Airtel Uganda has paid Shs42.61 billion in dividends to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), providing another return from the Fund’s investment portfolio as it seeks to grow members’ retirement savings.
The payout represents returns on NSSF’s 10.6% stake in Airtel Uganda, making the Fund the largest Ugandan institutional shareholder in the telecommunications company.
The dividend comes days after NSSF declared a record 22.53% interest rate for the financial year 2025/26, with Shs5.44 trillion set to be credited to members’ accounts.
Airtel Uganda Managing Director and CEO Soumendra Sahu said the dividend demonstrates the value that can be created when Ugandans’ long-term savings are invested in productive businesses.
“The NSSF demonstrated confidence in the fundamentals of our business. We remain committed to delivering value to our shareholders,” Sahu said.
NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota said the payout underscores the importance of investing members’ savings in businesses capable of delivering sustainable long-term value.
NSSF invested about Shs199 billion to acquire 4.21 billion Airtel Uganda shares. Ayota said the Fund’s effective purchase price, after a volume discount, was Shs47.17 per share.
By June 2026, the shares were valued at Shs152 each, representing growth of more than 300% from the effective purchase price.
“When people wonder where our record 22.53% interest rate came from, part of it came from Airtel,” Ayota said.
Meanwhile, Airtel Uganda is expanding its technology footprint. Earlier this month, the company commercially launched satellite-to-mobile connectivity through a partnership with Starlink, extending SMS and light-data services to compatible smartphones in areas beyond conventional network coverage.
Sahu said the company will continue investing in network expansion, technology and partnerships to extend connectivity and create value for customers and shareholders.
