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Uganda SMS Guidelines: Best Practices for Mobile Messaging

When sending SMS messages in Uganda, it's crucial to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure compliance and optimize delivery. This guide outlines key factors such as two-way SMS support, number portability, message length, and compliance recommendations.

Two-Way SMS and Number Portability

In Uganda, two-way SMS is not supported. This means you can send SMS messages to recipients, but they cannot reply directly via SMS. Additionally, number portability is unavailable, so users cannot transfer their mobile numbers between different network providers.

Message Length and Concatenation

Uganda supports concatenated messages, allowing long messages to be split into smaller segments and reassembled on the recipient’s device. The behavior may vary depending on the sender ID type and character encoding used. Be mindful of the message length to avoid unnecessary splits, which can affect user experience and message cost.

MMS Support

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not directly supported in Uganda. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL, allowing users to view multimedia content by accessing the provided link.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

Sending SMS to landline numbers in Uganda is not possible. If attempted, the Sent REST API will return a 400 response with error code 21614, and the message will not be logged or charged.

Compliance Considerations

When conducting SMS campaigns in Uganda, it's crucial to adhere to local regulations and best practices. Businesses are strongly encouraged to seek legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Here are some general compliance tips:

  • Opt-in Consent: Obtain explicit consent from users before sending any communications, especially for marketing or non-essential messages.
  • Daytime Communication: Send messages during the recipient’s local daytime hours unless the message is urgent.
  • Support HELP/STOP Messages: Ensure users can easily opt out of receiving messages by supporting common keywords like "HELP" and "STOP" in the local language.
  • Respect Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid contacting users who are listed on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a positive experience for your users while avoiding potential legal issues.

FAQs

Is two-way SMS supported in Uganda?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in Uganda. While you can send messages to users, they cannot reply via SMS.

Can I send SMS to landline numbers in Uganda?

No, sending SMS to landline numbers is not supported. The Sent REST API will return a 400 response with error code 21614 if you attempt to do so.

What are the best compliance practices for SMS campaigns in Uganda?

It’s essential to obtain opt-in consent from users, send messages only during daytime hours unless urgent, and support HELP/STOP messages in the local language. Additionally, avoid contacting users on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your SMS campaigns in Uganda are both effective and compliant with local regulations.

For more information on SMS regulations, visit the Uganda Communications Commission website.