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Uganda · UG

Uganda eSIM

from $6.59 per GB

Stay connected in Uganda for maps, taxi apps and messages. Compare networks, prepare for city arrivals and plan ahead for park routes and lodge transfers.

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50 GB · 30 days for $329.29. Catalog checked 2026-09-10; confirm the total before paying.

  • No plastic SIM
  • Price before payment
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What is an eSIM?

A digital SIM you add to your phone over the internet. No plastic card and no visit to a shop.

Use Letisim for maps, taxis and messages while keeping your usual number.

Check my phone

Calls and texts on your home SIM follow your operator’s rates.

Your SIMCalls and texts
LetisimInternet for your trip

eSIM plans for Uganda

Compare data, duration and when validity begins. A top-up label means more data can be added to that package.

Prices checked 2026-09-10. The live catalog is authoritative at checkout.

Open all current plans

All published plans for Uganda

Published plans checked 2026-09-10. Availability and price are confirmed in the catalog at checkout.
DataValidityPricePer GB
1 GBAirtel5GReloadable7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$15.52$15.52Choose plan
1 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$14.37$14.37Choose plan
3 GBAirtel5GReloadable15 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$41.36$13.79Choose plan
3 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$32.90$10.97Choose plan
5 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$49.36$9.88Choose plan
10 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$82.30$8.23Choose plan
20 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$164.63$8.24Choose plan
50 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$329.29$6.59Choose plan
100 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$658.62$6.59Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel5G1 dayVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$37.80—Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel5G3 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$113.40—Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel5G7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$264.60—Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel5G14 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$529.20—Choose plan
UnlimitedAirtel5G30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$1,134.00—Choose plan

How far will your data go?

Choose an allowance to see what it could cover. Quality, compression and background activity change actual usage.

Compare available plans

With 3 GB, approximately…

Send photos

≈ 600 photos

Example: 5 MB per photo

Upload your own videos

≈ 47 clips

Example: a 1-minute Full HD clip ≈ 63 MB

Watch video

≈ 1 hr

HD example: 3 GB per hour

At standard quality: ≈ 4 hr 17 min

Make video calls

≈ 2 hr 46 min

1:1 at 720p: ≈ 1.08 GB per hour

Each result uses the whole allowance for that one activity. The results do not add up: maps, messages and other apps share the same data.

Taking photos or recording video on your phone does not itself use mobile data. Sending, watching or backing them up over the mobile network does.

Compare 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 GB
Alternative uses of the same allowance
DataPhotos · 5 MB1-minute clips · 63 MBHD video · 3 GB/hrStandard video · 0.7 GB/hrVideo calls · 720p
1 GB≈ 200 photos≈ 15 clips≈ 20 min≈ 1 hr 25 min≈ 55 min
3 GB≈ 600 photos≈ 47 clips≈ 1 hr≈ 4 hr 17 min≈ 2 hr 46 min
5 GB≈ 1,000 photos≈ 79 clips≈ 1 hr 40 min≈ 7 hr 8 min≈ 4 hr 37 min
10 GB≈ 2,000 photos≈ 158 clips≈ 3 hr 20 min≈ 14 hr 17 min≈ 9 hr 15 min
20 GB≈ 4,000 photos≈ 317 clips≈ 6 hr 40 min≈ 28 hr 34 min≈ 18 hr 31 min
Where these estimates come from

Planning examples, not guaranteed totals. We use 1 GB = 1,000 MB, round down complete files and minutes, and exclude overhead, retries and background traffic.

  1. 5 MB is Verizon’s high-resolution photo example. Your files can be smaller after compression or much larger as originals or RAW. Check the actual file size on your phone. Verizon ↗
  2. 63 MB models a 1-minute H.264 Full HD export at 24–30 fps using YouTube’s recommended video and stereo audio bitrates. It is not a universal camera-file size or the cost of watching a clip. YouTube ↗
  3. Viewing examples use Netflix’s published rates: up to 0.7 GB/hr at Medium and up to 3 GB/hr in HD. Other apps and quality settings can differ; these are not YouTube playback rates. Netflix ↗
  4. The call example uses Zoom’s 1:1 720p bandwidth: 1.2 Mbps up and 1.2 Mbps down, together about 1.08 GB/hr. Group calls and higher resolutions can use more. Zoom ↗

Sources checked 2026-09-08

Make your data last

Maps and messages

Start with your usual usage. Download maps, your accommodation address and bookings before departure.

