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Google finally lets users change their Gmail addresses without creating a new account

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Google has introduced a long-awaited feature that allows users to change their Gmail addresses without having to create a new account, marking a significant shift in how its email platform works.

For years, Gmail users have been locked into the original email addresses they created, often during their early days online. Changing an address typically required setting up a new account and manually migrating emails, files, and services tied to the old one.

With the new update, users can now modify the part of their email address that appears before “@gmail.com” while keeping their existing account intact. The old address does not disappear. Instead, it becomes an alternate address that can still receive emails and be used to access Google services such as Drive, Maps, and YouTube.

Google began rolling out the feature gradually in late December and has now confirmed that it is fully available to all Google Account users in the United States.

The change is expected to simplify account management for users who want to update outdated or unprofessional email handles without losing their data or starting over.

However, there are some limitations. Users can only change their Gmail username once every 12 months. While it is possible to revert to the previous address as the primary account, frequent changes are not allowed.

To update a Gmail address, users can navigate to their Google Account settings, open the personal information section, and access the email settings. Eligible users will see an option to change their Google Account email, which leads to a new interface for selecting a new username.

The move reflects a broader trend among tech companies to offer more flexibility in identity management, particularly as users increasingly rely on a single account across multiple services and platforms.

If you want to change your username, here’s how to do it:

Open your Google Account Settings by tapping your profile picture or initial, then select “Manage your account.”

Go to “Personal info,” then tap “Email.”

If you’re in the U.S., you will see the option “Change Google Account Email.” Tap it and follow the steps to update your username.

NLGRB partners with online publishers to push responsible gaming in Uganda

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The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has partnered with the Online Media Publishers Association Uganda (OMPA-U) to promote responsible gaming and curb the growing risks associated with gambling, particularly among young people.

The collaboration was formalised during a stakeholder engagement held in Kampala, where both parties agreed to strengthen awareness campaigns and support the Board’s regulatory mandate through digital media platforms.

The initiative comes at a time when Uganda’s gaming sector is expanding rapidly, largely driven by mobile money services and increased internet access. Regulators say the shift toward digital platforms has made betting more accessible, but also heightened the risk of gambling-related harm.

Adrine Otunga, Manager Legal at NLGRB, said the partnership is aimed at driving behavioural change while also supporting policy development.

“We are strengthening our partnership with OMPA to not only drive positive mindset change but also to collaboratively shape and enhance policies that support responsible gaming across all platforms,” she said.

Data presented during the engagement highlights the scale of the issue. Online betting now accounts for 93 percent of gaming activity in Uganda, while a 2025 GeoPoll survey shows that 87 percent of Ugandans have placed bets and 57 percent of young people are actively engaged in gambling.

NLGRB spokesperson Jackie Kamakune said the Board is increasingly concerned about the social impact of these trends, especially among youth.

“The growth has been rapid and largely digital, which makes access easier but also increases vulnerability,” Kamakune said. “This partnership is about strengthening awareness and ensuring Ugandans are protected through responsible gaming.”

She added that the regulator is seeing a rise in cases of problem gambling, with issues such as addiction, debt, and mental health challenges becoming more prevalent.

“We are seeing growing cases of problem gambling, especially among the youth. Enforcement alone is not enough. We need sustained public education to promote safer choices,” she said.

OMPA-U, which brings together 31 online media platforms with a combined reach of over 12 million Ugandans, is expected to play a central role in delivering the awareness campaign.

Speaking at the engagement, OMPA-U President Giles Muhame said the association is ready to support the regulator using data-driven storytelling and digital content.

He emphasised the importance of correcting public misconceptions about gambling, particularly the belief that it can serve as a reliable source of income.

“Gaming must be understood as entertainment, not employment,” Muhame said. “If we don’t change that mindset, we risk normalising financial harm, especially among young people.”

The partnership comes amid rapid growth in the gaming sector. Betting turnover has surged from approximately Shs500 billion in the 2021/22 financial year to nearly Shs8 trillion by the end of 2024/25.

While the industry contributes to government revenue and employs more than 10,000 people, officials warn that the social costs are also rising.

Kamakune said the Board will continue enforcement efforts against illegal operators, but stressed that long-term impact will depend on collaboration with stakeholders, including the media.

“Responsible gaming is a shared responsibility,” she said. “By working together, we can build a well-informed gaming environment that protects Ugandans while supporting a regulated industry.”

