Six million Ugandans own smartphones – Survey

A survey carried out by GSMA, a body that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide has indicated that in Uganda six million people own smartphones.

The report was released on Thursday at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.

“By June 2018, the number of smartphone connections in Uganda has quadrupled over the last four years to approximately 6 million, around a quarter of total mobile connections,” reads part of the report.

According to the report, the number had multiplied by four times, the number of smart phones that were owned by Ugandans in 2014 and has allowed more people use “feature-rich” digital services on their mobile devices and reducing the impact of much lower penetration of personal computers.

It was also found out that at 19.8 million 44% of people in Uganda have mobile phones at their disposal and nearly half of them (10 million) access internet using their mobile phones meaning the mobile internet   penetration rate is at 24%.

This is compared to only 174,000 fixed line internet connections, a fixed line penetration rate of less than 1%.

“The average selling price of smartphones has declined by around 50% in Uganda since 2012 to less than $100, with the influx of low-cost handsets from Chinese manufacturers, such as Tecno and Gionee.”

The report cited telecom company, MTN Uganda which in November 2017  partnered with Fero Mobile to launch an entry level smartphone for a retail price of UGX119,000 ($31).

Rationale for mobile phones

According to the survey mobile technology coupled with internet have done wonders in terms of economic, social and cultural value for individuals and communities.

The report pointed out sectors including agriculture, infrastructure development, human capital development and tourism as the major beneficiaries from mobile technology.

“Mobile apps provide detailed guides on places and attractions in Uganda, as well as travel and hospitality solutions from service providers whereas mobile connectivity in remote tourist locations provides reassurance for visitors,” the report says.

“Mobile big data can be used to estimate the number of tourists and value generated from tourism to inform national tourism policy.”

E-government

The Ugandan government started a programme that would see much of its business does online in a bid to promote transparency among others.

The report by GSMA indicates that mobile phones, especially smart phones have allowed Ugandans make use of the e-government system to access services from government.

“For the majority of citizens, mobile connectivity and mobile money offer the best opportunity to interact with e-government and other online services. For example, mobile money is now the primary platform for people to paying personal and business taxes, and water and electricity bills in Uganda,” the report highlights.

Affordability

The report however highlighted that the level of affordability for mobile services in Uganda is among the highest in the Sub-Saharan Africa.

It is also indicated that entry level mobile broadband service (500 MBs per month) costs around 19% of the average Ugandan’s monthly income, above the 5% threshold recommended by the UN Broadband Commission.

Reaction

The Ugandan government committed itself to pursuing mobile digital transformation for every citizen.

“Mobile technology is evolving rapidly and shaping the way everyone conducts business. To us (government), this presents an opportunity to not only reach everyone and provide consistent services, but also involve them in identifying and solving problems that matter to them and will enhance their lives in the future,” said Vincent Bagiire, the ICT Ministry Permanent Secretary.

The head of GMSA in the Sub Saharan Africa, Akinwale Goodluck said mobile technology is one of fastest growing technologies in the world adding that it is vital to the growth of the Ugandan economy and an increasingly connected world.

“Mobile is the key to maximising the impact of digital transformation and I am very excited about future potential and to see our member operators building on the good work already started, through the dialogue they have undertaken today. It is crucial that all stakeholders build a collective vision to deliver on the vast opportunities mobile can deliver.”

Key figures

PHONES. There are 19.8 million mobile phones in Uganda as per June 2018.

SMART PHONES.  There are six million smart phones in Uganda.

INTERNET. There are 10 million mobile internet users in the country.

PENETRATION. The internet penetration rate in Uganda is 23%.