By; Ibrahim Kigozi G|
Kampala, Uganda – 30th September 2026: For millions of Ugandans saving for retirement, the performance of the businesses in which their money is invested ultimately matters.
Airtel Uganda has handed over a dividend cheque worth UGX 42,609,880,000 to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), representing returns on the Fund’s investment in the telecommunications company, following a year in which Airtel Uganda grew it’s network footprint, improved operational efficiencies and continued to serve customers better. NSSF owns 10.6% of Airtel Uganda shares and is the largest Ugandan institutional shareholder.
The handover comes days after NSSF declared a record 22.53% interest rate for the Financial Year 2025/26, the highest in the Fund’s history, with UGX 5.44 trillion set to be credited to members’ accounts.
Speaking during the handover, Airtel Uganda Managing Director & CEO, Soumendra Sahu, congratulated NSSF on the milestone and said the dividend demonstrates the value that can be created when Ugandans’ long-term savings are invested in productive businesses.
Earlier this month, Airtel Uganda became the first telecommunications company in Uganda to commercially launch satellite-to-mobile connectivity through its partnership with Starlink, extending SMS and light-data connectivity to compatible smartphones in areas beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial mobile networks.
Sahu said the milestone demonstrates Airtel Uganda’s commitment to the pioneering innovative spirit that defines Airtel.
NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota said the dividend reinforces the importance of investing members’ savings in businesses capable of delivering sustainable long-term value.He further said the dividend reinforces the importance of investing members’ savings in businesses capable of delivering sustainable long-term value.
We hold a fund on behalf of our 2.6 million members with balances, so the investment we made in Airtel, buying 4.21 billion shares for roughly UGX 199 billion, was on their behalf. Thanks to the volume discount, our effective purchase price was UGX 47.17 per share. By the end of June 2026, that share value grew to UGX 152, a growth of over 300%. When people wonder where our record 22.53% interest rate came from, part of it came from Airtel.
Airtel Uganda said it will continue investing in network expansion, technology and partnerships that support Uganda’s digital and economic growth while creating sustainable value for its customers and shareholders.
About Airtel Africa
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries in Africa, primarily in East Africa and Central and West Africa.
Airtel Africa offers an integrated suite of telecommunications solutions to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services both nationally and internationally.
The Group aims to continue providing a simple and intuitive customer experience through streamlined customer journeys.