Suno v5.5 update brings voice cloning, custom models, and deeper personalization to AI music creation

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Suno has rolled out version 5.5 of its AI music model, marking one of its most significant updates to date. While previous releases focused on improving sound quality and generating more natural vocals, this update shifts the focus toward user control and personalization.

The latest version introduces three key features: Voices, My Taste, and Custom Models, all designed to give creators more influence over how music is generated and performed.

One of the headline additions is Voices, a feature that allows users to train the AI using their own voice. Users can upload acapella recordings, full tracks, or record directly through a microphone. According to Suno, higher-quality recordings reduce the amount of training data needed. To address potential misuse, the platform requires users to record a verification phrase during setup, although concerns remain about whether advanced voice cloning tools could bypass such safeguards.

Once trained, the AI can replicate the user’s voice across new compositions or apply it to existing music, effectively allowing users to “sing” on tracks without recording new vocals.

Custom Models takes personalization further by allowing users to train the system on their own music catalog. Users must upload at least six songs to create a model that reflects their style. The trained model can then guide how Suno interprets prompts, helping generate music that aligns more closely with a user’s unique sound.

The third feature, My Taste, focuses on passive personalization. It tracks user behavior over time, including preferred genres, moods, and styles, and uses that data to influence future outputs. When generating music using Suno’s automated tools, the system applies these learned preferences to produce more relevant results.

Suno says My Taste will be available to all users, while Voices and Custom Models will be limited to Pro and Premier subscription tiers.

With v5.5, Suno is moving beyond basic AI music generation toward a more customized creative experience. By combining voice replication, style training, and behavioral learning, the platform is positioning itself as a more powerful tool for both casual creators and professional musicians exploring AI-assisted workflows.

Apple introduces AirPods Max 2

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Apple has introduced AirPods Max 2, the second generation of its premium over-ear headphones, bringing improved Active Noise Cancellation, enhanced sound quality, and a suite of new intelligent features powered by the company’s H2 chip. The update builds on the original AirPods Max design while introducing deeper integration with Apple Intelligence and creative tools for content creators.

AirPods Max 2 will be available to order starting March 25, with availability expected early next month. The headphones launch in five colors: midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue.

At the heart of AirPods Max 2 is Apple’s H2 chip, which powers new computational audio improvements. Apple says the new model delivers up to 1.5 times more effective Active Noise Cancellation compared with the previous generation, helping reduce environmental sounds such as airplane engines or commuter trains so users can fully focus on their music, calls, or work.

The company has also improved Transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings more naturally when needed.

Sound quality has also been upgraded with a new high dynamic range amplifier designed to deliver cleaner audio while maintaining the signature sound profile of AirPods Max. Spatial Audio performance has also been refined, with improved localization of instruments, more consistent bass, and clearer mids and highs.

For high-fidelity listening, AirPods Max 2 now support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected with the included USB-C cable. This also allows musicians and producers to use the headphones during professional workflows in applications such as Logic Pro.

Apple says the headphones enable creators to both create and mix Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, giving them an immersive audio environment during production.

AirPods Max 2 also introduces a number of intelligent features powered by the H2 chip. These include Adaptive Audio, which automatically balances noise cancellation and awareness of surroundings, Conversation Awareness that lowers audio when users begin speaking, Voice Isolation for clearer calls, and Live Translation when paired with compatible Apple devices.

The headphones also bring new tools for creators, including studio-quality audio recording capabilities designed for podcasters, musicians, and content creators. AirPods Max 2 also include a camera remote feature that allows users to trigger photos or videos from connected Apple devices.

Gamers may also benefit from reduced wireless audio latency. When used with Game Mode on iOS, macOS, or iPadOS, gameplay audio becomes more responsive and immersive.

Apple says the new AirPods Max also support its environmental goals under the Apple 2030 initiative. The headphones use 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in magnets, recycled polyester in the ear cushions, and recycled gold plating and tin solder in Apple-designed circuit boards. Packaging is also fully fiber-based and recyclable.

AirPods Max 2 continue Apple’s push to combine premium audio quality with advanced computational features, positioning the headphones as a high-end option for music listeners, professionals, and creators within the Apple ecosystem.

Apple unveils MacBook Neo starting at $599

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Apple has introduced the MacBook Neo, a new entry-level laptop designed to make the Mac experience more accessible while retaining Apple’s signature design, performance, and ecosystem integration. Announced from Cupertino, the new device combines a durable aluminum chassis, a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, and Apple’s A18 Pro chip, starting at a price of $599, making it the most affordable MacBook Apple has ever launched.

