MOGO Uganda, a leading asset financing company, officially launched its smartphone loan service in a strategic partnership with Airtel Uganda and Transsion Holdings, a parent company of Tecno, Infinix, and itel —to make the smartphones accessible and affordable to Ugandans across the country.
In a bold move to address the persistent device divide, the economic barrier that prevents millions from participating in Uganda’s digital economy, the partnership will enable customers to own brand-new smartphones from Tecno, Infinix, and Itel with a simple and affordable financing plan.
Speaking at the launch event held at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, Mr. Som Soumendra, Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, highlighted the initiative as part of Airtel Uganda’s broader commitment to digital inclusion. “In today’s digital world, a smartphone is a lifeline to opportunity. Through this partnership, we are making digital empowerment tangible and achievable for more Ugandans,” he remarked. “And as the number one network of choice, Airtel Uganda is committed to pairing affordable devices with strong, safe, and reliable connectivity.”
Soumendra said the initiative aligns with telco’s continued efforts to expand network coverage and digital safety. For the past month, the telco has been rolling out new network sites across the country, which, among other reasons to improve the quality of service, market expansion & customer acquisition, support new technologies such as 5G, etc. In addition, they launched an AI-powered Spam Alert Service, a proactive tool to combat scams, fraud, and digital manipulation.
Modestas Sudnius, CEO of Eleving Group (MOGO’s parent company), emphasized the group’s pan-African vision for economic mobility through smart financing. “We’ve invested EUR30 million (approx. UGX125.16 billion) in Uganda, and with the launch of smartphone loans, we aim to double our business and explore expansion into other markets.”
Sudnius said Uganda’s potential is vast, driven by a young, rapidly developing population where many still lack access to smartphones —and the new initiative by MOGO comes in handy. “Access to a smartphone equals access to global information and technology, empowering every Ugandan and accelerating the country’s development,” he concluded.
The program is expected to empower an estimated 360,000 Ugandans annually, with far-reaching benefits from students accessing online learning, to farmers checking market prices, to entrepreneurs running businesses via mobile platforms.
The application process is seamless, requiring only a national ID and a mobile-money-registered SIM card—no collateral or proof of income needed. Customers can visit any MOGO Uganda retailer or an Airtel Service Center with their National ID. They can choose a smartphone, make an initial deposit, which is determined by the seller(s). In addition, every participant will receive 3GB of free Airtel data every month for three consecutive months, allowing them to unlock immediate value from their new devices. “With the free data, customers will begin to explore the opportunities the digital world offers,” said Soumendra.
“Many Ugandans cite affordability as a key issue when it comes to accessing smartphones, which is why feature phones are more common in rural areas than smartphones, and yet smartphones are increasingly needed for digital services,” said Douglas Kikonyogo, Marketing and Communications Manager at MOGO Uganda. “This partnership is therefore a game-changer for digital inclusion. By offering affordable financing for quality smartphones, we’re breaking down barriers and enabling Ugandans to access essential digital tools for education, business, and communication.”
Smartphone penetration in Uganda is steadily rising, but significant barriers remain—particularly affordability, digital literacy, and limited infrastructure in rural areas. The need to expand access to smartphones has never been more urgent. Just as mentioned by Som Soumendra, Managing Director of Airtel Uganda and backed by other people, smartphones are more than communication tools; they are gateways to financial inclusion, access to government services, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Increasing smartphone penetration can catalyze growth in the digital economy by empowering Ugandans to participate more actively in e-commerce, online learning, digital banking, etc.
The journey to increase smartphone penetration has already begun with the government and private sector players coming together to invest in affordable smartphone financing models, localized digital literacy campaigns, strengthening broadband access —particularly in underserved regions, and incentivizing local manufacturing & assembly of devices to reduce costs & create jobs, to mention but a few.
Uganda’s smartphone revolution holds immense potential to drive inclusive development. Strategic investments in infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and gender-sensitive policies will be critical. With 5G trials underway and youth-led tech innovation booming, Uganda is poised to harness mobile technology as a catalyst for progress—if stakeholders collaborate to ensure equitable access.