Social posts and photos

Allow extra data if Wi-Fi will be limited. Check whether your phone backs up photos and videos over mobile data.

Video and work

Check recent data use on your phone and the package’s hotspot rules. Budget separately for video calls and large downloads.

03 / Installation

How to install an eSIM in Uganda

Your first eSIM? Here is what to open and what to tap.

Check the exact model, regional variant and system version. If Add eSIM or EID is missing, contact support before buying. A brand name alone does not confirm compatibility.

Manufacturer’s instructions · iPhone ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Google Pixel / Android ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Samsung ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Huawei ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Honor ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Xiaomi / Redmi ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Motorola ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OPPO ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OnePlus ↗

On iOS 26, a Turn On Travel eSIM notification may appear after arrival. Choose the travel line for data and check whether you also want to keep your home line active. If no notification appears, use the manual steps below.

Check when your package starts: at payment, installation or first connection. If it starts on installation, install nearer your trip. Installing later does not postpone a package that started at payment.

These screens show settings on the models named below. Your operator and eSIM labels will differ. Screens retain the source language; each caption translates and identifies the control to use. Tap any image for a closer look.

iPhone 17 · iOS 26 · Screen source ↗

Before your trip · install the eSIM

Use a stable Wi-Fi connection or hotspot. Your exact phone model must support eSIM and be unlocked for other operators.

  1. 01

    Open your eSIM installation

    Connect the phone you will use for your eSIM to Wi-Fi. Choose one of the two options below. If this eSIM is already installed, skip to choosing the line for mobile data.

    The app or email on this phone

    In the Letisim app, open My eSIMs, choose your purchased eSIM and tap Install. On the preparation screen, tap Copy name and install.

    Or open your eSIM email on this same phone and tap Install eSIM. If the link opens your order page first, use the installation button shown there.

    A QR code on another screen

    Open your eSIM’s QR code from the email or order on a computer, tablet or another phone. Point the camera of the phone you are installing the eSIM on at the code, then tap the installation prompt.

    Both options lead to the phone’s system setup. Continue with step 2.

    The button or camera did not open setup?

    You can add the eSIM by scanning its QR code in Settings. Follow the path below, choose the QR scanner and use the code for your own purchase. If the QR is on this same phone, see the options without a second screen below the guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service / Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Scan QR Code → Continue

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code → Add → Next

    Huawei: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → SIM 2 → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Scan code → Add this eSIM

    Honor: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → Add eSIM → Add eSIM or transfer from your device → Set up an eSIM → Set up

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Settings → Mobile networks → Use eSIM → Manage eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → scan your QR → confirm download

    Motorola: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs & mobile network → Download new SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OPPO: Settings → Mobile network → SIM & eSIM settings → Add eSIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OnePlus: Settings → Mobile network → eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Next → scan your QR → Set up

    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM. Screen source ↗
  2. 02

    Confirm installation on your phone

    The install button or your QR code opens the phone’s system setup. Confirm that you want to add the eSIM, then stay connected to Wi-Fi until the profile finishes downloading. If the phone first asks how to add an eSIM, use your QR code. You do not need to transfer your home SIM from another phone.

    Continue / Add / Install / Set up → wait for the eSIM to download

    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code.Enlarge screen ↗
    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code. Screen source ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM. Screen source ↗
  3. 03

    Give the new line a clear name

    For example, “Letisim Uganda”, so you can distinguish it from your home SIM. This is a label on your phone; it does not change the number or plan.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → new eSIM → Cellular Plan Label → Custom

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → new eSIM → Edit name

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → new eSIM → Name

    Huawei: SIM management → SIM 2 → your eSIM → Card name. You can keep the existing label if no rename option is shown.

    Honor: SIM management → SIM 2 → eSIM name. Rename it if your MagicOS version offers this option.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Manage eSIM → your plan → Change nickname, if available.

    Motorola: Open the new eSIM in SIM settings and use the edit-name option if available.

    OPPO: Open the installed profile in eSIM settings and change its label if your ColorOS version allows it.

    OnePlus: Open the installed eSIM and edit its name if the option is available.

    Line name: Letisim Uganda
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours. Screen source ↗

Installation adds the eSIM to your phone. Choose it for mobile data at your destination. Package validity still follows its own start rule.