The company says MacBook Neo is aimed at students, first-time Mac users, and everyday consumers who want a capable laptop for work, learning, and entertainment without paying premium flagship prices. Pre-orders begin immediately, with availability starting March 11.

Apple design with a colourful twist

MacBook Neo features a lightweight aluminum body weighing just 2.7 pounds, designed to balance portability with durability. Apple is introducing the laptop in four colors: blush, indigo, silver, and citrus, giving the device a more playful aesthetic than traditional MacBooks.

The laptop also includes a color-matched Magic Keyboard and matching wallpapers, creating a cohesive design language across the device.

13-inch Liquid Retina display

The new MacBook Neo includes a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2408 by 1506, support for 1 billion colors, and brightness of up to 500 nits. Apple says the display is brighter and higher resolution than many laptops in the same price category.

An anti-reflective coating is designed to improve visibility in bright environments, making the laptop suitable for use in classrooms, offices, or outdoor settings.

Powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip

Under the hood, MacBook Neo runs on Apple’s A18 Pro processor, bringing Apple silicon performance to a more affordable Mac. According to Apple, the laptop is up to 50 percent faster for everyday tasks such as web browsing compared with popular Intel Core Ultra 5-based laptops.

The chip also delivers stronger AI capabilities. Apple says MacBook Neo can run on-device AI workloads up to three times faster, enabling features like photo editing enhancements, AI-powered writing tools, and intelligent summarization across apps.

The processor includes a 5-core GPU for graphics performance and a 16-core Neural Engine dedicated to machine learning tasks. The laptop is also fanless, allowing it to operate silently even under moderate workloads.

Up to 16 hours of battery life

MacBook Neo offers up to 16 hours of battery life, powered by the energy efficiency of Apple silicon. Apple positions this as an all-day laptop suitable for students and mobile professionals who work away from power outlets.

Improved camera, speakers, and input

For video calls and media consumption, MacBook Neo includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera paired with dual microphones featuring directional beamforming, designed to isolate the user’s voice while reducing background noise.

Audio is delivered through dual side-firing speakers that support Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, providing a more immersive listening experience for movies and music.

The device also features Apple’s Magic Keyboard, Touch ID for secure login and payments, and a large Multi-Touch trackpad that supports gestures for navigation and productivity.

Connectivity and ports

MacBook Neo includes two USB-C ports, which can be used for charging or connecting accessories. The laptop also features a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 6 for improved wireless connectivity.

macOS Tahoe and Apple Intelligence

The laptop ships with macOS Tahoe, Apple’s latest operating system, which integrates AI-powered capabilities across the platform. Features include Live Translation, AI-assisted writing tools, and enhanced productivity features embedded in apps like Safari, Messages, and Photos.

MacBook Neo also integrates tightly with the Apple ecosystem. Through Continuity features, users can copy and paste between devices, start tasks on iPhone and continue them on Mac, or mirror their iPhone screen directly on the laptop.

Apple’s most sustainable MacBook

Apple says MacBook Neo is its lowest-carbon MacBook to date, containing 60 percent recycled materials, including 90 percent recycled aluminum and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery.

The laptop is also manufactured using renewable electricity across much of the supply chain, and its packaging is fully fiber-based and recyclable.

A new entry point to the Mac ecosystem

With MacBook Neo, Apple appears to be expanding its strategy of bringing Apple silicon to lower price tiers while maintaining performance and ecosystem advantages.

At $599, the device significantly lowers the entry barrier to macOS laptops, positioning it as a direct competitor to mainstream Windows ultrabooks while offering Apple’s hardware-software integration and long battery life.

Apple unveils new MacBook Pro powered by M5 Pro and M5 Max chips

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Apple has introduced a new generation of MacBook Pro laptops powered by the all-new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, delivering significant performance improvements, faster storage, and advanced on-device artificial intelligence capabilities. The updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models aim to push professional computing further, particularly for developers, engineers, researchers, and creative professionals working with AI-driven workloads.

The new MacBook Pro will be available for pre-order starting March 4, with sales beginning March 11. The devices will ship in Apple’s signature space black and silver finishes.

At the heart of the upgrade are Apple’s new M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, designed around a new Fusion Architecture that combines two chip dies into a single system on a chip. Apple says the chips feature the world’s fastest CPU core and a next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator embedded in each graphics core. This architecture significantly improves machine learning performance, enabling professionals to run advanced large language models and AI workflows directly on their laptops.

