Introduction
The Uganda Communications Commission, commonly known as UCC, is the national regulatory authority responsible for Uganda’s communications sector.
The Commission regulates:
- Telecommunications.
- Broadcasting.
- Radio communications.
- Postal and courier services.
- Data communications.
- Communications infrastructure.
- Cinematography theatres and video or film libraries.
UCC also promotes universal access to digital technologies through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund. Its work supports connectivity, digital inclusion, consumer protection, innovation and Uganda’s wider digital transformation.
History and Background
The Uganda Communications Commission was originally established under the Uganda Communications Act of 1997. Its early legal framework also included the Electronic Media Act of 1996.
The Uganda Communications Act 2013 consolidated the earlier communications and electronic-media laws. It dissolved the former Uganda Communications Commission and Broadcasting Council and reconstituted them as a single integrated regulator under the UCC name.
The restructuring gave UCC responsibility for regulating telecommunications, broadcasting, postal services, data communication and radio-frequency use within one institution.
The Commission operates under Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance while exercising regulatory and administrative responsibilities assigned by law.
Mission and Purpose
UCC’s mandate is to develop and regulate a modern, competitive, accessible and secure communications sector in Uganda.
Its principal objectives are to:
- Expand national communications coverage.
- Promote affordable and high-quality services.
- Encourage investment and innovation.
- Manage radio-frequency spectrum.
- License communications providers.
- Protect consumers from communications-related harm.
- Promote fair competition.
- Support local audiovisual content.
- Extend digital services to underserved communities.
- Strengthen Uganda’s digital economy.
The Commission’s core values are summarised as EPIC:
- Excellence.
- Professionalism.
- Integrity.
- Collaboration.
UCC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030 seeks to support a fully connected Uganda by 2030.
Governance and Structure
The Uganda Communications Commission is governed by a Board that provides policy direction, strategic oversight and institutional accountability.
As of 2026, Dr Charity Basaza Mulenga serves as Chairperson of the UCC Board. George William Nyombi Thembo serves as Executive Director and leads the Commission’s administration.
Major departments include:
- Engineering and Communications Infrastructure.
- Economic Regulation, Content and Consumer Affairs.
- Legal Affairs and Commission Secretariat.
- Corporate Affairs.
- Finance.
- Internal Audit.
- Human Resources and Administration.
- ICT and Research.
- Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund.
The Commission is accountable through government oversight, public-sector audits, statutory reporting, procurement requirements and the Uganda Communications Act.
Regulatory Responsibilities
UCC’s regulatory functions include:
- Issuing and renewing licences.
- Allocating and monitoring radio-frequency spectrum.
- Regulating telephone numbering resources.
- Setting and enforcing service-quality standards.
- Monitoring broadcasting content.
- Regulating postal and courier operators.
- Investigating consumer complaints.
- Promoting competition.
- Inspecting communications infrastructure.
- Addressing cyber and online-safety concerns.
- Advising the government on communications policy.
Consumers can submit complaints through UCC’s Consumer Affairs Help Desk and toll-free support line.
Funding and Grants
UCC is a statutory public regulator rather than a charitable foundation. Its operations and programs are financed through regulatory income and public-sector funding mechanisms.
Funding sources include:
- Licence fees.
- Spectrum fees.
- Application and regulatory charges.
- Government-approved budgetary resources.
- Contributions from licensed communications operators.
- Development-partner support.
- Penalties and other income permitted under communications law.
Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund
The Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund, or UCUSAF, is administered by UCC to extend communications services to communities that may not be commercially attractive to private operators.
Licensed operators are required to contribute 2% of their annual gross revenue under Uganda’s universal-access funding framework. UCC stated in 2026 that half of this contribution is transferred to the Consolidated Fund, while the balance supports UCUSAF initiatives.
In 2026, contributions included:
- UGX 54.27 billion from MTN Uganda.
- UGX 42.9 billion from Airtel Uganda.
- UGX 20.9 billion from ATC Uganda.
These contributions support connectivity, infrastructure and digital-skills programs for underserved communities.
UCC and UCUSAF Grants
UCC periodically issues competitive calls for proposals to organisations, institutions, consultants or consortia capable of implementing digital-inclusion projects.
Grant areas have included:
- Digital literacy in rural communities.
- Digital skills for women.
- Digital inclusion for older people.
- ICT training for young people.
- Digital training for micro, small and medium enterprises.
- ICT clubs in secondary schools.
- Electronic-waste management.
- ICT innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Research and communications-sector development.
Funding is project-specific. Applicants must follow the eligibility, technical, financial and reporting requirements in each call.
Major Programs and Initiatives
ICT in Education Program
The UCUSAF ICT in Education Program provides schools and learning institutions with digital infrastructure and skills.
Its objectives include:
- Improving digital literacy.
- Strengthening teaching quality.
- Increasing access to educational content.
- Supporting science and technology education.
- Promoting creativity and innovation.
- Extending inclusive learning to students with disabilities.
Over five years, UCC reported establishing 520 ICT laboratories in public secondary schools and tertiary institutions. It also provided subsidised high-speed internet to approximately 400 schools.
