Watu Uganda Finances One Million Devices, Boosting Digital Access

Watu Uganda has achieved a major milestone by financing one million devices through its Watu Simu smartphone financing solution. This achievement underscores the company's commitment to broadening access to smartphones and digital opportunities for Ugandans nationwide. The milestone was celebrated in Kampala on July 20, 2026, marking seven years since Watu Uganda entered the market and three years since the launch of Watu Simu in July 2023. The Watu Simu solution allows customers to acquire smartphones with flexible payment plans, requiring only an initial deposit and manageable installments. Smartphones have become indispensable tools for many Ugandans, including boda riders, traders, entrepreneurs, and students. They are used for digital payments, customer engagement, market access, inventory management, and income generation. "Growth of this scale does not happen by accident," said Damien Gueroult, Country Manager, Watu Uganda. "The demand we are seeing shows that people are looking for practical and sustainable ways to own smartphones. They want access to tools that help them grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods." Watu Uganda financed 500,000 devices in 2025 and doubled that figure to one million by July 2026, with over 250,000 devices financed in the first half of 2026 alone. This rapid growth is supported by an extensive distribution network, including 29 branches, over 300 dealer partners, 880 employees, and more than 10,000 agents across Uganda. The impact of Watu Simu extends beyond device ownership, enabling customers to access new opportunities, boost productivity, and engage more actively in Uganda's digital economy. Notably, over 6,000 boda riders who previously financed motorcycles with Watu have also financed smartphones, integrating mobility and digital tools for their businesses. Female customers represent 42% of Watu Simu's user base.

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Growth of this scale does not happen by accident. The demand we are seeing shows that people are looking for practical and sustainable ways to own smartphones. They want access to tools that help them grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.