Science & Tech
Smartphone usage jumps by 1.3 million devices in Uganda
Smartphones are increasingly becoming essential tools for financial inclusion, enabling access to mobile money platforms, digital banking services, and online commerce.
Industry stakeholders say affordability remains one of the biggest barriers preventing millions of Ugandans from transitioning to smartphones.
By: Aloysious Kasoma, Journalist @New Vision
Uganda's digital transformation is gaining momentum, with smartphone usage increasing by 1.3 million devices, New Vision Online has learnt.
The development reflects growing demand for Internet access and digital services, with overall smartphone adoption at approximately 33% of the general population.
Over the same period, total registered mobile subscriptions grew to 61.6 million, up from 57.3 million at the end of 2025.
The growth signals continued progress in Uganda's digital transformation agenda, in which smartphones have become the primary gateway to internet access, mobile money, e-commerce, online learning, and digital government services.
However, the figures also reveal the scale of the remaining challenge. UCC data shows Uganda still has 24.7 million feature phones and 13.3 million basic phones in active use. Together, these account for more than 38m devices with limited or no access to internet-based services.
The numbers suggest that while smartphone adoption is accelerating, a significant proportion of Ugandans remain excluded from the full benefits of the digital economy.
Industry stakeholders say affordability remains one of the biggest barriers preventing millions of Ugandans from transitioning to smartphones.
As a result, innovative financing models are increasingly being viewed as an important catalyst for smartphone penetration.
One of the companies contributing to this shift is Mogo Uganda, which says it has financed more than 250,000 smartphones in Uganda over the last 14 months. Across East Africa, the company says it has financed over 500,000 devices during the same period.
The numbers suggest that while smartphone adoption is accelerating, a significant proportion of Ugandans remain excluded from the full benefits of the digital economy.
Industry stakeholders say affordability remains one of the biggest barriers preventing millions of Ugandans from transitioning to smartphones.
As a result, innovative financing models are increasingly being viewed as an important catalyst for smartphone penetration.
One of the companies contributing to this shift is Mogo Uganda, which says it has financed more than 250,000 smartphones in Uganda over the last 14 months. Across East Africa, the company says it has financed over 500,000 devices during the same period.
The significance of smartphone ownership extends far beyond communication.
According to Brian Nyanga, the head of sales–Device Financing, flexible financing arrangements are helping bridge the affordability gap that has traditionally limited smartphone ownership among low- and middle-income earners.
"The reality is that many Ugandans still use feature phones because the upfront cost of smartphones remains beyond their reach," Nyanga said.
"By spreading payments over time, more people can access devices that connect them to digital services and opportunities."
The significance of smartphone ownership extends far beyond communication.
Smartphones are increasingly becoming essential tools for financial inclusion, enabling access to mobile money platforms, digital banking services, and online commerce.
Experts argue that expanding smartphone ownership will be critical if Uganda is to fully harness the benefits of the digital economy.
The country's digital ambitions increasingly depend not only on network expansion but also on ensuring that citizens have access to devices capable of connecting to digital services.
This is where smartphone financing programmes are beginning to make a measurable impact. By allowing consumers to acquire devices through instalment payments, such initiatives are helping convert feature phone users into smartphone users.
Mogo is now targeting one million financed smartphones across East Africa, a goal that could contribute significantly to increasing smartphone penetration in Uganda and the wider region.
The company has partnered with smartphone manufacturers, including TECNO, Infinix, and itel, alongside telecommunications providers, to expand access to affordable devices.
Nyanga says demand for financed smartphones continues to grow as consumers increasingly view smartphones as necessities rather than luxury products.
"Our goal is to make quality smartphones accessible to more people, regardless of their income level. Many customers cannot afford to pay the full price upfront, and financing helps remove that barrier," he said.
As Uganda continues its digital transformation journey, the latest UCC figures point to a country making steady progress toward greater connectivity. Yet they also highlight the vast potential for further growth.
"The reality is that many Ugandans still use feature phones because the upfront cost of smartphones remains beyond their reach," Nyanga said.
"By spreading payments over time, more people can access devices that connect them to digital services and opportunities."
The significance of smartphone ownership extends far beyond communication.
Smartphones are increasingly becoming essential tools for financial inclusion, enabling access to mobile money platforms, digital banking services, and online commerce.
Experts argue that expanding smartphone ownership will be critical if Uganda is to fully harness the benefits of the digital economy.
The country's digital ambitions increasingly depend not only on network expansion but also on ensuring that citizens have access to devices capable of connecting to digital services.
This is where smartphone financing programmes are beginning to make a measurable impact. By allowing consumers to acquire devices through instalment payments, such initiatives are helping convert feature phone users into smartphone users.
Mogo is now targeting one million financed smartphones across East Africa, a goal that could contribute significantly to increasing smartphone penetration in Uganda and the wider region.
The company has partnered with smartphone manufacturers, including TECNO, Infinix, and itel, alongside telecommunications providers, to expand access to affordable devices.
Nyanga says demand for financed smartphones continues to grow as consumers increasingly view smartphones as necessities rather than luxury products.
"Our goal is to make quality smartphones accessible to more people, regardless of their income level. Many customers cannot afford to pay the full price upfront, and financing helps remove that barrier," he said.
As Uganda continues its digital transformation journey, the latest UCC figures point to a country making steady progress toward greater connectivity. Yet they also highlight the vast potential for further growth.