Airtel Uganda sees robust H1 growth driven by data revenue with $55.8m profit

Airtel Uganda’s first-half results for 2025 show a 14.7% rise in its customer base to 17.9 million and a 30.4% jump in data revenues

Soumendra Sahu, MD of Airtel Uganda, has celebrated the strong H1 results and committed to further accelerating digital inclusion.

By Nhlanhla Muthe

Airtel Uganda has delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2025, demonstrating robust growth across its customer base, data services, and profitability, according to its interim financial results released this week.

The telecom giant saw its total customer base rise by 14.7% to 17.9 million, while data customers surged 25.9% to 7.5 million. Soumendra Sahu, Airtel Uganda Managing Director, said Data usage per subscriber climbed 22.6% to 5.95 GB, driven by growing smartphone adoption, which now stands at 39.9%. Overall, network data traffic jumped 57.4% over the period.

“Our strategy that focuses on investing in our customers’ brilliant experience is creating value for our customers and shareholders. Good network experience is supporting customer base growth. We deliver superior voice calls and a brilliant data experience,” he said.

Financially, the company recorded a 12.3% revenue increase to $48.9 million (Sh 174 billion), supported by strong data revenue, which grew 30.4% to $14.8 million (Sh 52.7 billion), despite a 15.4% decline in voice ARPU following a regulatory interconnect rate cut. EBITDA rose 19.3% to $159.41 million (Sh 567.3 billion), with margins expanding to 52.3% from 49.2% a year earlier. Profit after tax surged 28.7% to $55.38 million (Sh 197.2 billion), underscoring Airtel Uganda’s disciplined cost management.

Capital expenditure totaled $24.66 million (Sh 87.8 billion), funding the rollout of 176 additional 4G sites and expanding the 5G footprint with 150 new sites. Fibre infrastructure also grew by 1,793 km, supporting faster speeds and improved enterprise services.

Airtel Uganda continues to drive digital inclusion across the country. Its MyAirtel app now engages 1.25 million monthly active users, and the operator has extended internet access to 133 more schools through its partnership with UNICEF, reaching over 40,000 learners and 2,505 teachers.

“Data continues to shape our growth story. By promoting wider smartphone adoption and expanding our Smart Connect Wi-Fi for homes and offices, we are empowering Ugandans and their enterprises,” Sahu added.

Shareholders also reaped rewards after the board declared an interim dividend of $0.0012 (Ushs 4.35) per share, totaling $48.9 million (Ushs 174 billion) for H1 2025, reflecting a 31.8% year-on-year increase.

With nearly 99% population coverage and 82% geographic coverage, Airtel Uganda is poised to deepen its digital footprint, leveraging innovation and strategic network investments to remain at the forefront of Uganda’s telecom sector.