At your destination · turn on data

  1. 04

    Choose the eSIM for mobile data

    Turn on the new line and select it for mobile data. You can keep your home SIM for calls and texts at its usual rates. Turn off automatic mobile-data switching between SIMs.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Cellular Data → Letisim. Turn off “Allow Cellular Data Switching”.

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data → Letisim

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data → Letisim

    Huawei: In SIM management, enable the travel eSIM and select it as the default mobile-data SIM. Adding it may disable a physical SIM in slot 2.

    Honor: In SIM management, enable the eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Check which physical SIM remains active.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Enable the travel plan in Manage eSIM, then select it for mobile data. Some models use eSIM instead of physical SIM 2.

    Motorola: Network & internet → SIM settings: enable the travel eSIM and select it for mobile data.

    OPPO: Enable the profile in Mobile network → eSIM, then select it for mobile data. The eSIM may occupy the SIM 2 position.

    OnePlus: In Mobile network, enable the travel eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Turn off automatic switching to the other SIM.

    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls.Enlarge screen ↗
    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls. Screen source ↗
  2. 05

    Check roaming in your package guide

    If your eSIM instructions require data roaming, enable it for the Letisim line. Keep data roaming off on your home SIM. If an APN is specified, use the exact value in your own package’s guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Letisim → Data Roaming (sometimes under Cellular Data Options)

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Letisim → Roaming

    Samsung: First select Letisim for mobile data, then Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming

    Huawei: Open Mobile network → Mobile data and check data roaming for the travel SIM. Follow the settings in your package guide.

    Honor: In the mobile-network settings, open the travel SIM’s data settings and enable roaming only if your package requires it.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: In Mobile networks, open the travel SIM’s data-roaming settings. Use the roaming and APN values from your package guide.

    Motorola: Open the travel eSIM’s network settings and check Roaming against your package instructions.

    OPPO: Open the travel SIM’s mobile-network settings and enable data roaming if required by your package.

    OnePlus: Open the travel SIM’s settings and check Data roaming against the instructions for your own package.

    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it. Screen source ↗
  3. 06

    Check your connection

    Turn off Wi-Fi and open a map or website. If it loads, mobile data is working. If it does not, turn airplane mode on for about 30 seconds, turn it off and wait for a connection. Recheck the selected line and package settings.

    Wi-Fi off → website loads → you are connected

    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data.Enlarge screen ↗
    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data. Screen source ↗
No second screen for your QR code?

If the scanner has a gallery button, save the QR from your order and choose that image. If your order includes manual installation details, choose Enter details manually and copy the fields exactly. The available methods depend on your phone and eSIM. If neither is available, contact support; do not scan a sample code from this guide or delete an installed eSIM.

Menu names can differ by phone model and system version.

04 / Operators

Mobile operators in Uganda

Compare network coverage separately from speed. A national result does not predict reception inside your hotel or along a mountain road.

The official regulator list shows four nationally licensed telecommunications operators: Airtel Uganda, MTN Uganda, Tangerine t/a Lyca Mobile, and Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited. For travellers, that means the practical consumer choice is wider than the package list itself; some operators provide public coverage tools, while others do not expose a comparable mobile map.

Airtel Uganda

A public mobile coverage checker is available on the operator site. The page lets users check 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G coverage by location. [1] [2]

Check coverage ↗

MTN Uganda

Ask MTN Uganda about mobile coverage at your accommodation and along your route. Check the network listed in the eSIM package before purchase. [1] [3] [8]

Official website ↗

Tangerine t/a Lyca Mobile

Ask Tangerine t/a Lyca Mobile about mobile coverage at your accommodation and along your route. Check the network listed in the eSIM package before purchase. [1]

Official website ↗

Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited

Ask Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited about mobile coverage at your accommodation and along your route. Check the network listed in the eSIM package before purchase. [1]

Official website ↗

The network in your chosen package is what matters. This country comparison does not mean every plan includes every operator. 5G depends on the package, phone and local coverage.

05 / Coverage

Coverage across Uganda

Check the addresses and roads you will actually use. Save maps and booking details before leaving Wi-Fi.

