthen its position in Africa’s digital infrastructure market with the completion of its acquisition …
Read More »Businesses flock to Ethiopia’s newly-opened banking market
Equity Group is also accelerating its entry strategy. In September, Equity Group chief executive James Mwangi met with officials from the Ethiopian Investment Commission to discuss licensing and operational frameworks, according to Semafor Africa. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Ethiopia’s banking market, once sealed off to foreign participation, has …
Read More »GSMA report shows digital policy reforms could add sh14.6 trillion to Uganda’s GDP
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A new GSMA report, unveiled today at the GSMA Digital Africa Summit Uganda, reveals that with the right digital reforms, Uganda could connect 4 million more citizens to the internet, create 1.79 million new jobs, and generate UGX 14.6 trillion in additional economic value …
Read More »Indus Towers forays into international markets, eyes Uganda
Gurugram, India | THE INDEPENDENT | Indus Towers Limited has announced that its Board of Directors, at a meeting held earlier in the day, reviewed and deliberated on strategic opportunities to expand the Company’s footprint across select international markets. Recognizing the growth potential in emerging geographies, the Board has approved …
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