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
or0XXX 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
, or903
, e.g.,0901 123456
Dialing Rules in Uganda
Domestic Calls
- Landline to Landline: Dial
0
+ Area Code + Subscriber Number- Example:
0414 123456
(Kampala)
- Example:
- Landline to Mobile: Dial
0
+ Mobile NDC + Subscriber Number- Example:
0772 123456
(MTN Uganda)
- Example:
- Mobile to Mobile: Dial
0
+ Mobile NDC + Subscriber Number- Example:
0701 123456
(Airtel Uganda)
- Example:
International Calls
- Outgoing: Dial
00
+ Country Code + Area Code (if applicable) + Subscriber Number- Example:
00 44 20 12345678
(to the UK)
- Example:
- Incoming: Dial
+256
+ Area Code (if applicable) + Subscriber Number- Example:
+256 414 123456
(Kampala)
- Example:
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.
For the latest updates on telecommunications regulations in Uganda, visit the Uganda Communications Commission.