Telephone numbers in Uganda

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Telephone numbers in Uganda
Uganda (dark green)
CountryUganda
ContinentAfrica
RegulatorUganda Communications Commission (UCC)
Numbering plan typeClosed
Format+256 XXX XXX XXX
Country code+256
International access000
Long-distance0

Telephone numbers in Uganda are regulated by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) under the Uganda Communications Act of 2013, adhering to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) E.164 standard. The country code is +256, followed by a 9-digit national significant number (N(S)N) for mobile, fixed-line, and special services.[1] Uganda operates a closed numbering plan, requiring the full number for domestic calls.[2]

History

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Before British colonization, communication in Uganda relied on oral and drum-based systems among ethnic groups.[3] Colonial authorities introduced fixed-line telephony in the early 20th century for administrative purposes. Until 1999, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania shared a regional numbering plan, allowing calls using only trunk and area codes within the East African Community.[4] Tanzania’s adoption of a new plan in 1999 ended this arrangement, introducing regional prefixes like 006 for Uganda from Kenya/Tanzania, though modern dialing uses +256.[4] Post-independence in 1962, Uganda expanded its telecom infrastructure, with mobile services launching in the 1990s via MTN Uganda. By the mid-2000s, Uganda standardized all numbers to 9 digits to accommodate growing subscriber demand.[1]

Structure and Format

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Uganda’s numbering plan complies with ITU-T Recommendation E.164, formatting numbers as +256 followed by a 9-digit N(S)N, with a maximum of 15 digits including the country code.[2] The structure includes:[1]

  • Mobile numbers: 2-digit prefix (e.g., 70, 75, 77, 78), followed by 7 digits. Example: +256 77 123 4567.
  • Fixed-line numbers: 2-digit area code (e.g., 41 for Kampala, 45 for Iganga), followed by 7 digits. Example: +256 41 123 4567.
  • Toll-free numbers: Start with 0800 or 0801, followed by 6–7 digits. Example: 0800 123 456.
  • National numbers: Use prefix (206) for virtual services. Example: +256 206 123 456.
  • Short codes: 3–4 digits for emergency or premium services (e.g., 999 for police).

Common area codes include:[1]

Major mobile prefixes, assigned by the UCC, include:[2]

Dialing Procedures

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For international calls to Uganda, use:[2]

  • [International Access Code] +256 + [N(S)N]

Examples: From USA (011): 011 256 77 123 4567; from Europe (00): 00 256 41 123 4567.

For domestic calls, use the trunk prefix 0:[1]

  • 0 + [N(S)N]

Example: 077 123 4567 or 041 123 4567.

Special Numbers and Short Codes

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The UCC manages short codes for emergency, customer, and value-added services, typically 3–4 digits, dialed without area codes.[6] Key codes include:[7]

  • 999, 112: Police/General Emergency
  • 112: Fire Brigade, Ambulance

Other UCC-defined ranges:[6]

  • 110–119: Emergency and Safety Services
  • 120–129: Customer Service
  • 130–139: Billing Enquiries
  • 140–189: Network Services
  • 190–198: Directory Services
  • 200–298: Value-Added Services (e.g., USSD)
  • 900–999: Emergency and Special Applications

Emergency and select customer service codes are fee-exempt, though providers may charge for other services.[6]

Regulatory Framework

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The UCC oversees numbering allocation, spectrum management, and consumer protection under the UCC Act of 2013.[4] It ensures:[6]

  • Efficient resource use to prevent numbering depletion.
  • Fair competition among operators like MTN, Airtel, and Africell.
  • Consumer safeguards against fraud and predatory services.
  • Adaptability to new technologies, such as VoIP and 5G.

In March 2025, Parliament discussed Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to enhance competition, allowing users to retain numbers when switching providers.[8] The UCC also regulates virtual phone numbers and combats scam calls using +256 prefixes.[9]

Challenges and Issues

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Uganda faces telecom challenges, including scam calls exploiting +256 numbers, often via social engineering.[10] The UCC employs tracing and blocking measures, but fraud persists.[9] Rural areas have limited network coverage, despite 85% mobile penetration and 4G in urban centers.[9] Number recycling causes misdialed calls, as reassigned numbers retain old contacts.[10] High international call rates drive reliance on VoIP apps like WhatsApp.[11]

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Uganda Phone Number Format". Dialaxy. 24 January 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d "Uganda Phone Number Format With Examples". KrispCall. 19 November 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  3. ^ "What time in Uganda?". HotBot. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  4. ^ a b c "Country Code 256 - Uganda". HowToPhoneTo. 27 July 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  5. ^ "MTN granted 079 number range prefix". The Observer. 12 March 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d "Short Codes". Uganda Communications Commission. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  7. ^ "Emergency". Uganda Police Force. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  8. ^ "Parliament pushes for mobile number portability". The Independent. 18 March 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  9. ^ a b c "Uganda Virtual Phone Numbers". AVOXI. 30 January 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  10. ^ a b "+256 Number Calling? Here's What You Should Know". Call Abroad. 1 May 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  11. ^ "(+256) Country Code Uganda". TKOS. 19 May 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.