Stay Connected in Kampala
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Kampala's mobile connectivity has actually improved quite a bit over the past few years, though it's still a mixed bag depending on where you are in the city. You'll find decent 3G and 4G coverage in central areas like Kampala Central Division, Nakasero, and around the major shopping districts, but things can get spotty once you head into more residential neighborhoods or the outskirts. Most travelers find the speeds adequate for messaging, navigation, and social media, though streaming video might be hit-or-miss depending on network congestion. The good news is that getting connected is relatively straightforward—you've got options with both local SIM cards and eSIMs, and most hotels and cafes offer WiFi, though the quality varies considerably.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Kampala.
Network Coverage & Speed
Uganda's main mobile carriers are MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, and Africell, with MTN generally considered the most reliable for coverage and speeds in Kampala. MTN tends to have the strongest 4G network in the city center and along major roads, while Airtel offers competitive pricing and decent coverage in most urban areas. Africell is typically the budget option but can be slower and less reliable. You'll find 4G/LTE available throughout most of Kampala's central business district and popular neighborhoods, with speeds that typically range from about 5-20 Mbps download when the network isn't congested—perfectly workable for most travel needs like maps, messaging apps, and browsing. That said, during peak hours (roughly 8-10am and 5-7pm), you might notice things slow down considerably. Coverage gets noticeably weaker as you move away from the city center, and if you're planning trips to rural areas or national parks, you'll want to download offline maps beforehand. 3G is still the fallback in many areas, which works well enough for WhatsApp and email but can be frustrating for anything more data-intensive.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM technology works in Uganda and can be a genuinely convenient option for Kampala, especially if your phone supports it (most recent iPhones and flagship Android devices do). The main advantage is that you can get connected before you even land—purchase a data plan from providers like Airalo while you're still at home, and you'll have internet access as soon as your plane touches down. This is particularly handy for arranging airport transport or letting people know you've arrived safely. Cost-wise, eSIMs typically run a bit more expensive than local SIMs—you might pay around $10-15 for 3-5GB through an eSIM provider versus $5-8 for similar data with a local carrier. That said, the convenience factor is real: no hunting for a SIM shop, no dealing with registration paperwork, and no worrying about losing your home country SIM card. The main downside is that you're somewhat locked into your data allocation, whereas with a local SIM you can easily top up at any corner shop.
Local SIM Card
Getting a local SIM in Kampala is pretty straightforward, though it does require a bit of patience. You'll find official carrier shops and authorized resellers throughout the city, including at Entebbe International Airport (though airport prices tend to run slightly higher). MTN and Airtel have shops in most major areas—Garden City Mall and Oasis Mall both have carrier stores if you want to sort it out in a comfortable environment. You'll need your passport for registration, as Uganda requires SIM card registration by law. The process typically takes 10-20 minutes and involves filling out a form and having your passport details recorded. A starter pack with a SIM and some initial data usually costs around 10,000-20,000 Ugandan Shillings (roughly $3-6), and you can top up at virtually any small shop or kiosk—just look for signs saying "Airtime." Data bundles are quite affordable: you can get 1GB for about 10,000 UGX, which goes a long way if you're mainly using messaging apps and maps.
Comparison
Here's the honest breakdown: Local SIMs are definitely the cheapest option if you're watching every dollar—you'll pay maybe half what an eSIM costs for the same amount of data. That said, eSIMs win hands-down on convenience, especially for shorter trips. International roaming from most Western carriers is eye-wateringly expensive in Uganda (think $10+ per day), so that's really only viable if your company is paying or you need it for just a few hours between flights. For most travelers, the choice comes down to whether you value saving a few dollars (local SIM) or saving time and hassle (eSIM). Neither option is wrong—it just depends on your priorities and how long you're staying.
Staying Safe on Public WiFi
Public WiFi in Kampala—whether at your hotel, cafes like Java House or 1000 Cups, or the airport—is convenient but comes with real security risks that are worth taking seriously. These networks are typically unencrypted, which means anyone with basic tech knowledge and the right tools can potentially intercept what you're doing online. That's particularly concerning when you're traveling, since you're likely accessing banking apps, making hotel bookings with credit cards, or dealing with documents like flight confirmations that contain personal information. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic, essentially creating a secure tunnel that keeps your data private even on sketchy networks. NordVPN is a solid option that's user-friendly for travelers—it works across your devices and is straightforward to set up. Worth noting: even "password-protected" hotel WiFi isn't necessarily secure, since all guests have the same password. If you're doing anything sensitive online, a VPN is genuinely worthwhile protection.
Protect Your Data with a VPN
When using hotel WiFi, airport networks, or cafe hotspots in Kampala, your personal data and banking information can be vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your passwords, credit cards, and private communications safe from hackers on the same network.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Honestly, I'd recommend going with an eSIM through Airalo for your first trip to Kampala. You'll have connectivity the moment you land, which means you can immediately use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt rather than negotiating with taxi touts—that alone is worth the few extra dollars. Plus, you avoid the hassle of finding a legitimate SIM vendor and dealing with registration paperwork when you're jet-lagged. Budget travelers: If you're on a really tight budget, a local SIM will save you maybe $5-10 over an eSIM, which might matter if you're backpacking for months. Just factor in the time cost of sorting it out. Long-term stays (1+ months): Get a local SIM—no question. The cost savings add up over time, you'll get better rates on larger data packages, and you can easily top up anywhere. MTN is probably your best bet for consistent coverage. Business travelers: eSIM is really your only practical option. Your time is too valuable to spend 30 minutes in a phone shop, and you need connectivity immediately for work. Get it sorted before you travel and don't think twice about the cost difference.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Kampala.
Exclusive discounts: 15% off for new customers • 10% off for return customers