Uganda Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Uganda's mobile subscriptions was 83.61 in 2025, ranked 163rd globally. This represents a 9.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Uganda's mobile subscriptions stood at 83.61 in 2025, a rise of +7.32 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 83.61 by 2025. Uganda ranked 163rd globally.
Uganda’s mobile‑subscription rate has risen from zero in 1994, when the sector was essentially nonexistent, to 83.61 per 100 inhabitants in 2025, the highest level recorded for the country and its 163rd position globally. This growth, achieved over a 53‑year span, mirrors the rapid diffusion of cellular technology across sub‑Saharan Africa and places Uganda alongside peers such as Namibia (83.60) and Vanuatu (83.63), which occupy adjacent rankings. The all‑time peak coincides with the latest year, indicating that the market has not yet reached saturation and that further expansion may be driven by continued network rollout, declining handset costs, and the rollout of 4G/5G services. Assuming the current trajectory persists, the subscription rate is likely to edge closer to universal coverage in the near future, provided that regulatory reforms and infrastructure investments keep pace with demand.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 87.85 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 83.61 | - | - |
| 2025 | 83.61 | +7.32 | #163 |
| 2023 | 76.30 | +6.16 | #139 |
| 2022 | 70.14 | +4.52 | #176 |
| 2021 | 65.62 | +3.34 | #179 |
| 2020 | 62.28 | +3.22 | #182 |
| 2019 | 59.06 | +0.18 | #183 |
| 2018 | 58.88 | −3.22 | #173 |
| 2017 | 62.10 | +3.23 | #176 |
| 2016 | 58.86 | +4.99 | #180 |
| 2015 | 53.88 | −2.08 | #186 |
| 2014 | 55.96 | +4.82 | #182 |
| 2013 | 51.13 | +3.50 | #178 |
| 2012 | 47.63 | −2.42 | #183 |
| 2011 | 50.06 | +10.45 | #168 |
| 2010 | 39.60 | +9.77 | #174 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uganda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda's mobile subscriptions was 83.61 in 2025. Ranked 163rd globally. This represents a 9.6% increase from the previous year.
Uganda's mobile subscriptions peaked at 83.61 in 2025.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Uganda was 0.00 in 1960.
Uganda ranks 163rd globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uganda's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 83.61 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Uganda in 2025 was 83.61. This ranks 163rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uganda_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Uganda Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uganda/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}