Airtel Uganda Limited has reported robust financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, recording revenue of UGX 2.23 trillion — a 13.3% increase compared to UGX 1.97 trillion in the prior year — underscoring the telecom giant’s continued momentum in Uganda’s competitive telecommunications market.
Revenue Growth Driven by Data
Total revenue climbed to UGX 2.249 billion (in millions: 2,232,897), up from UGX 1,978,611 million in 2024. Data revenue and value-added services were the standout performers, with data reaching UGX 1,301.7 billion compared to UGX 899.7 billion in 2024. Voice revenue also sustained growth, reaching UGX 1,026.8 billion from UGX 995.5 billion the previous year. The company’s total customer base expanded by 19.2% year-on-year.
Profit After Tax Climbs to UGX 446.8 Billion
Profit before tax stood at UGX 639.9 billion in 2025, a significant improvement from UGX 431.7 billion in 2024. After accounting for income tax expenses of UGX 193 billion, the company posted a profit for the year of UGX 446.8 billion, compared to UGX 516.7 billion in 2024 — a modest decline in net profit largely attributable to higher tax charges and operating costs associated with the company’s aggressive network expansion.
Operating Profit Up 35%
Operating profit surged 35% to UGX 849.2 billion, delivering an operating profit margin of 37.7%. The growth in operating costs was driven by higher network operating expenses, increased sales and distribution spending, and higher depreciation and amortisation from the addition of 258 new sites across the country.
Finance Costs Rise on Expanded Debt
Finance costs increased to UGX 209.3 billion in 2025, up from UGX 177.4 billion the prior year, primarily due to higher interest on lease liabilities. However, the company noted that total market debt (bank overdraft plus term loans) has reduced from UGX 653.5 billion in 2024 to UGX 645 billion in 2025 — a sign of improving financial discipline. The company’s leverage ratio remains at a sustainable and manageable level.
Cash Flow Remains Positive
Airtel Uganda reported positive net cash generated from operations of UGX 1,013.4 billion for the year, compared to UGX 879.9 billion in 2024, reflecting strong underlying cash generation capacity. Net cash used in investing activities was UGX 238 billion, driven largely by capital expenditure on property, plant, and equipment.
Dividend Declared
The Board of Directors has recommended a dividend payment of UGX 3.55 per share for the financial year ended 31 December 2025. The dividend is subject to shareholder approval and will be paid to shareholders registered in the company’s books at close of business on 8 April 2026, on or before 29 April 2026.
In a message to shareholders, the Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu, expressed satisfaction with the company’s performance: “This exceptional performance reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence,” the statement noted.
Chairman Hannington Karuhanga echoed these sentiments, noting the results represent sustained revenue growth backed by a disciplined cost management approach and continued investment in network infrastructure.
