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Understanding Phone Numbers in Uganda
Quick Reference Guide
Country: Uganda
Country Code: +256
International Prefix: 00
National Prefix: 0
Overview of Uganda's Telephone Numbering Plan
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look into Uganda's telephone numbering system, including the format of phone numbers, dialing procedures, and telecommunications regulations. It is designed for telecom professionals, developers, and systems administrators seeking precise and data-driven insights.
Number Formats in Uganda
Uganda's telephone numbering plan complies with the ITU-T E.164 standard, featuring a number length of 9 digits, excluding the country code. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) manages this numbering scheme.
General Number Structure
Country Code: +256
National Destination Code (NDC): 2 or 3 digits
Subscriber Number: 6 or 7 digits
Geographic (Landline) Numbers
Geographic numbers are used for fixed-line telephony:
Format: 0XX XXXXXX or 0XXX XXXXX
Example: 0414 123456 (Kampala)
City/Area
Area Code (NDC)
Example
Kampala
414
0414 123456
Jinja
434
0434 123456
Mbale
454
0454 123456
Gulu
4714
04714 12345
Mbarara
4854
04854 12345
Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers in Uganda feature a 2-digit NDC followed by a 7-digit subscriber number:
Format: 07X XXXXXX
Example: 0772 123456 (MTN Uganda)
Operator
NDC
Example
MTN Uganda
772
0772 123456
Airtel Uganda
701
0701 123456
UTL
712
0712 123456
Smile
720
0720 123456
Toll-Free and Premium Rate Numbers
Toll-Free Numbers: Prefixed with 800, e.g., 0800 123456
Premium Rate Numbers: Prefixed with 901, 902, or 903, e.g., 0901 123456
Dialing Rules in Uganda
Domestic Calls
Landline to Landline: Dial 0 + Area Code + Subscriber Number
Example: 0414 123456 (Kampala)
Landline to Mobile: Dial 0 + Mobile NDC + Subscriber Number
Example: 0772 123456 (MTN Uganda)
Mobile to Mobile: Dial 0 + Mobile NDC + Subscriber Number
Example: 0701 123456 (Airtel Uganda)
International Calls
Outgoing: Dial 00 + Country Code + Area Code (if applicable) + Subscriber Number
Example: 00 44 20 12345678 (to the UK)
Incoming: Dial +256 + Area Code (if applicable) + Subscriber Number
Example: +256 414 123456 (Kampala)
Number Portability
Uganda supports mobile number portability (MNP), allowing users to retain their numbers when switching providers. The process is managed through the UCC's online portal.
Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
Operator
Service Type
NDC
Example
MTN Uganda Limited
Mobile Telephony
772, 773, 774
0772 123456
Airtel Uganda Limited
Mobile Telephony
701, 702, 703
0701 123456
Uganda Telecom (UTL)
Mobile Telephony
712, 713, 714
0712 123456
Smile Communications (U) Ltd
Mobile Telephony
720
0720 123456
Simbanet Uganda Limited
Fixed Telephony
206300
0206 300123
Technical Considerations
Regular Expressions for Validation
To validate Ugandan phone numbers, use these regular expressions:
Uganda does not impose specific technical restrictions like "golden numbers." However, the UCC manages short codes for emergency services and other special uses.