Telecom giants, Airtel Uganda have paid shs34.8billion to the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund for the year 2023 meant to extend communications services to the underserved and unserved areas.
The shs34.8 billion is 2% of the company’s annual gross revenue for the year 2023.
All licensed telecom operators in the country are required to pay a statutory 2% levy on their annual gross revenues to the fund administered by Uganda Communications Commission.
Established in 2003, the Fund then known as the Rural Communications Development Fund (RCDF) addresses issues of connectivity, access, affordability and equity of ICT services to the population.
Speaking during the handover Airtel Uganda Managing Director, Manoj Murali said as technology enablers, their role is to unlock the country’s potential as they connect people and businesses.
“By fulfilling the contribution of 2% of our annual gross revenue,Airtel Uganda demonstrates our compliance and a genuine commitment to national development. This support goes towards building sustainability in the telecommunications and ICT sector,” Murali said.
He said by fulfilling the obligation in the Communications Act, Airtel demonstrates its compliance and genuine commitment to the country’s development.
The UCC Executive Ditector, Nyombi Thembo said the shs34.8 billion will go a long way in shortening the digital divide in Uganda.
“This contribution will go a long way on bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth and development across Uganda,” Thembo said.
“I want to assure you that this contribution is ploughed 100% to consumers to empower schools and digital literacy to the benefit of our consumers.”