According to Apple, the new MacBook Pro delivers up to four times faster AI performance than the previous generation and up to eight times faster AI capabilities compared with MacBook Pro models powered by the M1 series. These improvements make the device suitable for tasks such as local AI model training, generative design workflows, and advanced video editing using AI-enhanced tools.

The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips feature an up-to-18-core CPU, including six high-performance “super cores” and twelve new performance cores optimized for heavy multithreaded workloads. Apple says the chips deliver up to 30 percent faster overall processing compared with the previous generation.

Graphics performance also sees a major boost. The next-generation GPU architecture enables up to 50 percent faster graphics performance compared with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, improving real-time rendering for 3D animation, VFX, and motion graphics work.

Memory capacity and bandwidth have also been expanded to support complex professional workloads. MacBook Pro with M5 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory with bandwidth of up to 307GB/s, while the M5 Max configuration supports up to 128GB of unified memory and 614GB/s of memory bandwidth.

Storage performance is another highlight of the update. Apple says the new MacBook Pro offers up to twice the SSD speed of the previous generation, reaching read and write speeds of up to 14.5GB per second. The starting storage has also increased, with M5 Pro models beginning at 1TB and M5 Max models starting at 2TB.

Connectivity has also been upgraded. The new MacBook Pro includes Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for faster and more reliable wireless connections. The laptops also feature Thunderbolt 5 ports, giving professionals faster data transfer speeds for external drives, displays, and other high-performance accessories.

Apple says battery life remains one of the defining features of the MacBook Pro, with the new models delivering up to 24 hours of usage depending on workload. The laptops continue to feature the Liquid Retina XDR display with an optional nano-texture coating to reduce glare, along with a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, studio-quality microphones, and a six-speaker sound system.

The new machines ship with macOS Tahoe, Apple’s latest desktop operating system, which introduces expanded AI features through Apple Intelligence. The software includes Live Translation across Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, improved Spotlight search with faster actions, and deeper integration of AI capabilities into developer tools and third-party apps.

Apple says the new MacBook Pro models are built with sustainability in mind, using 45 percent recycled materials including fully recycled aluminum for the enclosure and recycled cobalt in the battery. The company is continuing its push toward carbon neutrality by 2030.

With its emphasis on AI acceleration, faster storage, and expanded memory, Apple is positioning the M5-powered MacBook Pro as a major leap for professionals working with increasingly demanding workloads such as AI development, high-resolution video editing, and complex data processing

Apple unveils the new iPad Air with M4

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Apple has unveiled a new generation of iPad Air powered by its M4 chip, bringing a significant jump in performance, enhanced AI capabilities, and faster connectivity while keeping the starting price unchanged. The updated iPad Air is positioned as a versatile upgrade for students, creatives, professionals, and gamers looking for more power without moving to the iPad Pro lineup.

The new iPad Air is available in two sizes, an 11 inch model starting at $599 and a 13 inch version priced from $799. Education pricing lowers those figures to $549 and $749 respectively. Preorders open on March 4, with availability beginning March 11.

At the heart of the upgrade is Apple’s M4 chip, which delivers up to 30 percent faster performance than the previous M3-powered iPad Air and up to 2.3 times the performance of the M1 model. The M4 features an 8 core CPU and a 9 core GPU, enabling smoother multitasking, faster photo and video editing, and more realistic graphics in games thanks to hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Apple says demanding creative workloads such as video editing in Final Cut Pro and photo compositing in Pixelmator Pro see noticeable gains.

The M4 also brings a major leap in on-device AI performance. The new iPad Air includes 50 percent more unified memory, now up to 12GB, alongside higher memory bandwidth and a faster 16 core Neural Engine. These upgrades allow AI-powered tasks such as transcription, image analysis, and generative features in third-party apps to run more quickly and efficiently, while keeping processing on the device.

Connectivity is another key improvement. For the first time, iPad Air includes Apple’s N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and improved performance for features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot. Cellular models also gain the new C1X modem, offering faster 5G speeds and improved power efficiency. Apple says this combination allows users to stay connected more reliably whether working remotely, traveling, or studying on campus.

The new iPad Air ships with iPadOS 26, which introduces a more advanced windowing system, expanded multitasking, and deeper Apple Intelligence features. These include improved support for AI-powered workflows across notes, creative apps, and productivity tools. The software update further blurs the line between tablet and laptop, especially when paired with accessories.

