Airtel Uganda has handed over a dividend cheque worth sh42,609,880,000 to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), representing returns on the Fund's investment in the telecommunications company. This payment is a result of Airtel Uganda's improved performance, which included growing its network footprint, enhancing operational efficiencies, and serving customers better. The handover comes as NSSF declared a record 22.53% interest rate for the Financial Year 2025/26.
NSSF owns 10.6% of Airtel Uganda shares, making it the largest Ugandan institutional shareholder. The Fund had invested in Airtel Uganda by purchasing 4.21 billion shares for roughly UGX 199 billion, with an effective purchase price of UGX 47.17 per share. By the end of June 2026, the share value grew to UGX 152, representing a growth of over 300%. This significant growth has contributed to NSSF's record interest rate.
Speaking during the handover, Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO, Soumendra Sahu, congratulated NSSF on the milestone and emphasized that the dividend demonstrates the value created when Ugandans' long-term savings are invested in productive businesses. He highlighted Airtel Uganda's commitment to delivering value to shareholders through network expansion, improved operational efficiencies, and better customer service.
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 Airtel Uganda's management for creating shareholder value while focusing on the company's long-term growth. Ayota also mentioned that the investment in Airtel Uganda was made on behalf of the Fund's 2.6 million members with balances.
Airtel Uganda recently achieved another milestone by becoming the first telecommunications company in Uganda to commercially launch satellite-to-mobile connectivity through its partnership with Starlink. This technology extends SMS and light-data connectivity to compatible smartphones in areas beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial mobile networks. Soumendra Sahu stated that this milestone demonstrates Airtel Uganda's commitment to innovation and its goal of reaching communities and places that have traditionally been difficult to reach.
The partnership with Starlink is part of Airtel Uganda's strategy to expand its network and introduce new technologies that support Uganda's digital and economic growth. Airtel Uganda aims to continue investing in network expansion, technology, and partnerships that create sustainable value for its customers and shareholders. This approach aligns with NSSF's investment strategy, which focuses on businesses capable of delivering long-term value.
The record 22.53% interest rate declared by NSSF for the Financial Year 2025/26 will see sh5.44 trillion credited to members' accounts. This achievement is partly attributed to the growth of NSSF's investment in Airtel Uganda. The Fund's investment strategy aims to deliver sustainable long-term value to its members, and the dividend from Airtel Uganda is a testament to the success of this approach.
Key points
- Airtel Uganda pays Sh42.6 billion dividend to National Social Security Fund
- NSSF owns 10.6% of Airtel Uganda shares
- Airtel Uganda launches satellite-to-mobile connectivity with Starlink
