Ever found yourself squinting at your phone, the “you have used 100% of your data bundle.” message glaring back at you and debating whether to buy another bundle or just go offline for a while? Dear reader, we are brothers in arms on that matter. Many Ugandans have a love-hate relationship with internet data. Sure, we love staying connected—WhatsApp statuses, Instagram reels, and then those TikTok videos. But the data prices! They make our wallets weep. Some can’t even keep money on their mobile money simply because they will buy data.
Maintaining internet access in Uganda can sometimes feel like a low-key luxury. True, the digital age demands that we stay online for work, school, and entertainment. However, the average Ugandan often has to weigh the cost of buying data against other essential needs—because, ultimately, you need to prioritize food, Yaka, and water. So, is Uganda’s internet really too expensive for the average citizen? Hehehe.
For a clearer picture, let’s compare Uganda’s internet prices with our East African neighbours. According to a 2024 report by the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), the average cost of 1GB of mobile data in Uganda is about $1.56. That might not sound like much, but consider this: in Kenya, the same 1GB costs around $0.84, and in Tanzania, it’s about $0.68. See the difference?
In a region where mobile internet is the primary way people get online, these price disparities matter a lot. Uganda’s data prices rank among the highest in East Africa, making it harder for the average hustler to stay connected. Think about it—someone’s daily data costs could easily cover lunch in a local eatery. It begs the question: what makes internet access in Uganda so expensive? Why are we paying so much?
Infrastructure Costs? There are several factors at play here. First, the high cost of internet infrastructure, including undersea cables and last-mile connectivity, is often cited as a major culprit. Service providers argue that these expenses trickle down to the consumer.
Government taxes: Uganda has a history of imposing crazy taxes on digital services. Actually, I think the-powers-that-be just enjoy taxing everything. Remember the infamous OTT (Over-the-Top) tax, which was later replaced by a 12% excise duty on internet data. The government still imposes taxes on mobile money transactions and airtime, which indirectly affects data prices. While these taxes aim to generate revenue, they’ve undoubtedly made internet access less affordable for many.
Market Competition: Unlike Kenya or Tanzania, where there’s intense competition among internet service providers, Uganda’s ISP market is less competitive. This lack of competition often leads to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.
It’s easy to see how this affects the average citizen. For students, staying connected means keeping up with online classes, accessing research materials, or joining that WhatsApp group where lecturers send notes. However, many are forced to ration their data or rely on free Wi-Fi hotspots that are often unreliable. I remember waking up early just to tap the campus WiFi before the networks got congested.
And let’s not forget the countless Ugandans who have to carefully monitor every MB they use, switching off data when not in use to save every shilling.
Small business owners face similar challenges. With the rise of e-commerce in Uganda, the Internet has become a major player in marketing, customer communication, and transactions. Yet, the high cost of data eats into profits, limiting growth.
And then there’s the rest of us who use the internet for everything from staying informed to streaming our favourite shows. With such high costs, we’re left asking: are we really getting value for money?
Well, we Ugandans are not a shy people. You’ll find many tweeting things like, “I just bought a 2GB night bundle, and it’s gone already! What am I paying for?” Or memes about how MTN and Airtel seem to have a secret mission to drain wallets. And who’s to blame us? The speed at which data runs can be very questionable sometimes.
These data prices are not only inconveniences but also barriers to progress, in my view. The world today has proven to be digital, and the Internet is essential for education, entrepreneurship, and even governance. Affordable internet could open doors for millions of Ugandans.
Is Uganda’s internet too expensive?
The short answer? Yes, it is for many Ugandans. By now, the internet should be affordable and easily accessible, yet in Uganda, it still feels like a privilege. Leave your data on, reply to messages promptly, and people will start asking how you manage to be online all the time…
Well, we are a creative and resilient breed, we share hotspots, hunt for free Wi-Fi spots and buy night bundles to stretch every shilling. Still, I think it’s time for telecom companies and the Government of Uganda to do their part to make internet access more affordable for everyone.
Until then, the struggle continues—and so do the memes. Let’s hope our data lasts long enough to share them.
Ps: My favourite meme. “If you keep turning off your data, do you think you will manage fuel?”