🇺🇬 Uganda
  1. Kampala and Entebbe
  2. Southwest gorilla route: Bwindi and Mgahinga
  3. Murchison Falls corridor
  4. Far northeast: Kidepo Valley

Kampala and Entebbe

This is the easiest place to activate service, test hotspot settings and confirm your eSIM before heading farther out. If you plan airport transfers or city rides, install the plan before arrival so you can open maps and order transport immediately. [4] [5] [6] [7]

Southwest gorilla route: Bwindi and Mgahinga

Treat this as a route where offline maps matter more than live speed tests. Download the area in advance, keep a backup navigation app and expect that coverage can change quickly between towns, park edges and lodge access roads. [4] [7]

Murchison Falls corridor

This is a good place to keep maps cached and a second data option ready for longer road sections. For game-drive days and river access, download the route and key stops before you leave the main towns. [4] [7]

Far northeast: Kidepo Valley

For this kind of itinerary, avoid assuming one network will cover every stop. Plan messaging, navigation and ride timing before the drive, and store hotel details offline in case you move through areas with weaker or inconsistent service. [4] [7]

Uganda · eSIM

What to expect from mobile data

Uganda’s official regulator lists four nationally licensed telecommunications operators: Airtel Uganda, MTN Uganda, Tangerine t/a Lyca Mobile and Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited. For a traveller, that means there is more than one network to consider, but not every operator makes the same public coverage information easy to check.

Coverage is most straightforward to sort out in Kampala and Entebbe, where you can test the plan, open maps and book a ride before continuing toward wildlife areas and longer road trips. In the southwest, around Bwindi and Mgahinga, and on routes to Murchison Falls or Kidepo, the practical approach is to download offline maps, save lodging details and avoid depending on a single live signal for the whole journey.

Useful apps and travel tools

Bolt ↗

Ride-hailing app available in Kampala and other Ugandan cities, useful for airport transfers and city trips when you want transport without hailing on the street. [5] [6]

Google Maps ↗

A practical navigation app for route planning, saved places and offline map downloads before long drives or park transfers. [7]

Before you buy

Gateway first, then the long routes

Kampala and Entebbe are the best places to sort out your connection before moving into park road trips or lodge transfers. That helps with airport pickup messages, maps and ride-hailing right away. [4] [5] [6] [7]

Offline maps are worth downloading early

Google Maps lets you download areas and use them when the signal drops. That is useful for gorilla trekking routes, park drives and longer highway stretches where you may not want to rely on live routing. [7] [4]

A local SIM purchase may require ID

If you decide to buy a local SIM after arrival, keep your passport ready and check the operator’s registration steps. Tourist SIM guidance from MTN highlights that visitor-focused setup is available, which can help if you want a local number in addition to your eSIM. [8] [3]

06 / FAQ

Questions about eSIM in Uganda

Which mobile networks should I consider in Uganda?

The regulator’s current national list includes Airtel Uganda, MTN Uganda, Tangerine t/a Lyca Mobile and Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited. For travel planning, Airtel provides a public coverage checker, while the other operators are still useful to know about even if their public mobile maps are harder to compare. [1] [2] [3]

Is one plan enough for Kampala and safari routes?

Usually yes for light travel use, but it is smart to prepare as if live coverage may change on the road. Kampala and Entebbe are the easiest places to confirm service, while gorilla, park and long-distance routes are better handled with offline maps and cached booking details. [4] [7]

Do I need a local SIM if I already have an eSIM?

Not always. A data eSIM can cover maps, messaging and ride apps, which is often enough for a trip. A local SIM is only worth adding if you want a Ugandan number or need a separate voice line, and local registration rules may apply when buying one after arrival. [8] [3]

Which apps are most useful on arrival?

Bolt is available in Kampala and other Ugandan cities for rides, and Google Maps supports offline map downloads. That combination is especially helpful when you land, transfer to a hotel and then head out on longer routes. [5] [6] [7]

When should I install the eSIM?

Install it before you leave for the airport or as soon as you have stable Wi‑Fi, then keep the QR code and activation details until the plan is working. That makes it easier to open maps, message your pickup and test data before you move beyond the arrival area. [7] [5] [6]

Sources and checks · Country research checked 2026-09-08
  1. List of Telecommunications Operators as of 31 January 2026 · Uganda Communications Commission
  2. Airtel Uganda 4G coverage / open networks · Airtel Uganda
  3. Home - MTN Uganda · MTN Uganda
  4. Home - Uganda Tourism Board · Uganda Tourism Board
  5. Driving with Bolt in Kampala · Bolt
  6. Ride with Bolt in Uganda · Bolt
  7. Download areas & navigate offline in Google Maps · Google
  8. Tourist SIM Registration - MTN Uganda · MTN Uganda
  9. Letisim public catalog · Letisim