Samsung and Watu Simu Partnership Brings Smartphones to Over 500,000 Ugandans

More than 500,000 Ugandans now have access to smartphones, following a landmark partnership between global tech giant Samsung and mobile financing company Watu Simu. The initiative is part of a broader effort to bridge Uganda’s digital divide, where more than half of the country’s estimated 50 million people remain without access to mobile technology.

The collaboration combines Samsung’s high-quality devices with Watu Simu’s flexible and affordable financing model, making it easier for Ugandans to acquire smartphones. The model, already successful in other African countries such as Kenya, has enabled millions to access digital tools essential for work, education, and financial services.

Impact on Daily Lives

The program’s benefits are already visible on the ground. According to a GeoPoll survey, increased smartphone access has translated into real economic and social gains:

• 54% of customers reported an increase in income.
• 21% secured new jobs directly linked to improved connectivity.
• 86% now use mobile banking weekly, reflecting a surge in digital financial inclusion.

For many Ugandans, the smartphone has become more than a communication tool—it is a gateway to economic empowerment.

In Kampala, Zubedah Nabankema, a small business owner, has digitized the management of her juice enterprise, reaching more customers and expanding her income. Similarly, Suzanne Masimbwa, a food vendor, now uses her smartphone to market products via WhatsApp and receive mobile money payments, streamlining her operations while building customer trust.

Both Samsung and Watu Simu have emphasised their commitment to scaling up the initiative.

Moses Kutesta Buye, Country Manager for Samsung Electronics East Africa, highlighted the transformative potential of technology: “This partnership is about ensuring that more Ugandans can access innovative technology that enhances their daily lives and creates growth opportunities.”

Mykyta Batenko, Head of Watu Simu in Uganda, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to expanding access: “Reaching over 500,000 clients in Uganda is just the beginning. We are committed to scaling further so that millions more can benefit from affordable smartphones.”

Driving Digital Inclusion

Uganda’s government and private sector stakeholders have long identified digital inclusion as critical to achieving socio-economic transformation. Smartphones enable access to mobile banking, e-learning platforms, e-commerce, and digital health services, positioning them as key tools in modern development.

With this partnership already showing measurable impact, Samsung and Watu Simu’s initiative is expected to serve as a model for broader adoption across the region. By empowering individuals and businesses alike, the program is not just about technology—it is about creating new pathways for growth, connectivity, and opportunity in Uganda.

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