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:

• Geographic Numbers:
  /^0(41[0-9]|434|454|4714|4854)\d{5,6}$/
  

• Mobile Numbers:
  /^07(0[1-9]|1[0-9]|2[0-9]|3[0-9])\d{6}$/
  

• Toll-Free Numbers:
  /^0800\d{6}$/
  

• Premium Rate Numbers:
  /^090[1-3]\d{6}$/
  

Number Allocation and Management

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) oversees the allocation and management of phone numbers, ensuring compliance with international standards.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

Uganda does not impose specific technical restrictions like "golden numbers." However, the UCC manages short codes for emergency services and other special uses.

References

• Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
• ITU-T E.164 Standard