Apple continues to position accessories as central to the iPad Air experience. The device supports Apple Pencil USB C and Apple Pencil Pro, with advanced features such as squeeze gestures and barrel roll on the Pro model. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air adds a built-in trackpad, a full function key row, and a floating design that turns the tablet into a more traditional productivity device.

Despite the performance gains, Apple says battery life remains all day, supported by the efficiency of the M4 chip and improved power management in iPadOS 26. The device also maintains Apple’s focus on sustainability, using recycled aluminum and cobalt, renewable energy in manufacturing, and fully fiber-based packaging.

With the new iPad Air, Apple is reinforcing its strategy of bringing pro-level performance to more accessible devices. By combining the M4 chip, faster connectivity, and advanced software features without raising prices, the company is making the iPad Air one of its most compelling upgrades in years.

Apple Unveils iPhone 17e, Bringing Flagship Performance at a Lower Price

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Apple has officially introduced the iPhone 17e, a new and more affordable entry in the iPhone 17 lineup that combines flagship-level performance with a lower starting price. Announced on March 2, 2026, the iPhone 17e starts at $599 and now comes with 256GB of storage as standard, doubling the entry-level capacity offered in the previous generation.

At the core of the iPhone 17e is Apple’s latest A19 chip, built on advanced 3-nanometer technology. Apple says the processor delivers up to twice the performance of the iPhone 11, handling everything from everyday tasks to more demanding Apple Intelligence features. The device also debuts Apple’s new C1X cellular modem, which is designed in-house and delivers speeds up to twice as fast as the modem used in the iPhone 16e, while consuming significantly less power.

The iPhone 17e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display protected by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says offers three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation and improved glare reduction. The phone is built with aerospace-grade aluminum, carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and supports Face ID alongside the customizable Action button.

Photography is handled by a single 48-megapixel Fusion camera that doubles as a 2x optical-quality telephoto, effectively offering two focal lengths in one lens. The camera supports next-generation portrait photography with automatic depth capture for people and pets, Night mode, and advanced HDR. Video recording reaches up to 4K at 60 frames per second with Dolby Vision, along with Spatial Audio and enhanced audio editing tools.

Battery life is another focus area, with Apple pointing to all-day performance enabled by the efficiency of the A19 chip, the new modem, and iOS 26. The iPhone 17e supports USB-C fast charging, reaching up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes with a compatible adapter, and includes MagSafe and Qi2 support for faster wireless charging and accessory compatibility.

Like other recent iPhones, the 17e includes Apple’s satellite-based features, allowing users to access Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite when outside cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Crash Detection is also included to automatically alert emergency services in the event of a severe car accident.

The device ships with iOS 26, which introduces Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language, expanded Apple Intelligence features such as Live Translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, and tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist to reduce interruptions from unknown callers.

Apple also highlighted its environmental commitments, noting that the iPhone 17e is made with 30 percent recycled materials, including 85 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure and fully recycled cobalt in the battery. The device is manufactured using renewable electricity across much of Apple’s supply chain, and its packaging is now entirely fiber-based.

The iPhone 17e will be available in black, white, and a new soft pink color. Pre-orders begin on March 4, with availability starting March 11 in more than 70 countries and regions worldwide.

Instagram to Notify Parents When Teens Repeatedly Search for Self-Harm Content

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Instagram is introducing a new safety feature aimed at strengthening parental awareness around teen mental health. Starting next week, the platform will begin notifying parents when a teen repeatedly searches for terms related to suicide or self-harm within a short period of time.

The alerts will be available to parents who have enabled Instagram’s parental supervision tools and will initially roll out in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Meta says additional regions will follow later.

According to Instagram, the alerts are designed to strike a careful balance between privacy and safety. The system will only trigger notifications after several related searches occur within a limited timeframe, rather than flagging a single query. While the company acknowledges that some alerts may not always indicate immediate risk, it says experts advised that early awareness is critical.

From the notification, parents will have the option to access guidance and resources intended to help them start supportive conversations with their teens about mental health and wellbeing.

Instagram emphasized that its existing protections for younger users remain in place. Teens are still prevented from seeing search results or content related to suicide and self-harm under current policies, and the platform continues to redirect such searches toward support resources.

The company also confirmed that it is working on a similar alert system tied to its AI-powered tools, though further details are not expected until later this year.

The move is part of Meta’s broader effort to address concerns from parents, regulators, and mental health advocates about the impact of social media on young users, particularly around sensitive and potentially harmful topics.

Airtel Uganda Posts Strong 2025 Results as Data and Digital Services Drive Growth

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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.

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.

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