Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Uganda uses 240V / 50Hz with Type G sockets (the UK-style three rectangular pins). Bring a Type G adapter; travellers from 100–120V countries need a converter for devices that are not dual-voltage. Power cuts occur, so a power bank is handy.
- Voltage
- 240V / 50Hz
- Sockets
- Type G (UK)
- Adapter
- Type G needed
- Most phone/laptop chargers are 100–240V and fine with an adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
The main operators are MTN and Airtel, with good 4G in cities and towns. Prepaid SIMs are sold at operator shops and agents, and registration requires ID such as a passport. Mobile data is affordable and widely used, so a local SIM is a practical choice.
- Operators
- MTN, Airtel
- Registration
- Passport ID required
- Where
- Operator shops and agents
- 4G coverage is good in cities and towns
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
eSIM support is growing, and international travel eSIMs (such as Airalo) are a convenient option: buy one online before arrival and install it in minutes, with no physical SIM or shop visit. Check local operator eSIM availability, as it is still expanding.
- Convenience
- Buy online before arrival
- Setup
- No physical SIM
- Local eSIM
- Still expanding
- Check your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is common in Kampala and at hotels, cafés and tourist spots, though speeds vary. In rural areas and national parks the signal is often weak or absent, so a local SIM with mobile data is the most reliable way to stay online. Use a VPN on public networks for sensitive tasks.
- Availability
- Hotels, cafés, tourist spots
- Rural/parks
- Weak or no signal
- Security
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
- A SIM/eSIM with data is the most reliable option
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
Everyday internet use is generally open, but there is a history to note: a social media tax (OTT levy) was in place for a period, and temporary restrictions on some social platforms have been reported around elections. A VPN can help maintain access, and checking current conditions before travel is wise.
- Everyday use
- Generally open
- History
- OTT tax, election-time limits
- Tip
- A VPN can help
- Check current conditions before you travel
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Handy apps include ride-hailing such as Bolt, Uber and SafeBoda (motorbike taxis) in Kampala, maps and translation. Mobile money apps like MTN MoMo and Airtel Money are widely used for payments and transfers. Download offline maps for areas with weak signal.
- Transport
- Bolt, Uber, SafeBoda
- Payment
- MTN MoMo, Airtel Money
- Everyday
- Maps, translation
- Download offline maps for weak-signal areas
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
Uganda's country code is +256. App-based calls (WhatsApp, and similar) are very common and cheaper than traditional international calls. A local SIM with data makes app calls easy. Save numbers in full +256 format so they work from any network.
- Country code
- +256
- Calls
- App-based common (WhatsApp)
- Tip
- Local SIM with data
- Save numbers in full +256 international format