Airtel Uganda has handed over a dividend cheque worth UGX 42,609,880,000 to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This payment represents returns on the Fund's investment in the telecommunications company. NSSF owns 10.6% of Airtel Uganda shares and is the largest Ugandan institutional shareholder. The handover took place following a year in which Airtel Uganda grew its network footprint, improved operational efficiencies, and continued to serve customers better.
The dividend payment comes days after NSSF declared a record 22.53% interest rate for the Financial Year 2025/26. This is the highest interest rate in the Fund's history, with UGX 5.44 trillion set to be credited to members' accounts. Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO, Soumendra Sahu, congratulated NSSF on the milestone. He stated that the dividend demonstrates the value created when Ugandans' long-term savings are invested in productive businesses.
Sahu emphasized that Airtel Uganda remains committed to delivering value to its shareholders. The company has achieved this through growing its network footprint, improving operational efficiencies, and providing better services to customers. Earlier in the month, Airtel Uganda became the first telecommunications company in Uganda to commercially launch satellite-to-mobile connectivity. This was made possible through its partnership with Starlink, extending SMS and light-data connectivity to compatible smartphones in areas beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial mobile networks.
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 commended Sahu and the management of Airtel Uganda for creating shareholder value while focusing on the company's long-term growth. Ayota stated that NSSF holds a fund on behalf of its 2.6 million members with balances. The investment made in Airtel, buying 4.21 billion shares for roughly UGX 199 billion, was on their behalf.
Ayota further explained that the effective purchase price of the shares was UGX 47.17 per share. By the end of June 2026, the share value grew to UGX 152, representing a growth of over 300%. He attributed part of NSSF's record 22.53% interest rate to the performance of its investment in Airtel. Airtel Uganda said it will continue investing in network expansion, technology, and partnerships that support Uganda's digital and economic growth.
The company aims to create sustainable value for its customers and shareholders. Airtel Africa, the parent company of Airtel Uganda, is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services. It has 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.
Airtel Uganda's payment of UGX 42.6 billion dividend to NSSF demonstrates the company's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders. The payment also highlights the importance of investing in productive businesses that can deliver sustainable long-term value. NSSF's investment in Airtel Uganda has yielded significant returns, contributing to the Fund's record 22.53% interest rate for the Financial Year 2025/26.
Key points
- Airtel Uganda pays UGX 42.6 billion dividend to NSSF
- NSSF declares record 22.53% interest rate for Financial Year 2025/26
- Airtel Uganda invests in network expansion, technology, and partnerships to support Uganda's digital and economic growth