Digital Skilling Program
The Digital Skilling Program helps people use computers, mobile devices, online services and digital platforms.
Priority beneficiaries include:
- Rural communities.
- Women and girls.
- Young people.
- Older persons.
- Persons with disabilities.
- Small-business owners.
- Communities receiving subsidised digital devices.
A 2026–27 rural digital-literacy initiative targeted at least 3,000 beneficiaries across 30 districts, with a minimum of 100 participants expected from each district.
Access Infrastructure Program
UCUSAF finances communications infrastructure in locations where commercial investment is limited.
UCC reported supporting the establishment of 63 telecommunications sites in areas considered commercially unviable. These sites covered approximately 42% of previously identified underserved locations.
Infrastructure subsidies help extend:
- Mobile coverage.
- Voice services.
- Internet connectivity.
- Emergency communications.
- Digital financial services.
- Access to government platforms.
Public Internet Access
UCC has supported the creation of more than 70 public-access centres equipped with ICT facilities and internet connectivity.
These centres enable rural and underserved communities to access:
- Government services.
- Education and training.
- Employment information.
- Digital financial services.
- Business and market information.
- Online communication.
ICT for Persons with Disabilities
The ICT for Persons with Disabilities Program promotes accessible communications technologies and digital participation.
Interventions can include:
- Assistive ICT equipment.
- Accessible learning resources.
- Digital-skills training.
- Support for special-needs institutions.
- Inclusive communication platforms.
- Partnerships with disability organisations.
The program aims to reduce barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating in education, employment and public life.
National e-Booster Program
The National e-Booster Program identifies and develops locally created digital solutions addressing Uganda’s social and economic challenges.
Supported sectors include:
- Agriculture.
- Health.
- Education.
- Financial inclusion.
- Tourism.
- Transport.
- Energy.
- Governance.
- Environmental protection.
- Community development.
Phase III for 2026–27 includes innovation acceleration, mentorship, technical support, business development, investor engagement and an assessment of Uganda’s ICT innovation ecosystem.
Content Development Support Programme
The Content Development Support Programme supports Uganda’s audiovisual industry.
Eligible content has included:
- Feature films.
- Television dramas.
- Documentaries.
- Animation.
- Short films.
The program aims to increase local-content production, create employment, build audiences and promote Uganda as a destination for film production and international co-productions.
ICT Circular Economy and E-Waste
UCC’s electronic-waste initiatives address the environmental and health risks associated with discarded phones, computers and other ICT equipment.
The ICT Circular Economy and E-Waste Ecosystems Project supports organisations developing systems for:
- Collection.
- Repair.
- Refurbishment.
- Reuse.
- Safe recycling.
- Public education.
- Green employment.
This approach seeks to recover valuable materials while reducing unsafe disposal.
Consumer Protection and Online Safety
UCC protects communications users through service monitoring, complaint handling and public education.
Consumer issues include:
- Poor network quality.
- Unauthorised charges.
- Misleading promotions.
- Mobile-money complaints.
- Data privacy and security.
- Harmful online content.
- Fraud and scams.
- SIM-card and identity misuse.
UCC also conducts online-safety campaigns for children, parents, teachers and other internet users.
Research and Innovation
The Commission conducts and funds research on communications markets, regulation, affordability, digital access and investment.
The National Conference on Communications brings together researchers, universities, businesses and policymakers to discuss ICT innovation.
UCC has also proposed stronger post-conference mechanisms to help research projects develop into practical partnerships and commercial solutions.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Uganda’s communications sector has expanded significantly under UCC’s regulatory and universal-access programs.
As of December 2025, UCC reported:
- 47.1 million active mobile subscriptions.
- 36.3 million active mobile-money accounts.
- 18.5 million internet subscriptions.
These figures demonstrate the growing importance of mobile communications, financial technology and internet access in Uganda.
Education and Community Connectivity
UCC-funded projects have delivered:
- 520 ICT laboratories in public educational institutions.
- Subsidised high-speed internet for 400 schools.
- More than 70 rural public-access centres.
- Telecommunications infrastructure at 63 commercially unviable sites.
These investments have improved access to digital education, public services, communication and livelihood opportunities.
Support for Underserved Groups
Recent UCUSAF calls have prioritised groups commonly excluded from the digital economy, including:
- Rural women.
- Unemployed young people.
- Older persons.
- Persons with disabilities.
- Micro and small businesses.
- Remote communities.
- Students without adequate ICT access.
By combining devices, connectivity and training, UCC seeks to move beyond basic network coverage toward meaningful use of digital services.
Conclusion
The Uganda Communications Commission is the national regulator responsible for telecommunications, broadcasting, postal services, radio communications and data infrastructure.
Since its original establishment under the 1997 law and restructuring under the Uganda Communications Act 2013, UCC has played a central role in Uganda’s communications development.
Through UCUSAF, the Commission also funds digital-inclusion initiatives covering school ICT laboratories, rural connectivity, digital skills, assistive technologies, local content, innovation and e-waste management.
UCC is not a conventional charitable foundation, but it periodically issues competitive grants and calls for project partners. Interested organisations should carefully review each opportunity’s eligibility, budget and implementation requirements.
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