Airtel Uganda has reported a solid financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, with revenue rising 13.3 percent to UGX 2.23 trillion and profit after tax reaching UGX 446.8 billion. The results were driven by rapid growth in mobile data and value added services, continued subscriber expansion, and sustained investment in network infrastructure.
Airtel Uganda Limited has posted robust results for the 2025 financial year, underscoring the operator’s growing influence in Uganda’s increasingly competitive telecommunications market. According to the company’s audited financial statements, total revenue rose to UGX 2.23 trillion, up from UGX 1.97 trillion in 2024, marking a 13.3 percent year on year increase.
Data emerges as the primary growth engine
The standout driver of Airtel Uganda’s performance was mobile data and value added services, which generated UGX 1.30 trillion in revenue in 2025, a sharp rise from UGX 899.7 billion the previous year. Voice services also delivered steady growth, climbing to UGX 1.03 trillion from UGX 995.5 billion in 2024.
The operator’s total customer base expanded by 19.2 percent over the year, reflecting increased smartphone adoption, wider 4G coverage, and growing demand for digital services such as streaming, mobile payments, and online communication.
Profitability improves despite higher costs
Profit before tax increased significantly to UGX 639.9 billion in 2025, compared to UGX 431.7 billion in 2024. After accounting for income tax expenses of UGX 193 billion, Airtel Uganda reported a profit after tax of UGX 446.8 billion.
Operating profit rose 35 percent to UGX 849.2 billion, translating into an operating margin of 37.7 percent. The company noted that operating costs increased during the year due to higher network operating expenses, expanded sales and distribution activities, and increased depreciation and amortisation following the rollout of 258 new network sites across the country.
Finance costs and balance sheet position
Finance costs grew to UGX 209.3 billion from UGX 177.4 billion in 2024, largely driven by higher interest expenses on lease liabilities. Despite this, Airtel Uganda reduced its total market debt, comprising bank overdrafts and term loans, from UGX 653.5 billion in 2024 to UGX 645 billion in 2025, signalling improved balance sheet management. The company maintained that its leverage ratio remains sustainable and within acceptable levels.
Total assets increased to UGX 2.74 trillion, while shareholders’ equity strengthened, supported by higher retained earnings.
Strong cash flows support investment and returns
Airtel Uganda continued to generate healthy cash flows, reporting net cash from operating activities of UGX 1.01 trillion in 2025, up from UGX 879.9 billion a year earlier. Net cash used in investing activities amounted to UGX 238 billion, primarily reflecting capital expenditure on network infrastructure and equipment.
Dividend recommended
The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of UGX 3.55 per share for the year ended December 31, 2025. Subject to shareholder approval, the dividend will be paid on or before April 29, 2026, to shareholders on record as of April 8, 2026.
Leadership commentary
Commenting on the results, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Soumendra Sahu said the performance reflected the company’s continued focus on innovation, customer experience, and operational efficiency. Chairman Hannington Karuhanga added that the results demonstrate sustained revenue growth supported by disciplined cost management and ongoing investment in network capacity to meet rising data demand.
Outlook
Airtel Uganda’s 2025 performance highlights the central role of data in shaping the future of the telecom sector. As usage patterns continue to shift toward digital services, the company’s strategy of expanding coverage, improving quality, and strengthening its financial position places it well to capture further growth in Uganda’s fast evolving digital economy.
