MTN Uganda 2025: Latest Network Upgrades, Mobile Money Spin-Off & Streaming Launch
Introduction
If you’ve been curious about MTN Uganda—maybe searching “MTN Uganda mobile money” or “MTN Uganda network upgrades”—you’re in the right place. Here's a clear, friendly deep dive into what the telecom giant is up to in 2025.
Who Is MTN Uganda?
MTN Uganda is the country’s largest telecom provider. As of May 2024, the company surpassed 20 million subscribers, a leap from earlier years when it hovered around 12–15 million . The company is publicly traded on the Uganda Securities Exchange, with MTN Group holding 76% and the rest shared among institutional and retail investors .
Massive Network Expansion and Upgrades
Rural Reach & Infrastructure Growth
In 2024, MTN Uganda invested UGX 418 billion (~USD 110 million) in expanding its network. This pushed 4G coverage from 85.1% to 87.9% of the population and introduced 5G access to 15.3% . The expansion includes a 47% increase in fiber coverage, adding 17,774 kilometers, with a new 260-km link from Kampala to Malaba leveraging railway corridors to strengthen regional connectivity .
Performance Enhancements
A four-month upgrade project (April 15 – July 31, 2025) aims to optimize voice clarity, data speeds, and mobile money transactions—largely scheduled during overnight hours to avoid disruption .
WakaNet: Home Broadband Gets Better
MTN’s WakaNet home broadband service now offers dramatically enhanced performance. Key upgrades include:
Entry fiber bundle: now 60 Mbps (from 10 Mbps) for UGX 130,000/month with unlimited data
High-end plans up to 500 Mbps
5G router free with qualifying packages (UGX 130,000/month), including battery backup
4G router price cut to UGX 99,000, with starter data from UGX 55,000
WakaNet MiFi down to UGX 50,000 (previously UGX 75,000), plus 5 GB free on sign-up
MoMo Fintech Spin-Off: What’s Happening?
Why Spin Off Mobile Money?
MTN Uganda has officially approved the structural separation of its mobile money entity (MoMo) into a standalone fintech company—New FinCo—overseen by MTN Group Fintech Holdings B.V., with minority shareholder interests held via a trust . This move, supported by 99.9% of shareholders, aligns with MTN Group’s larger Ambition 2025 strategy .
What Comes Next?
The new fintech arm is expected to list independently on the Uganda Securities Exchange within three to five years—a major step for both transparency and investment potential .
What It Means for You
Portable benefits: Customers may see faster innovation, better financial products, and clearer regulations .
Stakeholder anxiety: Some shareholders voiced concern about clarity over liability and value retention. MTN plans to preserve minority interests via a trust mechanism, though details remain in question .
Streaming Comes to Africa: MTN + Synamedia
MTN is stepping into streaming. In April 2025, the group partnered with UK-based Synamedia to launch a new mobile and fiber streaming service tailored for African markets. The platform will feature linear TV and on-demand video, blending subscription, ad-supported, and free models—featuring content in local languages and reflecting regional tastes .
What It All Means for You (and Uganda)
Better rural coverage: More reliable connectivity across Uganda, especially in underserved areas.
Home internet improvements: Faster speeds at better prices, backed by customer-friendly packages.
Fintech that's smarter and faster: MoMo becomes a nimble standalone brand capable of innovating quickly.
More entertainment: A uniquely African streaming service offering TV and video-on-demand.
Investment news: MoMo’s pending listing is a potential game-changer for the Ugandan capital markets.
Conclusion
In 2025, MTN Uganda is redefining what it means to be a telecom company—expanding infrastructure, unlocking fintech potential, and diversifying into digital entertainment. Whether you're a subscriber, investor, or just curious, MTN’s evolving path offers clear signs: better service, broader reach, and deeper impact.
